Remote controled tank (1944)

[sunny91]

Sunny

[wilbur1]

Holy cow was that for real?

[sunny91]

i found that:

REMOTE-CONTROLLED DEMOLITION VEHICLES

In Italy the Germans have used several types of small, remote-controlled, tank-like vehicles containing demolition charges. (The enemy also has used similar devices in Russia.) These vehicles appear to have been designed principally for use against tanks and pillboxes. The control is effected by means of a three-wire cable which unwinds from the miniature tank as it moves forward.
The specifications of the several models of this contraption vary somewhat, although not appreciably. One type has an approximate over-all length of 5 feet 4 inches, an approximate over-all width of 34 1/2 inches, and an approximate over-all height of 20 inches (see fig. 1). The body of the vehicle is made of thin steel, and is divided into three compartments. One contains the explosive charge (reported as about 80 pounds in a recent instance), another houses four relays for controlling the two electrically driven motors and for detonating the charge, and a third contains the drum of three-wide control cable. A cable guide made of steel is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
The machine can travel at a rate of speed which is equivalent to a fast walk. The operator at the control panel can direct the vehicle forward, to the left, or to the right, and can detonate the charge at whatever time he considers appropriate.
One of the drawbacks of this demolition vehicle is that the operator must have direct observation both on the vehicle and the target. It is believed that the preferred German method of operation is to direct the vehicle in a zigzag manner toward its target. The vehicle cannot travel over very rough terrain, and is definitely vulnerable to small-arms fire.


Sunny

[wilbur1]

No kiddin that is pretty cool, the germans built the first rc cars

[Arsenal VG-33]

The Germans actually got the idea from a French design captured in 1940. It was dumped into the Seine River to prevent it's capture but apparently some German troops saw the act and became interested and they eventually raised it. The French machine was designed by Adophe Kegresse, inventor of the half-track.

Adolphe Kégresse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


I've never seen a picture of the original French machine. Looking at the German Goliath, I bet it wouldn't be too difficult to reproduce this on 1-1 scale with plastic/balsa material for the R/C hobbyist.

[sunny91]

Sunny

[Matt308]

Great post!

[wilbur1]

THose pics are great!