[AT] To oil or not to oil pre--filter

[szabelski at wildblue.net]

Clogged filters result in loss of power, high fuel consumption, and decreased speed. One the the main properties of the Abrams is the ability to “shoot and scoot” taking out targets with its stabilized system while moving faster than the enemy can track. Slowing down for any reason is not a good thing to do on a battlefield, no matter what you’re driving.

When we engaged enemy tank divisions during Desrt Storm, we were able to actually drive into the middle of them before their crew could even get a chance to mount their tanks. It was made easier because they formed their tanks the way they were taught to do by the Russians. Something our forces train to fight against. A few of our tanks took hits, but the rounds bounced off of our armor, except one that was apparently a hit from a very close distance. I used to have a picture of an Iraqi round fused to the front glacias of an Abrams turret, sticking out like it was intentional welded there.

Carl


----- Original Message -----
From: Steve W. <swilliams268 at frontier.com>
To: Antique Tractor Email Discussion Group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Thu, 27 May 2021 23:26:50 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [AT] To oil or not to oil pre--filter

szabelski at wildblue.net wrote:
> I do not oil the prefilters. Under certain conditions (fine high
> dust) the oil will cause the dust to cake on the surface and cut off
> airflow. High fine conditions, like running in the desert where the
> sand can be as fine as talc, was a major issue for the Abrams tank.
> We had to develop self cleaning filters to discharge the dust when
> the air intake pressure dropped at a certain value. Before that, the
> crew had to exit the tank and beat the filters against the side of
> the tank. These were rather easy to get to, but were sizable filters
> requiring two hand lift.
> 
> Carl


Yeah that might be a bit hard to do under fire. The OPFOR generally 
isn't going to let you call a "time out" to clean the dust off the 
filters...


-- 
Steve W.
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