The closest weapon in tank performance was probably the British 17-pdr
as it could cause about the same amount of damage. Both the Soviet
85mm and American 90mm were modified from antiaircraft guns and had
good performance but not as high as that of the 17-pdr.
Realize that there is more legend than reality with the 88mm gun and
unless desperate most of the antiaircraft guns were not used as
antitank guns. The ones the GIs complained about were more likely
105mm leFH 18 howitzers, as they didn't generally ever fire artillery
missions either.
Cookie Sewell
Yep, I was just reading up about the 88 and was surprised to find that there
is more myth than truth. The reality was that there weren't that many of
them, were bulky to move around and difficult to hide. The very vast
majority of German anti-tank engagements used 37mm, 57mm and 75mm PAKs.
Of coarse they did have some very convincing successes but these have grown
into legend. A bit like every downed luftwaffe pilot in the Battle of
Britain was a victim of the Spitfire.
Cheers,
Nigel
The UK used the 3.7" AA Gun if you want a direct comparison for the AAA
role. It was used occasionally as a very successful ATk gun, but never
dual-roled like the 88mm
Chris
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