Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: Strv 103C part 1

The new episode of Inside the Chieftain's Hatch is dedicated to the revolutionary Swedish Strv 103 tank. In the first part, Nicholas Moran will examine the tank's exterior and talk about the savvy Swedish engineers who mounted the gun onto the tank hull, removed the gunner's position, and used fuel tanks as additional armor. Enjoy!

[@TheBrewjo]

When a machine takes a little blood or gives you a pinch, it's just the Machine Spirit giving you a Rockwell/Brinell Hardness test. It rates you as "Squishy and mostly harmless".

[@patricpelto]

And i think i have found the techpriest xD

[@TheSemajshadow]

Oh holly teach priest. I ask You, what dose it mean when my toaster keeps burning my toast??

[@Assassinus2]

This makes me think a bit of Escaflowne.

[@clintonscottwalsh]

Are you on drugs

[@joemaloney1019]

It explains what my cars have been doing to me for years.

[@sparviero142]

We can see Moran die inside when he say "there is no tension in this tank"

[@Piotwor]

I know it's an evolutionary dead-end, but I love the look of this tank. It's like a damn sportscar.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Piotwor it didn't had to be a dead end, one of the last Strv 103C's was used as a tank-drone concept test prototype. Unfortunately, the concept was a bit too ahead of the reliability and abilities of the avaliable electronics in the late 1990'ies and thus it was discontinued. I personally would like to se a renewed attempt at it with current tech, including a rudimentary AI capable of taking over for up to a minute in case of communication breakdowns using a hardware cut-off timer and an IFF system separate from the remote control thar physically prevents the drone tank from attacking friendly assets in case of hacking or hostile spy infiltration of a control center. Oh, and a larger hull with a 140mm cannon.

[@johanmetreus1268]

@@SonsOfLorgar , as a tank, it is certainly a dead end with less it can be made to accurately fire on the move outside the centreline... which invalidates the whole concept.

[@ZETH_27]

You used to see people cruise around in these, picking up women along the way and letting them aim the gun. Even today you might occasionally find on on the E22 (highway) here in Sweden.

[@seppalastname4574]

@@SonsOfLorgar *generation zero intensifies*

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

Actually it’s the best defensive tank you can get. Problem was they weren’t a great offensive tank.

[@Frauenman]

The universal tool or the "klant" is better translated to something like 'the clumsy one' or perhaps more accurately to english words like 'oaf' or 'fool'. Because when you do maintenence on the tank and drop the tool, it will make a loud noice for everyone to hear making the person dropping the tool into a "klant" =)

[@SilentRazor1uk]

+Johan Karlsson We have a similar expression "dropping a klanger", 'klang' being the loud dull metal sound (like that cast iron makes) mixed with an original church bell ringing expression "dropping a clapper' - the clapper being the part inside a bell that swings and hits the bell to make the bells sound. Also, you could call someone a klanger/clanger if you have some industrial/engineering experience - where it could indicate too a dull person (empty head 'dull' sound), someone that drops things (a lot), ergo makes mistakes, all sort of similar to your nordic klant in usage/intention/meaning.

[@Frauenman]

Cool! I've never heard the word before but as you say, they seem synonimous. It would not surprise me if the usage of the word has been inspired by the british army somehow (or vice versa, but I find that less likely). We used the name for our universal tool on my time on the CV90 atleast, but it seems far older than that. Cheers!

[@Oddball_E8]

One might even say that the person dropping it would be a "tool". :P

[@CallanElliott]

Someone who's an oxygen thief is someone who's too dumb to live. The idea being that he's a waste of air because he's dumber than a sack of rocks.

[@johanmetreus1268]

@@dethkon2284 , only because mispronunciation. The "a" in "klant" should be like in "appropriate", and the "l"- and "n"-sounds clearly audible.

[@johannorrman1822]

When discussing how the S-tank came about one should not forget the Swedish defensive doctrine. This means that Swedes will always know the terrain in which they will fight. If you look around the Swedish country side it is quite hilly and there are lakes and forests everywhere. For tank warfare this has huge implications. First the hills provide lots of natural covers. The S-tank was specifically designed with this in mind, to just show the gun and the sight above the crest of a hill and use the rocks and dirt of the hill as its primary protection. Remember the high depression angle of other Swedish more conventional tanks that lets them make the most of this as well. Secondly, the hills together with the forest mean that you can’t see your target until they are quite close. Really long shots are rare. Thirdly, the lakes together with the forests channels an advancing army to areas in nature where it is convenient (possible) to advance e.g. the narrows between two lakes. Usually it’s not too difficult to find a good protective hill at a convenient distance from that narrow where you can just lay low and wait for the enemy to come. The point I want to make is that when comparing tanks we all know about the importance of mobility, armor and armament. To this I would like to add tactics.

[@Danspy501st]

Well, too fair. I will always say that tanks, no matter where they where made, had been made with the country (Which they might need to defend) in mind. Like the Korean K2 Black Panther (Think that was the name of it) was made for the South Korean hilly country side. The Leopard 2 was highly made for the foresty and hilly, as well low land arears that Germany has. That leads to that I always saying too. A defending country always have a better advantage, because they know their country, and where they can go and not.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Hans Dampf not really true though. The Swedish doctrine definitely called for counter attacks aswell as Finnish style motti tactics and semi mechanised guerilla warfare. Only the counter attack role was supposed to be conducted by the Strv 83/101/102/104/(105) Centurion tanks bought from the Brittish and domestically improved and modified. The 105 was only an experimental prototype upgrade that was canceled in favour of leasing a significant number of Leopard 2A4's designated Strv 121 finally replaced by Leopard 2S's designated Strv 122 which combined heavily improved domestically produced armor, mine protection, electronics and a different smoke launcher system over a Leo2A5 baseline design.

[@linusorm]

Sorry mate, this is all wrong. This: www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4fj5ow/what_factors_led_to_the_design_and_deployment_of/d29mf0b/ Is a reddit comment answering to this myth that is so prevalent. The Strv-103 was estimated to be just as effective on the move or in attack as any other MBT of the era.

[@captiannemo1587]

The S-Tank was designed to deal with entrenched infantry. Its an MBT and all of this "defense" nonsense is annoying. Considering how modern MBTs are used these days... you don't really need a turret.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Hans Dampf eh, no. The S tank litterally makes a full stop and 90° on-the-spot turn in less time than a Leopard 2 turns it's turret to the same conditions. As for ditches, yes, they can be a problem. Other obstacles, not so much as the tank is light and powerful enough to push itself sideways around any obstacle too heavy to shift. Thus the only obstacles which would prevent an S-tank from engaging would be an obstacle like a wall or ridge too high and steep to get the gun over it, but such an obstacle will at the same time put the S-tank out of reach of the ambusher. As for entrenched/fortified infantry, the gun is accurate enough to snipe firing ports at decent range (a bit short of a km) and up to 20 105mm HEFRAG shells timed individually for contact or distance airburst in less than four minutes is going to end any infantry squad's day just as rightly as any thrown pommel. The only real downside compared to a turreted tank is that an S-tank is even more vulnerable in an urban area or around other tall, unsecured buildings. It's most definitely an exclusively countryside tank.

[@THESocialJusticeWarrior]

Best tank to own as a single collector: only tank you can drive and fire from the same seat. You will need a crew for any other tank.

[@Shorjok]

well, I don't think most collectors get the opportunity to fire their guns anyway

[@Snoken849]

@@Shorjok I realise this is a year old comment but so would be pretty content to just point the gun at something, pull the trigger and go pew.

[@EnterpriseXI]

yeah just like in Wourld of Tanks. you are the driver, gunner, commander, and loader all in one. I know we can make a tank with a one manned crew like the scorpion tank from Halo

[@deaks25]

When I was a kid, the S-Tank was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen. Part 2 cannot come soon enough.

[@tacticalmanatee]

The engine opening system was pretty slick. Not as fast as just un-doing a few latches like on some tanks, but considering it is also the frontal armor it's pretty darn efficient. All the special tools to make it easier, like the winch system, are cool. Watching that definitely drives home how useful it must be to have the 3rd crewman over the theoretical 2-person crewing potential.

[@lukas7672]

Notice the pin on his jacket, it's the Swedish armoured regiment sign.

[@po90000]

I know that my dad has the service manual for this tank somewhere in his garage! I must find it again!

[@markfryer9880]

Pierre, try looking for something else important and you are bound to come across the service manual in your search. If however you go looking for the service manual first, you will find all sorts of other stuff before you come across the manual. Trust me I use this technique everyday when I misplace my tape measure.

[@danielaramburo7648]

It might be a collectible. Find it.

[@Masada1911]

I’m wondering if you found it

[@raidkoast]

Chieftain, I have to say... Your translation of "Klant" is the most accurate translation that conveys the dry poetic humor in Swedish language. I also love the wording on the warning labels on the engines. "Trampa inte här" is a very blunt and kind of aggressive way of saying "Don't step here." It could have been polite language such as "Kliv ej här" which would directly translate to "Do not step here" But the wording used conveys more of "Don't clomp your feet here, dipshit!" which is a hilarious way to emphasize that you really shouldn't step in the engine bay. Like it's annoyingly blunt.

[@dallesamllhals9161]

Swedish humour? DET ER FANDEME LØGN! 🤣😂😅

[@Vnx]

I'll bet the crews loved not having to fiddle with track tension. Liquid fuel doesn't like to burn very much. It's fuel vapor once it's out in the air that's the problem. Props to the Swedish for making such a revolutionary design and getting so many things right. New designs aren't always easy. Thank you for another amazing video! Looking forward to part two.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Vnx and there is a prototype for a drone version...

[@4tonnesoffury329]

I am a simple man, i see a chieftain video, i smash the like button.

[@mumzly1]

agreed

[@T3hderk87]

I have my coffee, its my vacation, and now I have a new episode of inside the hatch? Can this be any better?! Only if gun jesus uploads a new video!

[@MikaelLevoniemi]

Gun jesus? Oh, you mean Ian. For sure.

[@teeeeeey]

Derek Frankovich oh boy, you'll be happy. Check his Facebook page, XL60 individual weapon...

[@mrbrunopolska]

Oh my goodness you watch gun historian jesus too!!!

[@terrylyn]

We really are getting spoiled by gun and tank jesuses!

[@SilentRazor1uk]

indeed ...FW/IRTV, Chiefy, Matilda Dairies and a few others are the best parts of informative online viewing.

[@Lennart_Jensen]

You forgot the TELEFON boks at the end of the tank. Very important boks. When you want to call someone important.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Lennart Jensen yeah, like the backward driver/radio operator about to run you over XD

[@spyrelle3970]

Perfect for notifying next of kin!

[@samuelneese482]

A far more practical tank than I had expected. Especially considering the heavily forested terrain and the defensive war it was designed to fight in.

[@KamiRecca]

oh yea, first time i rode in the S-tank i was about 14 years old. maybe 12. Good times. tack Kalle för en fantastisk barndom ^^

[@ihategooglealot3741]

Much easier keeping tracks on a shorter vehicle too :-) And quite right - diesel doesn't burn too easily and dealing with fire outside the armour (rather than in the engine or fighting compartment is something tanks, being huge lumps of metal, are great at)

[@sasquatchishere7453]

I've been waiting for this tank to be on your channel for some time. Thank you Chieftain for bringing us this rare opportunity.

[@PMGF]

I'm a simple man I go to Ian for little guns & I come to Chieftain for THE BIG GUNS!

[@JimJonesKoolaid]

Keep up the great work chieftain! Its been a wild trip to watch your progression. You started the channel before I went to college, and im glad to say that ive followed you all this time up through now, as a working adult. Cheers Nick!

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Gee, thanks for making me feel old.... (Not that the grey hairs haven't become more noticeable...)

[@JimJonesKoolaid]

The_Chieftain don't worry! Get your hands on a T-72 and I'll toss you some of my years! But really, glad to see all the other stuff that you've expanded to from the talks/lectures to teaming up with other experts to keep the channel fresh. Great stuff.

[@AdurianJ]

The Strv 103 used starlight scopes for night fighting later in it's career. Thermal sights where introduced on Swedish AFV's until the CV90 and the Leopard 2A4

[@ret7army]

Awesome as always, thanks! Always wanted to get a closer look at the S-Tank.

[@user-74652]

Given the unusual turretless design of this tank with a gun that is completely fixed to the hull, I did not expect this tank to be so well-thought-out.

[@greasemonkey6362]

Love this series Awesome job Chieftain , thank you :) now for part 2 :) please don't be long

[@arkhtyi9456]

Really appreciate your work! Can't wait to see the inside. This is going to be the most unconventional look in the inside of tanks.

[@Nieumarlamalpa]

now the real wait begins ... part 2 cant come soon enough haha

[@pershing6116]

Yep.

[@axlemarley3082]

3 months later...

[@KennethKlingler]

"Hey everybody, there's a tank hiding here!" This is me everytime I try passive scouting in my M41

[@hependos1276]

Rare thing here, The Chieftain referred to miles when addressing the consumption even though I believe it is in kilometres in Sweden! Still, as usual, a thorough and a quality review!

[@matthayward7889]

Can't wait to see the interior!

[@drkjk]

If that gun is anything like the L7 / M68, pulling the tube is quite easy, easier than pulling the pack. Unscrew a plug on the breech end, unscrew a pin beneath the plug, give the tube a 1/4 turn with a big ass band wrench, and then slide the tube out with a hoist. Had to let the turbine cool down before pulling the pack, so there wouldn't have been any lost time because of pulling the gun.

[@strykerjones8842]

A 6V53 Detroit isn’t an inline engine. 6 is number of cylinders, V is engine orientation, 53 is CI per cylinder.

[@davidgoodnow269]

Thanks for that, good point. I think he had the name wrong, since that looks like an inline, straight, engine.

[@okrajoe]

Fascinating design.

[@EnterpriseXI]

I don't fall asleep when Nich talks about track tension. I find it very interesting.

[@RandomGuy-can81]

Can't wait to see the inside of this unique tank

[@peridoodle2644]

Yay! More Chieftain's hatch!

[@dylanmilne6683]

10:16 There are some good videos of Strv 103 live fire tests where they napalm the tank for two minutes and it is completely unscathed.

[@volatilesky]

The strv will always be the tank of my heart

[@mmclaurin8035]

I'd love to get a video of The Chieftain with Ian from Forgotten Weapons.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

You're not the first person to say this. I don't believe I know him (though I know of him). Anyone able to make introductions?

[@mmclaurin8035]

Only through an official channel email [e-mail] I really think you two would get on like a house on fire.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

TheChieftainWoT his full name is Ian McCallum and he runs the educational youtube channel named Forgotten Weapons and together with a co-host named Karl Casarda he also runs the channel called In range TV. The forgotten weapons channel is focused on exploring and explaining the inventions and technical lineage of various rare and notable weapons, from flintlock blackpowder revolver rifles through m3 grease guns with silenced barrel option and booby trap device to Japanese knee mortars, the chauchat SAW and the only remaining Pancor Jackhammer working prototype and a restored live firing Pak40... The in range channel mainly focuses on comparative testing and competitions using various military issue guns of different eras and nationality.

[@xt6wagon]

M McLaurin80 Ian has done some work on anti tank guns, in addition to the more channel appropriate anti tank rifles.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

I have seen his videos. I just don't know him or have his contact info, beyond the generic channel... I'll try McLaurin's provided email.

[@PussyDesecrator]

Nice touch with the pin, "Truppslagstecken m/1963 för pansartrupperna", i.e. the insignia for the armored troops of Sweden.

[@Awesomelord101]

Loved the bloopers..... i wanna see this loading sausage. and the guy skiing on roller skates

[@JoachimElmesioo]

He was probably on roller skis, a bit longer than roller blades, with only 2 wheels each, but they got an automatic stop when you push forward so you can use your legs to get speed the same way you do on skis. And you use things similar to ski sticks to get speed with your arms. Quite common to see in Sweden and gives about the same workout as skiing.

[@Awesomelord101]

cool... i go skiiing as well i should look into that so i can ski in mid summer

[@TheYuehan]

I don't know why, but i think this is the most Beatiful Warmaschine i ever saw

[@chrisr7341]

cant wait for part 2 of this

[@MemoriesAreLost]

Nicholas Moran is the hero we deserve.

[@stubbk3]

great video. look forward to videos about modern tanks...you know you wanna do it .

[@djizomdjinn]

Yessssss... was hoping for the S-tank! Now I have an excuse to finish the 1/35 one sitting on my desk.

[@johnscarborough4746]

Great segment Nick, been looking forward to seeing this AFV for quite some time can't' wait to see the interior. Oh and thanks for continuing to include the out takes, have you put together a blooper real of all of them?

[@rbsanche]

This is the best channel ever!!!

[@darylgoodman3326]

always amazing

[@green15838]

I thank you and God bless!!

[@jangustl_wt2358]

Track tension is always my favourite part.

[@SilentRazor1uk]

The squeak of left upper hatch nut on the left ammunition cover panel, as it is being undone, sounds like a squeaking whiffter at about 14:23 Crouched, exerting and upwards force, (with meatballs for lunch?,) could produce an opposite directional re-action perhaps.

[@yereverluvinuncleber]

Very informative.

[@DanielWW2]

8:35, no track tension? What is this heresy? :P

[@jsma9999]

Thank for film

[@levilastun829]

At 23:33 is the best presentation of the Strv103 drivetrain, at least on Google I can't find pictures that show that much of it. By the way I was surprised how big is it, in such a small tank, a modern Euro Power Pack could fit inside it or any Russian transverse engine drivetrain, those are extremely compact but at the expense of the transmission

[@iamthebatmanxiii3574]

"all these boly holes would be occupied by bolts" I love that.

[@64maxpower]

That looks so cool

[@ZumZumZarum]

Thank you Chieftain.

[@charlos3782]

ELC AMX please ! x)

[@Redchrome1]

@TheChieftainWoT sometime please talk about the benefits/drawbacks of single-pin vs. dual-pin tracks.

[@Red0100]

I have been waiting months for strv 103 inside the chieftain's hatch

[@HankLoremonger]

What do you think about the sleeping space on this one? Seems like it has a good amount of real estate, the ridges might be a bit annoying though. Fantastic video as always ,can't wait for part 2!

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Henry Leighton Fulmer the ridges wera actually added to prevent the air mattresses from sliding off ;)

[@EricSvahn]

Have really been waiting for this one, very good job

[@stevebutters306]

such a silly design but damn it's gorgeous. Watching this video again a year later!

[@georgekoroneos3892]

Well the impression I'm getting from this machine is that it has very low silhouette which is great because can hide in every place so easily then the commander can survey any narrow area then wait until something comes his way & then strike hard with everything he have & I'm sure the enemy won't expecting that .

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Cool. Liked. Always fascinated by this. Given the cold war politics at the time a country like Sweden had to think hard about their own defence, and they did for sure. It is original and has a logic to it. Also I see like many Swedish products (IKEA etc.) It requires a kind of Allen key to work on it! :)

[@HotQgav]

I feel strangely happy after seeing this episode...

[@ricard6735]

How do you piss of a Swede? Call the Strv 103 a tank destroyer xD

[@MadSwede87]

-.- don't push it :P

[@biggseye]

Well it is not a tank, if it is a tank then the su100 is a tank, the Hetzer is a tank. Being honest it is a tank destroyer.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

William Fitzgerald um... no, the Strv 103 was designed and used as an MBT, thus it is an MBT even if it does have some features more common with tank destroyers. Or do you call the american M10, M18, T49 etc. tanks just because they have turrets?

[@MrAkenatom]

Finsk Barbar all tanks are tank destroyers because they destroy tanks, problem solved

[@Neuttah]

Better yet, say it wasn't supposed to be used in an offensive role!

[@diator2]

worst part about being this early, no part 2 yet...

[@JrgPt96]

worst part is the lack of track tesioning mechanics...

[@ryanbaircraftmechanicandsm7524]

Great video can you do one of the T-72

[@usmcfutball]

Great video...as usual. But you tankers will have to excuse this Jarhead when he states: "No turret...then it ain't a tank." Cheers!

[@doktormusmatta]

I like how you're wearing the insigna of the Swedish armoured troops.

[@SootHead]

FYI a 6V53 is a V-type engine, not an inline (hence the "V" in the designation).

[@joemaloney1019]

I saw a video some time ago where they took one out for a spin. Dont think of it as a turretless tank but rather a tankless turret with treads. It traverses easily as well as elevation and depression. I would say a modernized version would make an excellent airborne deployed forward tank, small enough and light enough to be dropped from a plane. Arm it with a light weight 120mm cannon and powered by a light weight turbine maybe with the Israeli unmanned 30mm gun turret on top.

[@davidgoodnow269]

Heck yeah! Replace those LIRA flare launchers with 60 mm mortars, too, for versatility in support of the infantry while you're at it. Could just have a mortar man on the back deck chucking rounds, with the mortar team commander talking directly to the driver over the phone on the back for orientation.

[@quintonhas]

Thanks Chieftain for another excellent video. I have a question for you, out of all of the tanks that you have seen which is your favorite? I've been trying to figure out what it could be, but I truly have no idea what it could be at all.

[@TheOneAndOnlyLewis]

quintonhas. Centurion is my guess.

[@USAAmutual45]

TOG II. :-)

[@kristofkaltvel8902]

Wait there's no track tension? So no pumping grease into an idler arm until your arms are completely dead? I already love this tank.

[@nitbot]

25 minute part one ... nice

[@Mattebubben]

Finally =>.

[@edfi4528]

Just a small point,6v53 denotes a V6 engine and that one is obviously an inline 6 as you said.

[@alexanderchenf1]

The fuel tank armor is barbaric. Talking about Vikings. Back then they wrapped ale bags all over their bodies in an extended sea raid. You literally EAT your armor!

[@AlexDan99]

14:28 "Holy Fuck moment, Tank God i still have my head on"

[@shadowdemon553]

Americans, British, Germans: ugh i hate track tension Swedish s tank drivers: "you guys get track tension"

[@SkeletorsFerret]

Those tiny little wipers on the vision ports XD

[@wetlettuce4768]

Those Swedes love their tiny wipers just look at older Volvos

[@petesheppard1709]

'Tank bite' *counts fingers*...Yep, he's been around. :) Approx 1mpg. Not bad mileage, when most tanks are figured in gallons per MILE! As tightly packed as it is, it looks as if the powerpack is just one maintenance nightmare. At least the main gun can be replenished under fire! ;)

[@andrewp8284]

I heard an Abrams commander several years ago take a question "what is the gas milage on the Abrams"--he answered "you mean gallons per mile..."

[@frankcaprino6372]

Interesting video. btw- What type of jacket are you wearing in this video? What's the insignia on the jacket? It looks like Gary Owen- US 7th Cavalry.

[@IronCypher]

Love this tank 🇺🇸🌴😷😷👍

[@anayman7]

nice, waiting part 2, please make a leopard video next

[@wntu4]

I like that the engine and tranny are in the front. Makes more sense. An engine in the rear that's still pristine is of no use if the crew have been obliterated.

[@NYexpatriot]

Just curious, is the AMX-13 on your to do list?

[@leftnoname]

Great video. Cannot wait to see part 2! Swedish originality coupled with some tricky native shrooms gave birth to this machine. Safety features do look rather impressive for the time. Crew survive ability was probably quite high. Complexity required to make a simple design work, it seems, outdid most of the practical advantages. Compared to this, MBT-70 would look a rather conservative and simple tank.

[@screcoveryco]

The Detroit 6V53 is a V6. The 6-53 is the inline 6. Other than that, great video.

[@CharChar2121]

I love Wargaming. They understand they have an opportunity to teach and they take it.

[@75700neo]

I got a two of these external fuel tanks. you can't use them as normal 20l tanks , they have an internal metal plate inside them . heavy even without any fuel inside . so they are in my scrap pile .

[@davidgoodnow269]

So, if the diesel smokes so much -- which I don't understand, since the engine is small for a regular farm truck, and those don't smoke badly -- does the turbine somehow burn the same diesel or kerosene fuel so much more cleanly? And can that therefore be used to sneak around? Is the S-tank significantly more quiet at a low-crawl reconnaissance speed and running just on the turbine, and how bad is the fuel consumption -- in hours, rather than distance -- if that was done? It seems to me that diesels are usually smokey when they start before warming up, and then put out a puffing burst of smoke and noise when they accelerate. With a good exhaust system, they put out very little visible exhaust in the form of unburnt fuel when running at a steady pace, whether idling or running down the road or crawling across a field. What is most striking to me is the massive weight of the S-tank for the thickness of the armor. It drove home to me how heavy steel is, that the thin 4mm steel hull plates on the front are that heavy when they were raised for service! The armor of the Sherman is much, much, thicker all of the way around and even on top; its engine power is about the same or weaker, its track length looks about the same, and it has about the same speed! The S-tank appears to rely on pre-detonating HEAT rounds or destabilizing APDS, through external measures, and uses two or three skins of 3 or 4 millimeters of armor as splinter protection from artillery and mortar shells and rockets bursting nearby, since any single layer isn't even enough to stop rifle fire if hitting square-on! Crew protection appears to be the highest priority, but there's no wet-storage of the ammunition. That would be awkward to arrange, but potentially important since protection from indirect fire seems such a priority. One of my favorite model tanks since childhood, thanks for filling in so much of what I didn't really know or understand. I do have to think that associated vehicles -- a maintenance and recovery vehicle that can also push up berms and do mine clearance, -- should be covered in the same or linked series of videos as the tanks that rely on them is another point this video really drives home!

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Lol - they must like their skiing there so much that he just said to himself "no snow, no problem.." :-)

[@Chris-wf2lr]

I think they were worried about Russian invasion when this was designed and in a conflict they would be the defenders and not the aggressors. They would be outnumbered and they designed this to shoot and scoot from temporary intrenched/fighting positions. Tank also is very low and therefore good at retreating into dense forest that has low branches. Good at being camouflaged and had an excellent slope to the frontal armour. Very fast rate of fire too. But I also think this tank isn't so good at conventional tank on tank fighting because turrets are faster to aim than turning the tank and using the suspension. It's more designed to attack from a distance and from a hidden position and then retreating. Which makes sense because they would be outnumbered and be defending their territory if Russia had invaded.

[@qunt2742]

Soon console, soon.. I want this line so badly.

[@Oliver66FarmBoy]

Not to get nit picky but if the diesel in the C model is an inline 6 then it would just be a Detroit 6-53T not a 6V. If it was a 6V-53T that would make it a V6 not an inline. With Detroits the V designates the cylinder configuration and T designates that its turbocharged.

[@blockboygames5956]

Such an interesting and well presented video, as always. However, there is a special place in hell where the background music from this vid will never be turned off. Did this tank ever see combat?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

It did not, no.

[@blockboygames5956]

@@TheChieftainsHatch Thank you for the reply! :) Really appreciate your videos.