Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 1:00 am
So I'm thinking of making an armored force formed of WWII tanks as a sort of last ditch emergency reserve force. They'd be upgraded with modern engines (and probably suspension) and electronics as far as they are able. Excess crew members (radio operator) would be removed.
Matilda IIs as infantry support vehicles (so no change there). Their armor is probably good enough to stop some autocannon rounds, and certainly machine guns. I'd probably upgrade the 2 pounder (40mm) gun to a 40mm autocannon. It would probably need a larger turret for that, but that's no problem; they fitted a Cromwell turret to a Matilda, so we know it can be done. Engine and suspension would be replaced too, to hopefully increase the speed to around 30+ mph. Crew reduced to three, or possibly two (combining commander and gunner, with autoloaded gun). Necessary electronics installed in their place.
Panthers and/or Sherman Fireflies would be used to provide more firepower, and to kill IFVs and APCs and such. They would use modern ammo designed for their guns.
Tiger I would be used as a mobile gun system like the 105mm Stryker. Some might be modified and crammed into the role of a less than ideal MBT. They'd be up-gunned to mount a (probably low velocity) 105mm gun, and loaded up with LAHATs, since 105mm APFSDS isn't adequate to combat modern MBTs. Armor would be augmented with something like MEXAS. They'd mostly be used in this configuration to flesh out the main MBT force of 120mm armed Leopard C2 MEXAS tanks.
M18 Hellcats would be used as armed reconnaissance vehicles like the LAV-25. The gun is already good enough (with modern ammo) to deal with light armored vehicles at decent range, and 55-60mph (assuming that's accurate) is pretty darn good.
Matilda IIs as infantry support vehicles (so no change there). Their armor is probably good enough to stop some autocannon rounds, and certainly machine guns. I'd probably upgrade the 2 pounder (40mm) gun to a 40mm autocannon. It would probably need a larger turret for that, but that's no problem; they fitted a Cromwell turret to a Matilda, so we know it can be done. Engine and suspension would be replaced too, to hopefully increase the speed to around 30+ mph. Crew reduced to three, or possibly two (combining commander and gunner, with autoloaded gun). Necessary electronics installed in their place.
Panthers and/or Sherman Fireflies would be used to provide more firepower, and to kill IFVs and APCs and such. They would use modern ammo designed for their guns.
Tiger I would be used as a mobile gun system like the 105mm Stryker. Some might be modified and crammed into the role of a less than ideal MBT. They'd be up-gunned to mount a (probably low velocity) 105mm gun, and loaded up with LAHATs, since 105mm APFSDS isn't adequate to combat modern MBTs. Armor would be augmented with something like MEXAS. They'd mostly be used in this configuration to flesh out the main MBT force of 120mm armed Leopard C2 MEXAS tanks.
M18 Hellcats would be used as armed reconnaissance vehicles like the LAV-25. The gun is already good enough (with modern ammo) to deal with light armored vehicles at decent range, and 55-60mph (assuming that's accurate) is pretty darn good.