|
The Patton in 1965 was believed to have more advanced fire control, better ammunition and better armour. In conflict, the Indian crews turned out to have better training, the Pakistanis hadnt drilled enough on their ballistic computer equipped tanks, while the Indian side was adept at ranging and putting rounds on target quickly. Tactics also counted, India demonstrated integration with infantry (Tanking 101) and proper use of terrain for ambushes. When Indias tankers discovered that APDS was not penetrating at range, it was quickly decided to hold fire till half range (iirc) and then fire- that worked. Before the conflict, the Patton had built up a very solid mythos- including amongst Indian tank crews who regarded it as a modern tank than what they had. Post conflict, it became a symbol of how technology alone would not suffice in the Indo-Pak battlefield.
Another example of the above was the Gnat vs F.86 Sabre issue. The Gnat, a much lighter, smaller and generally more "basic" aircraft - when well handled- proved to be a match for the Sabre in air to air combat.
__________________
Karmani Vyapurutham Dhanuhu
My bow is stretched for its task
|