"Are Modern/Near Future/Sci Fi Halftracks possible?" Topic

I was thinking of coming up with some factions for a near futures game universe and that got me thinking about what kind of vehicles they use

And then the question of "besides being really low tech, could the half track technology be developed any further to promote continued use?"

Or would it be far more realistic if the technology of off road vehicles and fast(er) tank treads eventually overtake halftracks?

I was thinking this today, I saw a post on TMP that had a halftrack in it somewhere.

I think it would work in some sci-fi settings but not all.
For me and my games though, they will not be making an appearance, just does not seem to sit well.

perfect for post apoc though, especially if it cobbled together from two or more vehicles.

Might be found to be cost effective.

It wood be visually cool. But there's a reason half tracks aren't used on modern battlefields. :-)

I saw a picture once of a futuristic vehicle that was wheeled but had tracks wropped over them like snowchains.

Problem with halftracks is you have the worst of both worlds-blown tires and thrown tracks.

or you could have a combi-drive vehicle that has tracks and legs that fold up when not in use. Austrians had one where the tracks raised up and lowered wheels for roadtravel. Better tech makes it more feasible.

Or replace interchange wheels with a track module for different terrain.

Might have been this one:

link

They probably are the worst of both worlds for all the reasons stated. Interesting to note that the IAF used all of the M3's they had for as long as they could but they are masters at 'make do and mend' so perhaps that doesn't say much.

I just think they're such a laugh !

John T

I seem to remember that one of the early concepts looked at for the Bradley IFV was a half-track arrangement before they settled on a full track setup.
BTW, I have always loved those Dragoon half-tracks for the Hammer's world, efficient or not. Lovely paint job.

The Old Crow Dragoon is great and adds visual interest and for me "looks right" and is therefore acceptable. As for real world I think they've had their day, which is a shame 'cos I've always liked the kettenkrad.

Why would you have a "half-track" when these things exist today:

They improve a vehicle's off-road capabilities by a ton and they are easy to change out from wheeled to tracked with just the crew. They weigh in at about 3,500lbs, but pretty cool!

link

Halftracks were popular when truck engines were struggling to exceed 100 horsepower, and had 'pizza cutter' tires. That combination results in really lousy off-road performance.

Today, a truck with the same weight has more like 300 horsepower and nice fat tires for floatation in soft ground. And let's not forget fun things like central tire inflation and adjustable ride-height suspensions.

fully tracked vehicles can still go more places, but a light 8x8 wheeled vehicle can go almost anywhere that a tank can. Heavier ones like Strykers are a bit limited, but a Stryker is nearly as heavy as a Bradley.

The only advantage for a half track over a full track is that it has a cheaper and simpler gearbox due to the lack of torque differential steering (no HSU or equivalent). And uses a few less track blocks. The primary advantage for those Israeli M3s is that they had a fair number of common parts with a GM 2-1/2 ton truck, and the Deuce and a half just would not die.

It wood be visually cool.

There you go -- they'll be out there on the battlefield with the giant, stompy robots.

youtu.be/hH8cbbosyrE

Moqawama if only it was in 28mm scale that would be awesome.

FWIW Brigade Models UK has a faction with halftracks (6mm).

Halftracks are just cool. Who looks at a big 4x4 and has the same "wow" moment that seeing even an old 'track gives? Sure, wheeled makes more real world sense, but still not as cool…

this is cool

When I was in the Army, our trailers hade four wheels, and each side had a removal rubber track. It was quite a nice setup. I could something like that being done in the future for multirole vehicles.