Why Russian Tanks Explode When Hit

History and War

Russian tanks used in modern conflicts have had very bad tendency of suffering catastrophic explosions. When penetrated into the magazine (“ammoracked” for gamers), Russian designs (particularly T-72 and its derivatives) tend to be violently relieved of their turret, which can fly off even some dozens of meters away.

The reason for this tendency towards turret throwing championship is their design decision – but not the one that is typically blamed for it.

Usual answer for why Russian tanks tend to explode is their use of the autoloader. Decision for using the autoloader is a logical one for the Soviet tank doctrine. It makes the tank much smaller, especially the turret – T-72 is almost a foot shorter than the M1 Abrams, allowing it to take cover more easily. Smaller profile also helps make the tank more mobile, as the same amount of armor can be had at the lower…

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“Survival” Vehicles: Concepts and Execution

Some interesting ideals from JCD, the Bushbastard.

Mason Dixon Survivalist Association

As a kid I read paperbacks about SHTF. These included a number of “Survival” vehicles in the stories, like “The Guardians” pic above, or the “Survivalist” series hero Rourke, who rode a Harley during his exploits. The vehicles used were considered “The Best” available for the task in the stories.

The Guardians used Cadillac Gage V450 “Commandos”, and of course I thought they were the ultimate survival vehicle, bar none (A Harley can’t compete with a ten ton armored and armed truck). Real world kicks in 30 years later, and low and behold, guess what my “Survival” vehicle in Iraq was? Yup, a Cadillac Gage Commando (The US Army calls it an ASV or the M1117).

Was it a good vehicle? Hell yeah! Would I want it for normal “Bugout” preps? Hell yeah! Is it practical to use till SHTF hits? HELL NO! (The surplus ones I’ve seen are pushing…

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Hitler’s Saw

Know Your WW2 Weapons.

Weapons and Warfare

MG-34

MG-42

The MG-42 was designed during World War II as a replacement for the multipurpose MG-34, which was less than suitable for wartime mass production and was also somewhat sensitive to fouling and mud. It was manufactured in great numbers by companies like Grossfuss, Mauser-Werke, Gustloff-Werke, Steyr-Daimler-Puch, and several others. It is estimated that more than 400,000 MG-42s were manufactured during the war, and it was undoubtedly one of the best machine guns of World War II. It was designed to be reliable and cheap to manufacture; the design was so effective that it is still in production in more or less modified form in many countries.

Although the German Army of 1939 was not an entirely mechanized force (the German infantry was still largely foot-mobile), the hallmark of the blitzkrieg was fast-moving offensive operations characterized by speed, firepower, and sudden, overwhelming force. During these types of operations, the…

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Meet Russian All-Terrain Motorcycle, the Hamyak (“or Hamster”)

If they rename it “Rabid Gerbil” I would buy one… 😅

Ukraine Today .org

There’s nothing that piques my interest quite like a vehicle that appears to be in the far extreme of a category – any category, really.  And with the pedigree of a motorcycle, bloodlines rooted firmly in Russia, and the general appearance of a tank, the Hamyak fits that description to a tee. According to a […]

Meet Russian All-Terrain Motorcycle, the Hamyak (“or Hamster”) — Robert’s Adventure

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Savage M1918 Aircraft Lewis at the Range (With Rare Tripod Mount!)

 

A True Blast from the Past!

What made the American Lewis Gun so powerful is it fired the venerable .30-06 round!

A bonafide Man Stopper!