Rumor Mill News - Forum
Posted By: Spectator <Send E-Mail>
Date: Thursday, 15 July 2004, 6:33 p.m.
In Response To: OUR SOLDIERS ARE ALREADY DEAD: DU DEBATE (ipia)
Since the apparition of the first M1A1 HA ( Heavy Armor ), the Abrams tanks are protected by a composite armor with a DU matrix. As far as I know no other armored fighting vehicle in the world is protected by this kind of armor. Modern composite armor, evolved from the so-called â€Chobham armor†used advanced ceramics, steel alloys, plastic materials, etc, but never this DU matrix.
You´re right in which refers to the DU projectiles. Tungsten carbide alloys are slightly denser than DU and as a plus have much more hardness and even superior thoughness, all of this without the dangers of DU use. They are the ideal penetrators. I think that price is a key factor as has been in other cases. The Second World War was a clear example, both in USA and UK ( a very good book about the poor tank designs that hampered UK war machine throughout the war is â€The Big Tank scandalâ€. After reading it, one can feel the contempt for human lives that directed design teams during too many time ). The Sherman, known as â€zippo†or â€Tommy cooker†was another sad example that should have been discarded early in 1944, but when a far more competent design ( the M26 ) was offered was initially rejected by â€logistics†reasons ( some generals even said that their 90 mm gun was unnecesary, the Shermans could cope with all german armor ! ). Sadly, profits guided design and lives were only secondary. It seems that this is that old movie again..