What is the feasibility of using a bulldozer blade as the main frontal armor on a battle tank?
The idea is that the bulldozer blade would be made out of the same composite armor that the frontal armor of the tank currently is made of, in a similar thickness to offer the same protection. Of course, the blade would not be inclined at the same angle the front of the tank is - but if I understand correctly modern composite armor performs best when shot at straight-on anyway. The current frontal armor on the tank would be taken off and replaced with just a light armoring.
The idea is that the bulldozer blade acts kind of like a frontal skirt - moving the explosion away from the tank. Of course, this would be most effective against HEAT rounds and RPG's/anti-tank missiles.
Also, there is the added bonus that each tank would be able to bulldoze stuff - in seconds the tank could plow up several meters of dirt in a pile in front of it to conceal and further armor the tank.
This seems like a good idea to me - but I'm sure there's problems I've not yet thought of.. help me find them
The idea is that the bulldozer blade would be made out of the same composite armor that the frontal armor of the tank currently is made of, in a similar thickness to offer the same protection. Of course, the blade would not be inclined at the same angle the front of the tank is - but if I understand correctly modern composite armor performs best when shot at straight-on anyway. The current frontal armor on the tank would be taken off and replaced with just a light armoring.
The idea is that the bulldozer blade acts kind of like a frontal skirt - moving the explosion away from the tank. Of course, this would be most effective against HEAT rounds and RPG's/anti-tank missiles.
Also, there is the added bonus that each tank would be able to bulldoze stuff - in seconds the tank could plow up several meters of dirt in a pile in front of it to conceal and further armor the tank.
This seems like a good idea to me - but I'm sure there's problems I've not yet thought of.. help me find them