Susano Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 http://thrillingwonder.blogspot.com/2006/12/mystery-photo-one-seriously-empowered.html After World War II, there was little money for defense spending while the nations of Europe rebuilt their industry and society. When there was some cash to spend, one had to be creative to stretch it as far as possible. The French probably accomplished the most astounding example of that with the ACMA Troupes Aeról Portées Mle. 56. Deployed with their airborne forces, this was essentially a militarized Vespa scooter outfitted with a 75mm recoilless rifle. Five parachutes would carry the two-man gun crew, weapon, ammunition, and two scooters safely to earth, and the men would load the weapon on one scooter and the ammo on the other, then ride away. More impressively, the recoilless rifle could be fired effectively on the move by the best of the gun crews. Total cost? About $500 for the scooter and the recoilless rifle was war surplus. Were they successful military machines? Well, the French Army deployed about 800 armed scooters in wars conducted in both Algeria and Indochina. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjamma4 Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle Were they successful military machines? Well' date=' the French Army deployed about 800 armed scooters in wars conducted in both Algeria and Indochina.[/i'] I seem to recall it being called French Indochina back then and now.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cancer Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle Hm. If I had one of those, I'd think about commuting with it. Yowza. I'd probably bankrupt myself buying ammo, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaft Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle Finally, a vehicle for Janet Van Dyne! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vondy Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle And since its recoilless you can fire while you ride... eat that Commander Bond! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost-angel Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle The mind boggles. Truly. I need one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapier Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle Even if it was a mock-up and not and actual working model, I believe your commute would be rather idiot free. I mean, who in there right mind is gonna cut you off if you are riding one of those!?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadowcat1313 Posted December 18, 2006 Report Share Posted December 18, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle I really hate to do this... yeah right and to quote the website That's the only time I've seen a Vespa that could honestly be called a crotch rocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spence Posted December 19, 2006 Report Share Posted December 19, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle I'm sorry. I just can't help it. I have visions of.... The Charge of the Foxbatminions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordGhee Posted December 19, 2006 Report Share Posted December 19, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle I can just amagin what the para thought when they where issued. when you think you have seen everything. rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperPheemy Posted December 19, 2006 Report Share Posted December 19, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle All I can say is.... Ciao! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadowcat1313 Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle upon some further research on this, I was really disapointed to find this out The RR wasnt fired in the position its shown in, it was a shoulder mounted weapon that was dismounted before firing darnit... the amusing possibilties for AutoDuel Champions or Car Wars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gewing Posted December 23, 2006 Report Share Posted December 23, 2006 Re: Vespa with 75mm recoiless rifle upon some further research on this, I was really disapointed to find this out The RR wasnt fired in the position its shown in, it was a shoulder mounted weapon that was dismounted before firing darnit... the amusing possibilties for AutoDuel Champions or Car Wars Supposedly some of the really hot troops could fire it while riding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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