The Smallest Tanks with the Biggest Guns: A Case Study
Tanks, as a combat vehicle, are often judged by their size, firepower, and the overall armor protection. However, there are instances where the focus shifts to the smallest tanks equipped with the biggest guns, creating impressive and sometimes unconventional designs. This article explores some of these unique examples and their historical context.
Case Study 1: Sheridan
The Sheridan tank was designed around a 155 mm howitzer, which might seem like an overkill when the tank itself weighed only around 18 tonnes. Initially, it was intended to fire guided rockets from its cannon. However, the practicality of this concept led to a secondary plan, which involved using 155 mm normal rounds. Despite its innovative design, the Sheridan faced limitations. It was expected that after a few rounds, the turreted would need refitting due to wear and tear.
Case Study 2: Brummb?r Stuka
Another remarkable example is the Brummb?r Stuka, a German World War II tank destroyer. It was equipped with a massive 280 mm or 380 mm howitzer, capable of firing shells weighing up to 300 kg. The rockets fired from this weapon were designed to penetrate and destroy heavily fortified targets. Interestingly, the barrel was closed at the back, directing the propellant gases through multiple holes in the barrel to propel the rocket forward. A single hit from this weapon could theoretically take out a four-story 100-meter building, showcasing its unparalleled destructive power. However, the vehicle itself was equipped with extreme armor, reaching up to 400 mm in front, making it a formidable machine.
Churchill Mark III AVRE
For a different perspective, let’s look at the Churchill Mark III AVRE. This tank was fitted with a Petard Pet 290 mm Spigot Mortar, capable of firing a 40 lb (18 kg) projectile filled with high explosive. The round was humorously dubbed the "flying dustbin" due to its shape. Although powerful, the effective range of this weapon was limited to only 80 yards, necessitating close proximity to the target. This quirky example highlights the versatility and innovation in tank design, even during the early stage of mechanized warfare.
2С25 Спрут-СД
On the lighter side, the 2С25 Спрут-СД tank combines the concept of a full-sized 125 mm tank gun with a machine gun on a compact chassis. Weighing only 18 tonnes, it also features an autoloader capable of rapidly firing 40 shells. The crew of three is protected from radiation and chemical contamination, and the vehicle can even swim or be paradropped, making it an extremely versatile and compact design.
M56 Scorpion
Perhaps the most intriguing example is the M56 Scorpion, an air-dropped self-propelled anti-tank that carries a 90mm gun. This light, trackless vehicle offers no armor protection other than a single gun shield. The design is so provocative that the crew can reportedly hide under the hull during artillery bombardments. Despite the lack of armor, the 90mm T54 gun on the M56 Scorpion is fully operational and can match the firepower of contemporary MBTs like the M48 Patton.
Conclusion
The smallest tanks with the biggest guns exemplify the ingenuity and technological advancements of their respective eras. From the innovative but limited Sheridan to the battlefield-decimating Brummb?r Stuka, each of these vehicles showcases the complexity and challenges in designing such machines. These timeless examples continue to intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the remarkable stories behind some of the military’s most peculiar and powerful machines.