Understanding Tank Flips and Recovery

Tanks are formidable and armored vehicles, but they are not invulnerable. Accidents such as a roll-over (or 'flip') can occur, leaving the crew and vehicle in a perilous situation. This article delves into the challenges of recovering a flipped tank and the implications for the crew.

Common Tank Designs and Flaws

No modern tank, except for the unique design of the Merkava, has side or bottom hatches. These weak points in the armor make them vulnerable to attacks, such as an Anti-Tank (AT) mine that can easily penetrate the armor from below. In older designs like the M60 and Leopard 1, escape hatches were placed in the floor for the driver and turret crew to exit in case of an emergency, but these have been phased out due to the risk of the hatches being blown away by an AT mine.

The Merkava is a distinctive modern tank with its engine positioned in the front, offering a more protected rear hatch that is well positioned between two heavily armored fuel tanks. This design, however, presents its own challenges during a rollover.

Recovery Scenarios and Odds

If a tank like the M1 Abrams rolls over, the gunner's and commander's hatches will be blocked, making it nearly impossible for them to escape. The turret crew's ability to exit depends on the turret's orientation during the rollover. If the turret is rotated with the gun facing rearward, the turret crew can exit through the driver’s tunnel and the vehicle through the driver’s hatch. The driver may have a slightly better chance of escaping as well, but the odds are against it. In the real world, the crew is likely to be trapped in such a scenario.

The only viable option in such a situation is to upright the vehicle using specialized recovery vehicles equipped with booms and proper recovery chains. This process is more dangerous and requires specific training and equipment. Historically, poorly trained recovery crews have been the main issue, leading to avoidable fatalities in mud or shallow water where the crew drowned.

Engineered for Recovery

The vehicle design and recovery provisions are accounted for during the construction process. Automotive engineers work to ensure that the recovery operations account for the loads placed on the vehicle during such incidents. Historically, the main hurdle has been the lack of properly trained crews rather than the physical impossibility of recovery.

Overall, while tanks can be recovered from a rollover, the process is arduous and dangerous. The only hope for survival lies in the capability and readiness of the recovery teams.

Additional Resources:

Army Manual ATP 4-31