Hit Probabilities

[rexford]

Discussion of T34/85-vs-Pershing combat in Korea on OnWar site presented actual hit percentages from over 100 tank engagements;

M26 firing APCBC and HVAP

0-350 yards: 89% hit percentage

350-750 yards: 69%

750-1150 yards: 46%

Somewhat higher for HVAP and lower for APCBC.

These hit probabilities are lower than what comes out of a mechanical calculation using trajectory, range estimation error and correction through bracketing. The figures may be depressed from target in open due to full or partial hulldown status, moving targets, etc.

89% from 0 to 350 yards does suggest a few things about the ability to hit at close range, even with various factors that might depress expected number against stationary target in open.

[Username]

Korea was also very mountainous. Having shooters/targets at different elevations throws off normal range gunnery numbers.

ive read that US units in Korea would often fire blind over hills that tanks had pulled bacxk beyond the crest. They had some good results but burned up alot of ammo.

[Jeff Duquette]

Rexford:

An excellent study on this subject: "Armor Combat In Korea" by OPerational Study Group, Far East Command, 1951.

Not a heck of alot of tank on tank encounters relative to WWII standards. The study indicates many of the tank on tank encounters were typically fought between a single UN point tank against dug-in NKPA tanks. A reflection of the defiles in Korea.

The study implies relatively good accurate fire was typical of UN tanks even at longer ranges. T34/85's and SU-76's of the NKPA were apparently not renowned for their accurate fire.