I was wondering about these questions regarding the usage of
half-tracks during WW2.
According to wikipedia, a half-track is a vehicle with the
cross-country capabilities of a tank and the handling of a wheeled
vehicle.
I was thinking since WW2, tanks have been aroung for so many years
and they are full tracked vehicles, so why did the military
designers of the yester-years not make a APC with full-tracks
instead? Secondly, why all half-tracks do not have armour
protection at the top? Most half-tracks are exposed at the top with
only a canvas sheet to shield the passenger from the sun. I know
some may argue the exposed top allows rapid returning of fire, but
during FIBUA or air-burst rds fired upon them, aren't they afraid
that the crew might get killed or wounded? Lastly, the British used
Bren carriers during the WW2 which is a full tracked vehicle, so
what motivates the British in doing so, instead of following the
other to produce half-tacks?
