Tamagakure
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"Perhaps there is a universal, absolute truth. Perhaps it justifies every question. But that's beyond the reach of these small hands." - Yang Wen-li
Tank AA, 20 mm Quad, Skink was a Canadian Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon, developed in 1943-44, in response to a requirement from the Canadian Army Overseas. Due to a lack of threat from the German air force, the Skink was cancelled in 1944 after only a few had been built.
The Skink’s four 20 mm guns could fire 650 rounds per minute per gun. A modified Oilgear hydraulic traverse with two pumps could rotate the turret at up to 65 degress per second and - crucially for a quick response- - accelerate from rest to 60 degrees in 2 seconds. The guns’ elevation was also hydraulically assisted so the guns could move at up to 45 degress per second in an arc from -5 to +80. The gunner controlled both elevation and rotation with a joystick, and used a Mk.IX reflector sight. Initially it had been planned to build 300 Skink turrets for the Canadian and British armies.
One Skink was sent to Britain for evaluation and was then sent to France for field trials with the First Canadian Army. From 6 February to 11 March 1945, the Skink visited all but one of the Canadian armoured regiments - from Nijmegen to the Cleve area - frequently engaging in actual combat. All units found it to be a valuable asset.
Tank AA, 20mm Quad, Skink
Type self propelled anti-aircraft gun
Place of origin Canada
Production history
Number built 3
Specifications
Weight 28.5 t (25.9 tonnes) combat load
Length 19 ft 1 in (5.82 m)
Width 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
Height 9 ft 10 in (3 m)
Crew 4
Armour 2 inches (50 mm) (glacis)
Main
armament
4 x 20 mm Polsten automatic cannons
Engine Continental R975C1 radial engine, gasoline
350 hp (253 kW) at 2,400 rpm
Power/weight 14 hp/tonne
Suspension Vertical Volute spring Suspension (VVSS)
Ground clearance 17 inches (43 cm)
Fuel capacity 145 Imperial gallons (660 litres, 175 US gal)
Operational
range
120 miles (193 km)
Speed 24 mph (38.5 km/h) brief level
pity only a few made
im sure they would have served a good purpose/alternative to AA?
put it this way - if i was an infantryman, the sight of a tank with 4 x 20mm at 650rpm each,.... well it would scare me a lot more than a large bore turret with just a single machine gun?
a handful of these things would negate any "high ground" advantage for foot troops i recon
It was well liked by those who used it, against infantry it was overkill and it handled aircraft just fine.
Only 3 were built.... This never.got the chance to scare any one.