Re: [OT] Question from the news

>1) I read about US forces skirmishing with
>Republican Gaurd. The reporter mentioned
>(repeatedly) 50mm machine-gun fire. I know
>50mm is.... *rather large* for what I consider a
>machinegun. But I also don't know what US
>vehicle is equipped with such a monster? I
>thought most of the Apaches, Warthogs,
>Bradleys, etc. were equipped with 20-30mm
>guns of various varieties. What carries a 50mm?
>Or is the reporter full of hot wind?

I also saw a mention of a 30 caliber anti-aircraft cannon (likely a 
23mm Russian unit based on what I saw)

The reporter just doesn't understand caliber vs mm nomenclature. I've 
spent a bit of time with several talking heads explaining how 9mm is 
larger and yet smaller than say .30 caliber (30.06 or .308).

>
>2. I keep seeing these sideways V symbols on
>various armoured vehicles. Some seem to point
>back, others forward. Any armour crew out
>there who can suggest what their purpose is?

Recognition signs that indicate allied of some sort. As long as it's 
different than what the Iraqi's have.

>3. I've heard about several 'friendly fire'
>incidents. One involved two Brit tanks
>(Challengers I'll assume, but I could be wrong).
>Don't the tanks have some sort of IFF system?
>(I'd have thought so).

No IFF on tanks as far as I know beyond the Mk 1 Eyeball. One has to 
figure the Brit tank crews were in street combat and both unmasked 
opposite each other and they took snap shots with reduced SA. Kind of 
sucks, but that's murphy.

>4. I have heard that the Iraqis are using pickups
>with TOW mounts. Ignoring the question of how
>they got there, does this remind anyone else of
>the DS2 size 1 vehicle with GMS/H which we
>always tend to lament about? Panzer Nissan
>anyone? (and effective, by all accounts)

Probably not Tows. Probably Russian made weapons.

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