Why did US tank destroyers have an open turret?

Answer 1

Jim, after reading several web sites I would have to say the opem turret came for need of speed. The more heavely armored tank could not develop the manuverabilty or speed of the less armored tank destroyer. You might like to check out this web site. http://www.dnpcorp.com/609th.htm Though the Need for Speed over armor was certainly a consideration in TD design, I'm more of the belief that it was the designed role of the TD that resulted in it being open topped. The design philosophy being that it was the job of TD's to engage enemy armour, as opposed to US tanks which were designed for assault, infantry support and exploitation of breakthroughs. Thus if the TD were not designed with assault or infantry support in mind, but only the role of engaging enemy armor, then top armor is superfluous. Of course when they actually got into combat they were used in almost the same roles as Tanks, and US Tanks had to perform anti-tank role themself, so the problems inherent in lack of armor on the roof become apparent. But I believe the designers actually thought that they would only be used in their intended role. Designers tend to live in "la la" land a lot of the time. Mind you they were probobly only designing what they were told to by the powers that be. Anyway there are some advantages to being open topped. Visibility is improved greatly, this helps a lot if you want to get the first shot in a fight. This also goes for all-round visability as opposed to the limits placed by Tank periscopes that tend to "tunnel vision" the crew. In the case of taking a hit from the enemy there can be increased survivability for the gunner and commander of the crew, as they can just hop over the side. Or in the case of an Achilles Gunner's story I have read you can be found next to the TD after you are blown out of it by the explosion when it gets hit. I'm sure your aware of all the negatives, i.e. snipers, artillery etc. But there must have been some value in being open topped, given the Germans had a habit of making open topped TD's like the Marders, just they wern't turreted. Another example is the British Archer, which had an open topped Valentine Chassis which a fixed rear firing 17 pounder. And they were designed with the knowledge of modern combat in mind, so there must have been some percieved benifit to being open topped. Hope this is of use. Stuart I'm not sure of the why. My Dad drove one of these. He told me when they went through towns they strung chicken wire over these openings. That way, if a gernade was dropped on them it would hit the chicken wire and roll off.