17.06.2008, 12:30
I just recalled another urban...sorry, Navy legend:
new 4x20'mm turret was installed on a destoyer, and tested on another destroyer - the latter was cut in half and sank. I heard the story several times until I met retired officer who served on the ship with that 4x20'. He DID confirm sinking of target ship... but added, she was an old mine sweeper with wooden hull... and it was shooting at point blank range, in calm weather, target ship's engine stopped, etc...
and some more:
I've been on a tanker which was accidentally attacked in Gulf of Aden in 1989 by artillery/missile boats. at least 3x30'mm hit superstructure, leaving huge dents - but no holes. no idea what type of shell it was. and both hull and superstructure was peppered with smaller calibre fire - yeah, too much repainting and a bit ugly look... but nothing critical.
it's interesting also to study reports on Persian Gulf attacks on tankers in 80's-early 90's.
Also many accidents in North Vietnam when US pilots shoot/drop at merchant vessels: one USSR freighter indeed was lost after direct missile hit...crew couldn't contain the fire and had to abandon. There have never been critical damages due to cannon fire.
sorry for 'light' offtoping, but hope it helps to understand.
new 4x20'mm turret was installed on a destoyer, and tested on another destroyer - the latter was cut in half and sank. I heard the story several times until I met retired officer who served on the ship with that 4x20'. He DID confirm sinking of target ship... but added, she was an old mine sweeper with wooden hull... and it was shooting at point blank range, in calm weather, target ship's engine stopped, etc...
and some more:
I've been on a tanker which was accidentally attacked in Gulf of Aden in 1989 by artillery/missile boats. at least 3x30'mm hit superstructure, leaving huge dents - but no holes. no idea what type of shell it was. and both hull and superstructure was peppered with smaller calibre fire - yeah, too much repainting and a bit ugly look... but nothing critical.
it's interesting also to study reports on Persian Gulf attacks on tankers in 80's-early 90's.
Also many accidents in North Vietnam when US pilots shoot/drop at merchant vessels: one USSR freighter indeed was lost after direct missile hit...crew couldn't contain the fire and had to abandon. There have never been critical damages due to cannon fire.
sorry for 'light' offtoping, but hope it helps to understand.