Anti-Tank Motor Scooter

[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;

[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.

[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

[RJGold]

I need one for Houston traffic...

[Beiruty]

A modern Iranian version (it is an effective Anti-(medium) tank squads):

[gringo pistolero]

I need one for Houston traffic...

[jmra]

I need one for Houston traffic...

Another reason to avoid Houston.

[brhalltx]

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!"

[ELB]

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.

[WildBill]

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.

[ELB]

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.

[pancho]

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!

[WildBill]

Cool looking Vespa.

I wouldn't drive it to a shopping mall.

[Syntyr]

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"???

[Armybrat]

I do believe the French lost the Algerian War.