Shields on Panzer Tanks

[Jxrc]

Good question if I may say ...

Did a little research and its really much more complicated than I would have expected ...

If interested suggest you check

http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/t...rting-ww2.html

and this with a somehow apparently thourough analysis.

http://www.ciar.org/ttk/mbt/news/new...angenet.dk.txt

(added link)

[rotorgun]

Very good information you have provided us Jxrc. Appearantly, I have been a victim of the wartime analysis done by American intelligence, which myth has been perpetuated all this time. I had no idea that the original tests never were done using hollow charged, or HEAT rounds. Perhaps it was the fact that the appearance of these skirts coincided with that of the Bazooka in late 1943, and was interpreted by American intelligence as a counter to this threat. The early Bazookas had a very short range and not much penetration except for a side or rear shot. American Bazooka operators were trained to go for the tracks and road wheels if such a shot was in the offing.

Perhaps the effect against some shaped charge rounds was only an accidental benefit, that decreased as these weapons were pefected. I do know that many modern tanks still use such skirting as proof against light anti tank missles and RPGs to protect their vulnerable running gear.

Appreciative,