Why did tank destroyers have open turrets?

Officially, it was to reduce weight and improve the vehicles performance compared with tanks carrying heavier armour on the same chassis. Unofficially, it was to discourage the tank destroyers from being misused as infantry support vehicles.

Why did tank destroyers have no turrets?

The absence of a turret meant that tank destroyers could be manufactured significantly cheaper, faster, and more easily than the tanks on which they were based, and they found particular favor when production resources were lacking.

Why were American tank destroyers open top?

The M10 Wolverine and M18 Hellcat were mostly the only open topped tank destroyers to see action during WW2. The main reason they were open topped was to save a little weight and for better viewing range. They also didnt have very good armor, as they were intended to not directly face enemy armor.

Why was the Hellcat open top?

The open-topped turret—a characteristic which it shared with all American tank destroyers—left the crew exposed to snipers, grenades, and shell fragments, however it gave the crew excellent visibility which was of importance in the killing of tanks, the intent of tank destroyers being primarily ambush weapons.

What is the purpose of a turret?

Turrets were used to provide a projecting defensive position allowing covering fire to the adjacent wall in the days of military fortification. As their military use faded, turrets were used for decorative purposes, as in the Scottish baronial style.

Was the Matilda a good tank?

With its heavy armour, the Matilda II was an excellent infantry support tank but with somewhat limited speed and armament. It was the only British tank to serve from the start of the war to its end, although it is particularly associated with the North Africa Campaign.

Why do tank destroyers have open top turrets?

Including the roof of the turret. Also, the open top greatly increased vision — better to look for enemy tanks out of open top, than through a periscope or a thin slot. Tank destroyers depend on getting the first shot. , I read what’s in the public domain. So I’m probably twenty years out of date.

Why did the US Army not use tank destroyers in combat?

Unofficially, it was to discourage the tank destroyers from being misused as infantry support vehicles. US Army doctrine was that tanks were to support infantry and leave enemy tanks to the tank destroyers, who in turn were not supposed to let themselves be diverted into other roles. Unfortunately, real combat did not match the doctrine.

What are the pros and cons of open topped turrets?

Increased view range and without a topped turret the vehicle was also much lighter, which is good for the speed and suspension of the vehicle. But what is really great about open topped turrets is that they allow greater gun depression. This allows tanks to shoot and peek over ridgelines without having to expose their hull at all.

How did the M18 Hellcat tank destroyer get so fast?

The M18 Hellcat Tank destroyer was an up-gunned Sherman, one of the fastest tracked vehicles around at 50 m.p.h. road speed. The only way to upgun it with a heavier weapon and the same Continental R975-C1 engine, but still make it faster, was to reduce weight by cutting armor.