Reports: Sinkage and Angular Movement of Track Links of A.F.V.s

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by dbf, Jan 6, 2012.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Figures 13 & 14
    P2810152_2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2019
  2. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    I almost feel I should apologise for finding this sort of stuff fascinating.
    But I won't.
    Wonder if the Panther is the Berg version they had knocking around at the time with the socking great winch in it. Haven't looked closely but it might explain the lack of turret.

    Anybody connected to the industry know how they test such things now? Is the clay pit still current?

    One wider query.
    Is that specific shot of an early/prototype Cent carrying a Windsor turret one anybody has seen before?
    Figure 3 - A. 41 (pilot model)
    P2810147-2.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 3, 2019
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    All broken images fixed.
     
    Chris C likes this.
  4. Tolbooth

    Tolbooth Patron Patron

    Thanks for fixing that - I'd not seen this interesting thread before.

    The 8th Hussars did some rather more un-scientific field tests whilst in Korea in '51 using a Centurion, Cromwell, Oxford and Universal carriers. Following is from the WD;

    "App F to No 2 Centurion Report
    2 Apr 51

    Cross-Country and Hill Climbing Trials - Centurion in Korea


    A. Cross-Country Trials

    1. On 24 Mar 51 a cross-country test was carried out over paddy fields with:-
    (a) Centurion.
    (b) Cromwell.
    (c) Oxford Carrier.
    (d) Universal Carrier.

    2. Going. The going across paddy fields varies in relation to whether the field is in the valley bottom or on a hillside. The first case a hard bottom cannot be found at all and, in the latter, a hard surface may be in 6ins from the surface. In all cases of doubt, the comd must go on foot and see how far he sinks, and if he goes in above the knees the field should be avoided.

    3. Types of Paddy
    (a) Dry and semi-dry.
    (b) Flooded.
    (c) Flood water that subsided and leaving a sticky mud.

    4. The Trial
    (a) Dry and Semi-Dry Paddy. All tracked vehs negotiated this easily.
    (b) Flooded. Water was about 9ins deep and a stick could be pushed into the mud under the water for 2ft 6ins.

    (i) Centurion. Raced through this with no trouble, the track appeared to go into the mud under the water about 3ins. It easily climbed the bank 2ft high out of the field.
    (ii) Cromwell. Also got through without trouble.
    (iii) Oxford and Universal Carriers. Both got across the field well, but failed to get over the bund bank, until they took it at an angle.
    (c) Sticky Mud
    (i) The Centurion did not sink in more than 1ft and crossed the field quickly and easily.
    (ii) The Cromwell was definitely slowed up and sunk in more than the Centurion.
    (iii) Oxford and Universal Carriers came across it slowly but, luckily for them, there was no bank to climb out of the field.

    5. Conclusions from Cross-Country Tests. The Centurion put up a remarkable performance and astonished the spectators. The banks dividing the fields are hard to cross as all vehs tend to sit down. Dvrs, once the comd has done his recce and picked the best course, must crack on at the jumps.

    B. Hill Climbing Trial

    1. On 30 Mar 51 one tp demonstrated to the rest of the Regt how to climb a hill to take up a fire posn on a ridge. The hill was approx 100ft high and sloped at an angle of between 60-40º.
    2. A lot of rain had fallen the previous night, which made the bottom of the hill very soft. Tanks had difficulty getting off the road and onto the face of the hill. The whole of the face of the hill was soft red clay.
    3. Because of this, only one tank arrived on the ridge, up a slope of between 45-50º. The others either stuck on the bottom, or started slipping half way up the slope.
    4. Conclusions from this Trial

    (a) Comds must recce the best route with the dvr.
    (b) Tanks must climb straight up the slope and not alter course.
    (c) Drive very slowly indeed, with min revs.
    (d) If tanks start to slip sideways, stop and try again elsewhere.
    (e) If tanks fail to make it, try another place.
    (f) When stopping on a steep slope, engage reverse gear quickly and drive down in reverse.

    Note: The going on hillsides is very slippy at the moment, owing to the thaw, which the rain made a great deal worse. I am sure that under better conditions, and that in the light of experience gained, we can get up all reasonable hills."
     
    Chris C, CL1 and dbf like this.
  5. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    'But those involved in British tank design weren't taking it seriously/mucking about/idiots', 'death by design'
    Etc.
    Etc.
    Etc.
    Blah-di-blah.

    Sorry. Triggered. :unsure:.
    I love this thread.
     
  6. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

    The bizarre thing here is that the DSIR were not the only organisation doing these kind of tests, as there was also the Mud Committee, who undertook research in this area. There is an overview of their activity here.

    My understanding is that the Mud Committee's work was never finalised, so perhaps the DSIR were brought in to tie up the loose ends. It would be interesting to find out if the Mud Committee and DSIR linked up with their research, but the volume of documentation produced by the Mud Committee alone is quite initmidating.
     

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