MIAS Tracked Gun Shield
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ChatGPT said:
The MIAS was an experimental Italian tracked vehicle developed in 1935 by Ansaldo, one of Italy’s leading military manufacturers during the interwar period. It was not a traditional tank but more of a mobile, armoured gun shield designed to protect a single soldier advancing under fire. The concept aimed to offer better infantry protection and suppressive fire in conditions similar to World War I trench warfare.
Two versions of the vehicle were created: one with twin machine guns, and another variant, the MORAS, equipped with a small mortar. Both shared the same chassis and concept, differing only in their weapon systems.
The tracked chassis was powered by a 250 cc Frera petrol engine producing about 5 horsepower, giving it a top speed of around 5 km/h forward and 2.2 km/h in reverse. The operator, rather than sitting, crouched behind the armoured front plate while steering and firing. Armour protection was focused on the front to withstand rifle-calibre armour-piercing rounds. The sides and roof offered limited protection, while the rear and underside were left exposed.
The machine-gun version carried twin 6.5 mm weapons with about 1,000 rounds and allowed for limited aiming movement. The mortar-equipped version used a 45 mm Brixia Model 35, firing up to 50 explosive rounds in an indirect fire role.
Only two prototypes were ever built—one of each type. After evaluation, the Italian military rejected the design due to its poor speed, impractical crew position, and minimal battlefield effectiveness. As a result, the project never advanced to mass production, and the vehicles never saw combat.
No known examples survive today. The prototypes were likely scrapped after trials. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the vehicle remains a unique example of interwar experimentation with armoured mobility and infantry protection.
I do believe that allies should have had something like these for D - Day landings to reduce the killings coming out of landing craft ,too many good men were mown down through machine gun fire from the Buzz saws on cliff tops emplacements.
