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MarkHolloway · Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:32 pm Post subject: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

Thanks to Vic Pitts!

Joe_D · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

Very nice set of pictures,

From what I can read, the RN is 9B3204 or 9B3084. Do you know which it is and what year these were taken ???

BTW, the last photo looks like the original improvised kit made at Fort Knox, you can tell by the TC's "Conning Tower" which I believe used a modified 55 gallon steel drum.

TrevorLarkum · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

I'd say you had it right the first time, 9B3204, courtesy of enhancement in PhotoShop:

MarkHolloway · Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:58 pm Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

Joe, I emailed bigger immages to you. Cool

Doug_Kibbey · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

And on the A1....

ISTR the conning tower sections on the later iteration were purpose-built and could be extended more-or-less indefinitely. The other purpose we used them for was the safety and salvage diver training for the "Armor Board Navy" (see boat overseeing operation). This was for photography, crew rescue and salvage (should a vehicle sink, including Fordex ops with M551's and M113's). I was recruited to a safety diver position at the Board and we sank some of those extended tubes for training in evacuaton. As you can see, it means a swim-through without your SCUBA rig in a very enclosed space. It holds your attention.

Dontos · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 11:30 pm Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

Doug

Does the life preserver bouy hanging off the TC 'stack' say 'SS Minnow' ?

My vision isn't the best these days, and if you squint just right & for long enough...... Laughing

Regards
Don

Kurt_Laughlin · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 577

What is the device on the tube of the dozer? It looks like an M1897 75mm gun used as a subcaliber training gun, but I don't know how you'd operated the breech or load it.

KL

Joe_D · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 1:54 am Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

Kurt,

It is the predecessor to the Hoffman Simulated Tank Firing Device. The bracket hanging from grunt rail below the loaders hatch has the Oxygen and Propane tanks used to make the "Boom", much like those old noise makers they use at runways. No longer in use but the smaller machine gun version was still available from TASC as of 2004 (I had to sign for one at Campbell).

What I find interesting is it being mounted along with the deep ford kit. It would not work after being submerged (unless they modified it too for deep fording Rolling Eyes

). Curious why both were mounted, maybe it was a demonstrator tank for the Deep Ford Kit, M9 Blade Kit, and the Simulator during an Armor Conference.

Mark, does Mr. Pitts give an explanation for this set up ?

MarkHolloway · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 2:36 am Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

He didn't say anything about the M60 photos. I'm sure he'd love to hear from any of you guys who have questions. vctpit @ aol.com

Doug_Kibbey · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 4:02 am Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

- Joe_D

Kurt,

It is the predecessor to the Hoffman Simulated Tank Firing Device. The bracket hanging from grunt rail below the loaders hatch has the Oxygen and Propane tanks used to make the "Boom", much like those old noise makers they use at runways. No longer in use but the smaller machine gun version was still available from TASC as of 2004 (I had to sign for one at

That same type of device was at one time on the M4 on Brooks(?) Field in the center of Ft. Knox as a ceremonial and evening retreat gun. They did something more modern to the "Thunderbolt" in later years. For sure the old rig was on there from '71-'73.

I have a picture of that setup, but it's not mine to post. I think it belongs to our member the Agusta 109 pilot (a former gunship driver) who was there about the same time I was or somewhat before. Had pics very similar to mine of the old Patton Museum.

Dontos · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 4:44 am Post subject: Re: M60 Deep Water Fording Tests

Doug

You are correct. I've seen a number of images of the Brooks Field M4A3E8 with the Sim-Fire Device mounted. I'm not sure which specific vehicle that was.

The current 'salute' vehicle, an M4A3E8, uses blank 75mm rounds fired from a 'live' breech.

Regards
Don

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