Russia's strangely modified tanks: A risky gamble on the frontlines
The Russians have not ceased using frontal attacks on Ukrainian positions. Some of these occur on motorcycles and strangely modified civilian cars, while others take place in barely functioning armoured wrecks. Here, we present an example of a vehicle from the latter category.
In recent months, Russians have been more frequently observed during assaults in oddly modified civilian automobiles or motorcycles and armoured equipment collectively referred to as "shed tanks" or "barn tanks."
In the video below, a "barn tank" is shown, identifiable by the hull of a T-54/55 or T-62 tank due to the number of road wheels. A Russian actor even displays the interior, revealing the absence of a turret. Its position is claimed by a superstructure constructed from scrap metal, mesh, wood, and pieces of rubber resembling conveyor belts. Inside, there are seats for a large assault group.
A scrap metal substitute for an armoured taxi
While for tanks, layering scrap metal over half a metre away from the actual armoured surface might be effective against FPV drones with anti-tank bomblets or older PG-7VL grenades, this is not valid for the superstructure alone.
This is because, even if a shaped-charge warhead is detonated farther away, the cumulative jet still retains reduced penetration capabilities. Regarding the superstructure made from scrap, it will not protect the occupants from these threats, and based on the construction, there might also be issues with fragments from artillery shells.
The discussed vehicle is most likely the product of finding a still functional hull of a T-54/55 or T-62 tank in the rear and the desire to create a substitute due to the shortage of BMPs or BTRs in the unit to which it belongs.
Essentially, the only individual this vehicle might safeguard is the driver, and we're speaking solely about improvised anti-tank weapons, not military systems like the FGM-148 Javelin launcher. Meanwhile, for the remainder of the passengers, it will be a death trap if attacked by anything.
