Technicals and Guntrucks

[Weaver]

I think what troubles me is the idea of them "sorting themselves out", as if they're running on parrallel courses like a spread of torpedoes. They're not: they only "sort themselves out" to the extent of travelling in a straightish line (subject to gravity and cross-winds, of course), but if the straight line of one of them is different to the straight line of the others due to collisions or interference, them nothing will correct it, and the further it goes, the more off-boresight it will get.

Of course, you're right that whether the resultant dispersion is acceptable or not is a matter of expectation, and expectations shouldn't be too high for an improvised mounting, plus there's the fact that the Soviet 57mm rocket is an indifferent performer even in ideal circumstances. Of course we never actually see the results of these shots on TV, so whether the results really satisfy the users is rather a moot point, indeed, being basically a bunch of optimistic amateurs (bless 'em for it mind) they may not see the results themselves!

As to their faith in firing so few at a time, I suspect this comes from three factors:

a) Optimism: they may honestly believe that if they fire half-a-dozen rockets, at least one of them should hit the target. Remember, these are the same people who will hold an AK over their heads and fire it with their eyes shut...

b) Reloads: the logistics train that provides them with new rockets is probably highly shaky and unreliable, so they may want to husband what they've got with them.

c) Collateral damage: these guys are fighting in their own county and have no particular ethnic/religious beef with the majority of innocents in the middle that might lead to the latter being dehumanised in their eyes. They are mostly trying to show considerable restraint, and a lot of the "fighting" strikes me as a game of bluff and bluster: scaring the enemy into surrendering, retreating or just putting their guns down and stopping is preferable to actually killing them. Massed indiscriminate rocket barrages have no place in this: it's not Russia in 1944....

[rickshaw]

Ha!  I think ol' Joe had the answer to that - "quantity has a quality all its own...." 

More seriously, I accept your points.  They are more than likely true.  Considering how long this Revolution is taking and from what I've seen on the screen, this is more a case of demonstration/counter-demonstration than anything else.  Not meaning to detract from the fact they've shown a willingness to take up arms against their oppressors but it appears many are willing to fight for their cause but few really seem willing to die for it.

[Arc3371]

Would this qualify as a technical?

[pyro-manic]

It needs another wheel and some pedals first.

[ChernayaAkula]

That set-up lendsthe term "self-propelled" a totally new meaning ! 

It has its benefits, though. One wheel and two legs probably provide a more stable firing platform than the rickety suspension on some shagged-out Land Cruiser. 

[rickshaw]

Would this qualify as a technical?

Clearly it is a Gun Wheelbarrow, Mk.I.  After mixed user comments, these were quickly superseded by the Mk.II and then by the Tricycle Mk.I in service.   

[Scooterman]

Better chock that wheel to meet OSHA and/or HSE requirements before operating!

[Rheged]

Would this qualify as a technical?

Clearly it is a Gun Wheelbarrow, Mk.I.  After mixed user comments, these were quickly superseded by the Mk.II and then by the Tricycle Mk.I in service.   

What the photograph does not show are the unicycle mounted dragoons  who accompany this wondrous device into battle............ I understand that  the original idea was developed by  Mr Mac Gregor, a wheelbarrow pushing gardener,  as a means of quelling the  Peter Rabbit battalion of  General  Beatrix Potter's  forces.

[Maverick]

On a mildly serious note, how the hey is the Duskha not tipping the contraption over? 

I mean it's a 'heavy' machine gun balanced on a pintle on a dinky wheelbarrow..

Regards,

Mav

[Old Wombat]

Well, so far, because it's quite well balanced ....

..... but mostly .....

...... 'Coz no sod's loaded it & pulled the trigger, mate!

[scooter]

Well, so far, because it's quite well balanced ....

..... but mostly .....

...... 'Coz no sod's loaded it & pulled the trigger, mate!

Feh, it's a rolling tripod. The legs'll dig in and help stabilize the recoil. 

[Weaver]

What the photograph does not show are the unicycle mounted dragoons  who accompany this wondrous device into battle............ I understand that  the original idea was developed by  Mr Mac Gregor, a wheelbarrow pushing gardener,  as a means of quelling the  Peter Rabbit battalion of  General  Beatrix Potter's  forces.

Quite right too: that Peter Rabbit's a little sod: http://www.strategypage.com/humor/articles/military_jokes_200691721.asp

(somewhat not work-safe for language: it's NOT the video version though)

[Caveman]

Would this qualify as a technical?

Anyone else imagining it being pushed by a guy on a segway?

[Martin H]

Would this qualify as a technical?

Anyone else imagining it being pushed by a guy on a segway?

Hmmm a segway gun tractor.............................

[Arc3371]

Heh, yeah someone should really do a PS of that