Previous: G-43: Antiarmor Role
G-44. Because they are designed mainly for offense against other armored vehicles (see figure G-12), armored vehicles usually have their heaviest armor in front. All vehicles are vulnerable to repeated hits on their flanks and rear, though the flank offers the largest possible target. Shooters always should aim center of mass to increase the probability of a hit. The older the vehicle model, the less protection it has against SLM and CCMS. Newer versions of older vehicle models may use bolt-on (appliqué) armor to improve their survivability. Reactive armor usually covers the forward-facing portions and sides of the vehicle and can defeat shaped-charge weapons such as the SLM. When reactive armor detonates, it disperses metal fragments to 200 meters. SLM cause only a small entry hole in an armored vehicle target, though some fragmentation or spall may occur.
G-45. Natural or manmade obstacles can be used to force the armored vehicle to slow, stop, or change direction. This pause enables the shooter to achieve a first-round hit. If he does not achieve a catastrophic kill on the first round, he or another shooter must be ready to engage the target vehicle immediately with another round.
G-46. The white area in figure G-13 shows the most favorable direction of attack when the turret is facing to the front. The gray area shows the vehicle’s PDF and observation when the turret is facing to the front). Volley fires can degrade the additional protection appliqué and reactive armors provide to the target vehicle greatly.
G-47. Armored vehicle kills are classified according to the level of damage achieved. (See table G-7.)
Next: G-48: Shoulder-Launched Munitions in the Antiarmor Role
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad