Apache 30mm vs. tank (clarification)

[Brian Hook]

From Brian Hook <b...@beach.cis.ufl.edu>

Okay, so people have stated that the Apache 30mm is different from the
A10's, which makes sense. But the Apache's primary goal is that of tank
killer, isn't it? For this it is armed with Hellfires and Mavs (?), but
what is the cannon for? Can it or can it NOT kill a tank (assuming a hit
on top armor)? Or is the 30mm only good for light armored vehicles (APC,
trucks, etc.)?

Thanks,

B
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[Erik Svensson FOA2]

From er...@lin.foa.se (Erik Svensson FOA2)

Brian Hook <b...@beach.cis.ufl.edu> writes:

>From Brian Hook <b...@beach.cis.ufl.edu>

>Okay, so people have stated that the Apache 30mm is different from the
>A10's, which makes sense. But the Apache's primary goal is that of tank
>killer, isn't it? For this it is armed with Hellfires and Mavs (?), but
>what is the cannon for? Can it or can it NOT kill a tank (assuming a hit
>on top armor)? Or is the 30mm only good for light armored vehicles (APC,
>trucks, etc.)?

I'd be very surprised if it could kill a modern tank, even on top. The gun
is meant for soft and 1/2 hard targets (like apc).
btw, the AH-64 doesn't carry Mavericks.

cheers

--
Erik Svensson
Research Officer National Defense Research Establishment (FOA)
Guided Weapons Division Stockholm, Sweden er...@sto.foa.se

"I like maxims that don't encourage behaviour modification." -- Calvin

[Bill Arndt]

From Bill Arndt <bar...@clark.net>

Brian Hook (b...@beach.cis.ufl.edu) wrote:

> Or is the 30mm only good for light armored vehicles (APC,
> trucks, etc.)?

The primary tank killer system on the Apache is the Hellfire missile
system. It is more effective and allows a greater standoff distance. The
30mm would be used on thin skinned vehicles. Of course, a determined
gunner could use the 30mm to kill a tank if he hit it in the top or engine
compartment. If nothing else the HE rounds would strip off antennas and
sighting equipment.

--
-- Bill Arndt bar...@clark.net

[darrin malcolm talbott]

From dt94...@LANCE.ColoState.Edu (darrin malcolm talbott)

An Apache is an attack helicopter designed to engage enemy armor via
the use of Hellfire missiles, and soon the F/F millimeter wave radar
guided Hellfires. However its cannon is relegated to the close-in
engagement of 'soft' targets ie. canvas topped cargo trucks and light
skinned targets like infantry, the gap in between can be said to be
filled via its 76mm FFARs.

An Apache trying to engage an MBT with its 30mm chain gunis surely going
to be an inviting target for someone with an SA-7 Strela or SA-14 to
shoot up tbe Apaches exhausts. And trying to engage an MBT while on the run would definitely be a pain, not to mention a waste of cannon rounds.

My viewpoint is that it is best to wipe out all of the heavy armor in a
column with well placed Hellfires from a group of four Apaches or more
and clean up with the 30's and 76's. It would seem like the only thing
to do.

Darrin Talbott
dt94...@longs.lance.colostate.edu
REplies/REButtals are welcome