AMX Leclerc image - Tank Lovers Group

AA-machineguns aren't for anti air lol, they just call them that because thats what they used the commanders MG for back in WWII.

I think the real purpose of that machinegun is so that the commander can feel like a badass when he is peeking up from the hatch.

Opps, double post, so here's another pic from the cat vs dog armsrace: T3.gstatic.com

'I think the real purpose of that machinegun is so that the commander can feel like a badass when he is peeking up from the hatch.'

Somehow I highly doubt that. Also why wouldn't they use the AA for AA whenever they have the chance to? And when this happens the 7,62mm mg would only scratch the paintjob of a modern choper (i.e.) while the 12,7mm whould make it swiss cheese. See my point now?

Hinds arent modern and they can survive the 12,7mm also any modern helicopter should have AG misiles wich gives no chance to the tank to take down a chopper, maybe if they put and stinger launcher in the tank it would take down a moder chopper

indeed, that was my point foxtrop :P

Not until you put auto cannons on them like them Slovaks can you call them AA guns

Well, Hinds are one of few helis that can do both transport and infatry support as well. So Hinds are allways an exception. But still, 12,7mm should be on top of the tank, in case they need it. It will not necessarly shoot on attack helis. It will not be used to engage a heli on all ocasions. I'm simply trying to say that placing the hard hitter as a sponson is a tactical disadvantage by default if the tank ever gets the chance to shoot on a heli. It's simply more practical out of common sence.