Can Tanks Fire Projectiles Like Artillery - A Comprehensive Guide

Many believe that tanks and artillery are entirely separate weapons systems, with no overlap in their capabilities. However, this assumption is far from accurate. Tanks are indeed capable of firing projectiles in a manner reminiscent of artillery, albeit under specific circumstances and with limitations.

The Difference Between Tank Ammunition and Artillery Shells

To understand the potential of tanks to fire like artillery, it is essential to first grasp the fundamental differences between tank ammunition and conventional artillery shells. A 105mm howitzer shell will not fit into a 105mm tank gun, and vice versa. This incompatibility stems from the differing purposes and designs of these weapons. For instance, the M4 Sherman tanks were occasionally modified to replace their 75mm guns with 105mm howitzers for infantry support, but this concept was not extended to modern tanks. In World War II and during the Korean War, the US used its M60 tanks to fire indirect artillery, showing that it is indeed possible for tanks to serve in an indirect fire role.

The Elevation of Tank Guns for Indirect Fire

One method of allowing tanks to perform indirect fire is by repositioning them on inclines, as was observed during the Korean War. By elevating the tank guns, they can be used as makeshift artillery, providing indirect fire support to infantry. Similarly, modern reports from Ukraine indicate that older Russian tanks are being used in a similar manner. This approach is more practical for older, wider tanks where the ammunition arrangement is less critical.

Logistical and Space Constraints

While it is possible to use tanks in an indirect fire role, substantial logistical and spatial constraints make it impractical for modern tanks. A 120mm full bore shell would be excessively heavy to lift, unwieldy in the compact space behind the gun, and would eject a large brass cartridge into the fighting compartment. Loader disposal of these cartridges through a small hatch in the turret wall consumes valuable time and can create a dangerous environment within the tank.

Advantages and Techniques of Tank Ammunition Loading

Despite the challenges, modern tanks employ a sophisticated loading system designed to maximize speed and efficiency. For example, in the British tanks where I served during my career, the use of separates (split ammunition) has significantly enhanced the loading process. This technique involves loading the projectile first, typically sabot or High Explosive Squash Head (HESH), followed by the vent tube and charge. A spring-loaded plunger is used to insert the vent tube into the breech, ensuring proper alignment. The charge is then extracted from a cooled bin and rammed into the barrel. An electrical charge detonates the vent tube, igniting the charge and firing the projectile.

The entire loading process can be completed in as little as three to four seconds, making it a highly effective system. The advantages of this method include the safety and efficiency it brings to loading and firing operations, while minimizing the risks associated with heavy shells and the potential hazards of exploded cartridges.

Conclusion

While tanks are primarily designed for direct-fire combat, their versatility allows for some indirect fire capabilities under specific circumstances. The advanced loading systems in modern tanks have made it significantly easier to transition from direct to indirect fire support. The use of separates and sophisticated breech mechanisms makes tanks as formidable artillery pieces when the need arises, but practical limitations prevent them from being primary artillery platforms.