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Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 11:10 pm
by WildBill
This is actually real. The Vespa 150 TAP is a Vespa scooter modified for use with paratroops. Introduced in 1956 and updated in 1959, it was produced by Ateliers de Construction de Motocycles et Automobiles (ACMA), the licensed assembler of Vespas in France at the time. Modifications from the civilian Vespa included a reinforced frame and a three inch recoilless rifle mounted to the scooter.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vespa_150_TAP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 11:40 pm
by G.A. Heath
For the record it doesn't look like a good idea, in fact it looks like something born out of a "Hold my beer and watch this ..." session. With that said, I must admit I like it.
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:25 am
by surprise_i'm_armed
The bad idea here would be to remain astride the scooter while firing.
Methinks that if you dismounted the vehicle before firing, you'd be OK. :-)
SIA
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:10 am
by RJGold
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 7:13 am
by Beiruty
A modern Iranian version (it is an effective Anti-(medium) tank squads):

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 1:34 pm
by gringo pistolero
RJGold wrote:I need one for Houston traffic...

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:36 pm
by jmra
Another reason to avoid Houston.

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 4:06 pm
by brhalltx
G.A. Heath wrote:For the record it doesn't look like a good idea, in fact it looks like something born out of a "Hold my beer and watch this ..." session. With that said, I must admit I like it.
That's "Hey y'all, watch this!"
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 4:08 pm
by ELB
Beiruty wrote:A modern Iranian version (it is an effective Anti-(medium) tank squads):
[
Image ]
Interesting that the drivers get motorcycle helmets, but the gunners have to make do with regular military helmets or soft covers.
Also, they could use some Krylon on some of those bikes.

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 4:10 pm
by WildBill
brhalltx wrote:G.A. Heath wrote:For the record it doesn't look like a good idea, in fact it looks like something born out of a "Hold my beer and watch this ..." session. With that said, I must admit I like it.
That's "Hey y'all, watch this!"
I am trying to find someone with experience shooting this thing so I can have a demo before I buy one.
I can't seem to find any.

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 4:15 pm
by ELB
surprise_i'm_armed wrote:The bad idea here would be to remain astride the scooter while firing.
Methinks that if you dismounted the vehicle before firing, you'd be OK. :-)
SIA
Apparently the designers thought this also. I started wondering how you actually aimed that thing, especially elevation, and looked through the Wikipedia link:
"Due to the lack of any kind of aiming devices the recoilless rifle was never designed to be fired from the scooter, the gun was mounted on a tripod which was also carried by the scooter, before being fired."
Also says 800 of these things were used in the Algerian War.
Cool looking Vespa.
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 8:49 pm
by pancho
brhalltx wrote:G.A. Heath wrote:For the record it doesn't look like a good idea, in fact it looks like something born out of a "Hold my beer and watch this ..." session. With that said, I must admit I like it.
That's "Hey y'all, watch this!"
carro armato?
ciao!
Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 8:50 pm
by WildBill
ELB wrote:Cool looking Vespa.
I wouldn't drive it to a shopping mall.

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 10:04 pm
by Syntyr
WildBill wrote:This is actually real. The Vespa 150 TAP is a Vespa scooter modified for use with paratroops. Introduced in 1956 and updated in 1959, it was produced by Ateliers de Construction de Motocycles et Automobiles (ACMA), the licensed assembler of Vespas in France at the time. Modifications from the civilian Vespa included a reinforced frame and a three inch recoilless rifle mounted to the scooter.
Hmmm I wonder if this is considered "open carry"???

Re: Anti-Tank Motor Scooter
Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 12:08 pm
by Armybrat
I do believe the French lost the Algerian War.
