A Study of Selected Problems in Armor Operations
Abstract
Four problems in armor operations were addressed. To determine how external conditions affect the internal environment of a tank, a recording hygro-thermograph was placed in an M48 tank and the tank sealed for several days in late summer. Temperature and relative humidity inside the tank lagged outside conditions by about three hours. Effective temperatures inside a buttoned-up tank in summer reach levels degrading to performance. Information on the kind and extent of training in escape or evacuation of injured personnel was obtained by a questionnaire from 33 crewmen with actual experience in escape and evacuation. Results showed that current training is extremely limited. If a tank is hit, the gunner is the most vulnerable crew member. Lifting straps built into a tanker's uniform would aid considerably in the evacuation of wounded or injured personnel. Target acquisition performance of tank commanders operating in the closed-hatch mode under different conditions was compared to performance in the normal open-hatch mode. Results showed that target acquisition performance is not affected significantly by slew rate, cupola position, or the use of an aiming reference, and is not degraded in the closed-hatch mode. A literature survey on deriving Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) for tank crews revealed that techniques for deriving MOE for crews or larger personnel units are not well developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA065838
Entities
People
- Albert L. Kubala
- William L. Warnick
Organizations
- Human Resources Research Organization