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 While tanks are relatively well protected against most common
threats, their crews are only safe as long as they remain inside their
vehicles. Since the coaxial machine gun has the same limited elevation
and depression as the main armament, it is necessary to traverse the
entire turret in order to aim at close-in targets and high elevation
targets cannot be engaged at all in some situations. Consequently, use
of external turret mounted machine guns and hand grenades by the
commander and loader are frequently required for self-defense.
Exposure of tank crewmen outside the armor of their vehicles provides
firing opportunities that can be exploited by snipers. Effective for
this type of situation include the use of overwatch and mutual
coverage tactics. Obviously, the employment of under-armor remotely
controlled weapon systems dramatically improves the effectiveness and
survival expectancy of tank and APC crews.
Tanks are designed for fast-moving battle in open terrain, where their
mobility, firepower, and survivability make them ideal weapons
platforms for high intensity combat. Urban battlefields reduce the
value of these attributes. If a tank cannot be operated properly in
urban conditions, it can become a steel trap for its crew and a
liability to the forces operating with it. Some of the limitations
inherent in existing tank designs can be overcome by relatively simple
modifications that enable improved survivability and enhanced
application of urban combat tactics.
LIC modified tanks are equipped with larger vision blocks to improve
observation capabilities that are restricted by the older style vision
blocks. Even more useful are new independent sights provided for
vehicle commanders. Examples include the Commander's Independent
Thermal Viewer (CITV) included in the M-1A2 System Enhancement Package
(SEP), and the M-2 Bradley Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV). These
additional sights enable commander and gunner to simultaneously cover
different sectors with observation and firepower, and allow
observation of high elevation targets.
Urban modification kits
developed for modern tanks also include video cameras for viewing
'blind spots' around the tank, especially at the flanks and rear. When
a tank is maneuvering in close quarters, trying to avoid damage to the
vehicle and its surroundings, guidance is absolutely essential but
also exposes the guides to the risk of hostile fire. Voice control
over radio has been tried as an alternative to a dismounted guide, but
has proven to be less effective. A benefit of the new video system is
that it enables the driver to reverse and turn without such external
guidance. A 360 degree omni-directional panoramic video camera has
been tested on the Merkava Mk4. These
 video systems are equipped with
automatic motion detection capability to automatically detect and warn
of approaching threats, or hostiles climbing onto vehicles when they
are stationary.
Battle Management Systems (BMS) such as the net-centric US
FBCB2, the
Bowman Tank Digitization Program, implemented in the British
Challenger II, SIT, installed in the French
Leclerc or Israeli
WIN BMS
can dramatically improve the situational awareness of the tank
commander, especially when "buttoned up" for maximum protection. BMS
also enables firing at much closer ranges and with smaller safety
margins. It improves the allocation of areas of responsibility,
simplifies the establishment of compartmental sectors, and reduces
cross fire and the risk of fratricide.
Other topics covered in
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