Army's Requirement for Antiarmor Weapon Systems
Abstract
The potential armored threat of the Warsaw Pact forces in Europe and similar threats in the Middle East and in large areas of Asia dictate that the US Army have the capability to cope with these threats. During the past 10 years, the Army's antiarmor weapon developments have sought to improve the total mix of weapons by providing antiarmor systems for use against targets at close, intermediate, and long ranges with emphasis on a high probability of a first round hit. Data for this essay was gathered using literature search and personal interview. Tank engagement ranges in past wars frequently varied from a few yards to well beyond 3000 meters. Based upon this data and recent studies, the Army determined a need for a mix of light, medium and heavy antitank weapon systems to permit engagement of enemy armored forces at the various ranges and to provide for a more effective all-around antiarmor capability for infantry and mechanized units. This overall increase in antiarmor capability has resulted in a change in philosophy of employment of friendly armor forces and may require a reassessment of the doctrine of employment of infantry antiarmor missile systems, attack helicopters and tanks in combined operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0760417
Entities
People
- George Komar
Organizations
- United States Army War College