Video of the first Russian T-90M tank kill in #Ukraine. This tank is the latest and greatest in the Russian arsenal. Given the current sanctions in place it is, quite literally, irreplaceable.
To make it even more interesting, it was destroyed by a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle, donated by Sweden.
The name "recoilless rifle" feels like a bit of a misnomer (though it is technically accurate). It's a very neat little rifle that is being adopted by the US as well.
More info on it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Gustaf_8.4cm_recoilless_rifle
@rokkinbobokkin So *technically* the barrel IS rifled... which means *technically* it is an accurate name. I believe it was originally inspired by the Finish anti-tank rifle, which looked much more rifle like and fired "normal bullets".
Of course, such "real" rifles are not generally effective against modern tank armor. Still quite useful in destroying trucks, APCs, IFVs, and the like, but wouldn't be able to kill a T-90M.
@jgold
I'm 47, and have never given a half a mouse turd about military arms in any serious sense... Until Ukraine. Suddenly I'm watching discussions, lectures, and graphs, reading so much.... On geopolitics, certain demographics, and military logistics and weaponry.
I have a lot to catch up on.
I've only ever used any guns for hunting. I've never even threatened a pest with anything more than a toy pellet shooter.
@rokkinbobokkin I'm certainly not an expert on any of this, just so that everyone is clear on that! I was doing a minor in Military History in undergrad, but when I transferred it wasn't offered at the new school so I abandoned that.
I've mostly avoided it for the past 10 years or so, because I didn't support the US wars, and had bigger issues in my life than foreign wars. Ukraine has a special place in my heart, so this war kind of brought me back to all of it.
@jgold
If we were to be involved, it would be the first time in my life that we were backing our claims of supporting democracy, our alliances, and a moral good.
@jgold
Why don't we just still use a derivation of Bazooka!
@jurban The Bazooka evolution essentially split and evolved into the Javelin ATGM and the M32/M320 Grenade Launchers. So... we kinda do already!
@jgold @jurban Project Niblick (an offshoot of Project Salvo) produced the M-79 40mm grenade launcher (AKA the Bloop tube).
M-79-> M-203 and Mark 19 -> M-320/M32 and Mark 47. Somewhere between M-79 and M-203 is the China Lake SEAL's pump action. All are non-recoilless anti-infantry weapons.
Panzerfaust (1943) -> Bazooka/PIAT/Panzerschreck -> recoilless rifles. All (minus the PIAT) are recoiless anti-tank weapons.
@jgold
But, but...... Bazoooooooooka! is so much more fun to say.
Bazooka-Javelin
Bazooka-Grenade
We should also re-name shotguns to "Blasters".
I'm full of good ideas. 😜
@jgold
"He's got a rifle!"
<languidly looking at indicated "rifle">
<best Aussie accent>
"Aww mate, *that* ain't a roifle..."
<reaches in pocket and pulls out a recoilless rifle>
"...*this* is a roifle!"
[earth shattering boom]
I live in FL. We may need these soon. @jgold
@jgold
Rifle? Those look like rockets!!