Tank (military-type) question

[Derago]

In high-tech, it lists the rate of turret rotation (for the Panzer 4 and Sherman), but what if you also want to rotate the hull do as to bring the canon around quicker? How fast can the tanks pivot in place?

I don't remember there being a way to calculate that even on 3e.

[Mr Frost]

It's pretty damned fast .

I'd say at least the the length of the tank in yards times 3 {which is Pi in G.U.R.P.S. ;P} divided by twice the tanks' Accelleration {you're moving each track in opposite directions but the net result adds up} in seconds for a full 360° , but from what I've seen it could be even faster .

It was a common tactic for Tigers .

[Derago]

Originally Posted by Mr Frost

It's pretty damned fast .

I'd say at least the the length of the tank in yards times 3 {which is Pi in G.U.R.P.S. ;P} divided by twice the tanks' Accelleration {you're moving each track in opposite directions but the net result adds up} in seconds for a full 360° , but from what I've seen it could be even faster .

It was a common tactic for Tigers .

So working with a panzer 4:
Length = 19.25 ft / 3.3 = 5.8 USA
5.8 x 3.14 = 18.212
18.212 x 4 (Accel is 2) = 72.85... Degrees per second?
So basically one hex face per turn...

Looks good as far as being easily playable, but seems to quick for a WWII tank. Maybe use half accel since the same engine is still controlling both tracks?

[Ulzgoroth]

Not all tanks can pivot in place, depending on their steering mechanism. According to wikipedia, the Sherman didn't have that capability. Can't tell whether the Panzer IV did, though it's mentioned that the Panther could.

[smurf]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

Not all tanks can pivot in place, depending on their steering mechanism. According to wikipedia, the Sherman didn't have that capability. Can't tell whether the Panzer IV did, though it's mentioned that the Panther could.

Only the Panther had neutral steer if IIRC.

But from the Stug III with Witman and co they used to turn the tank and turret to get on target more quickly.

Also tank fighting was different in various countries. Germans used to fire one shot and move where as the Russians used a 3 shots and move. German Command tanks were easily targeted by anti tank hunters.

British had a baptism of fire with their tanks. Many were woefully underpowered or underguned. The Mathilda II was one of the toughest (not compared to a KV1) and the Churchill IV had great climbing abilities.

Eventually it came down to brutal production of the M4 Shermans and T-34s. There were good Panzer IVs but their later production was insane bigger fuel tanks over bigger ammo bins. Some training waned too, when Tigers would turn to leave an engagement rather than reverse out due to in experienced crews.

[Phoenix_Dragon]

Originally Posted by smurf

But from the Stug III with Witman and co they used to turn the tank and turret to get on target more quickly.

Erm... I kinda doubt that, seeing as the Stug III doesn't have a turret :) It's got a casemate-mounted gun.

I imagine the turning of the tank to speed target acquisition is largely a side-effect of how you want to turn your tank to face any serious threat, anyway. The front armor is the thickets, and you usually want your heaviest armor toward the enemy.