08-31-2007, 18:21 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Military Professional
Join Date: 09-15-06
Location: Penzance, Cornwall UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave lukins
The cents' I was on(66) had .50 ranging guns worked by solanoid accurate as buggery...could put 3 Hesh rounds in the air at the same target, try that in a Challenger...no chance!!  |
I had a spell on the Conqueror heavy tank (as it was then classed) which had optical (split image) rangefinders. These were not always the answer to a maidens prayer though as they could get fogged under certain conditions or get clagged with black Soltau dust which was at least as lovely as soot! The Conq was always stationed aft of the Cents by 800 to 1,000 yards to give defence in depth and at target ranges of over a mile the rangefinders were quite useful but not absolutely essential. The standard shoot gave a spread anyway (Fire at estimated range, add 200, Fire drop 400 Fire). I bet one of your 3 Hesh or one of APDS would have done the job. I thought the .50" cal MG was to save on ammunition expenditure but it seems you were still using the 3 shell method. Did you ever think it to be a belt and braces system? I was in the AAC by the time the .50" cal saw widespread ranging use and I'm afraid I have no practical experience of using it. Mind you, when we were Range Regiment at Hohne there was no shortage of ammo for the main armament.
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