Quote:
Originally Posted by Olefin
Paul - can the ammo for the LAV-75 be used for that gun? The 40th had LAV-75's issued to it
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The M50 as the upgraded tank was called consisted of the 75-mm CN75-50 gun mounted in the modified turret.
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In a short word, no. Very different weapon systems; different breeches.
The Sherman's 75mm ammo would not fit in the breech, much less the loader in the LAV-75. The LAV-75's gun has more power - meaning the shells are longer and wider (and won't fit in the Sherman's breech); if forced in, there is a decent chance the breech would blow inside the tank.
The CN75-50 gun in the Israeli M-50 is a French postwar design - different from the US WW2 period weapon and the LAV-75s weapon.
Among the larger problems with using this antique weaponry is limited ammo. You can swap out the .30 cal MGs for M60s easily enough, but in 1999, it will be difficult to find a factory to restart making old 75mm shells.
It's not
technically difficult, but difficult to recreate and coordinate the retooling and supply chain needed to do so. Though there is probably some left in an army depot somewhere.... (sounds like an scenario or two).
Uncle Ted