Technology
The Gulf War: How Iraqi Tanks Were Penetrated and Knocked Out
The Gulf War: How Iraqi Tanks Were Penetrated and Knocked Out
During the Gulf War of 1990-1991, coalition forces engaged in a series of intense battles against Iraqi tank forces. The penetration and destruction of Iraqi tanks were pivotal in the coalition's success. This article delves into the various mechanisms and technologies that were employed to neutralize Iraqi armor during the conflict.
The Role of Anti-Tank Missiles
One of the primary methods used to penetrate Iraqi tanks was through the deployment of anti-tank missiles. Anti-tank missiles, such as the TOW (Tube-launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-guided), played a critical role in several key engagements. The TOW missile was particularly effective due to its agility and range, allowing it to be fired from a safe distance and target tanks with precision.
The TOW Missile
The TOW missile was a standard issue weapon for many of the coalition forces, including Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Cavalry Fighting Vehicles. These platforms provided skirmishers with the ability to engage Iraqi tanks from a safe distance using their onboard TOW launch systems. The effectiveness of the TOW was further enhanced by the presence of the A10 attack aircraft, which were equipped with AGM-65 Maverick missiles.
Close-Air Support with A10s and Mavericks
The A10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the Warthog, was a staple of U.S. Air Force close air support operations. The A10 was instrumental in providing close air support to ground forces, but it should be noted that the A10's primary role in anti-tank operations was not through its GAU-8 Avenger Gatling gun. According to Pentagon reports, the A10's GAU-8 Avenger cannon, while deadly, was not typically used as the primary anti-tank weapon. Instead, the A10's primary anti-tank role was to deliver precision-guided Maverick missiles that could hit anti-tank defensive structures and tanks from a distance of up to 10 miles.
Guided Missiles and Artillery Bombardment
In addition to TOW missiles and Maverick missiles, coalition forces also used guided missiles to destroy Iraqi tanks. The Hellfire missile, another key weapon, was fired from attack helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache. These missiles could navigate complex terrain and engage tanks with surgical precision. Similarly, the heavy lethality of APFSDS (Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stablized, Discarding Sabot) rounds, such as those fired from M1A1, M60A3, Challenger II, and AMX30 tanks, also played a significant role in penetrating Iraqi armor.
Artillery and Artillery Rounds
Artillery bombardment was another crucial method used to destroy Iraqi tanks. Coalition forces utilized a variety of artillery systems, including howitzers and MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) to provide sustained fire support. The impact of this artillery led to the direct destruction of a significant number of Iraqi tanks. ART-15 and MLRS were effective in delivering powerful explosive payloads that could penetrate tank armor from long range.
Summary and Conclusion
The Gulf War marked a significant technological advancement in anti-tank warfare. The combination of guided missiles, artillery strikes, and targeted tank destroyers such as TOW and APFSDS rounds played a crucial role in neutralizing Iraqi tank forces. While the A10's GAU-8 Avenger cannon was a formidable weapon, it was not the primary anti-tank weapon as is often believed. Instead, the A10's effectiveness lay in its ability to deliver precision-guided Maverick missiles, which demonstrated the importance of modern, targeted weaponry in such conflicts.