Quote:
Originally Posted by Ursus Maior
I've been saying this for a while now: Once modern first-tier mechanized forces go away, combat becomes less mobile.
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Precisely, and that's why anything that can improve troops survivability during movement under fire would probably be seen as worth the resources and effort.
That's why MBT to APC conversions makes sense,
as long as turrets are in short supply.
Turretless MBT APCs have a couple of advantages over purpose-built APCs and IFVs. Their low profile makes them more difficult to spot and hit. Protection from the effects of AT weapons is pretty good. The troops are protected by front hits by think armor and the driver's position. They're protected from flank shots by the wheels, tracks, side skirts. And they're protected from rear shots by the engine. Furthermore, by the time these conversions would be taking to the field, modern ATGMs would be in short supply, and there would be fewer hostile MBTs around as well.
Of course, turretless MBTs also have some major disadvantages. Lack of top cover makes the dismounts extremely vulnerable to airburst shells. Having to dismount/remount by climbing up over the hull makes the dismounts vulnerable to direct fire and shrapnel. Lastly, turretless APCs have less firepower than most purpose-built APCs and all IFVs.