CommPost

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

HOLY CRAP! This is the best thing I've seen in months!

From Britain's 'Daily Mail' newspaper.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=485191&in_page_id=1965

"Prepare for battle, it's the paintball panzer tankLast updated at 11:59am on 2nd October 2007
The team-bonding game of paintballing is about to get a whole lot more serious - after mini-tanks were invented to go into battle.

The Paintball Panzer tank will give office workers the chance to exact the ultimate revenge on their shell-shocked bosses when it takes to the battlefield.
The one-manned machine runs on a Honda petrol engine and is armed with a 2ft gun that has the capability to pepper the opposition with 15 rounds of paint per second.
Scroll down for more...

Ready, aim, fire: The Paintball Panzer fires up to 15 paint balls a second
The 9,000 pounds tank, which is 3ft tall and 7ft long, has dual caterpillar tracks to manoeuvre through woodland, ditches and rough terrain.

It has been launched to give the war game - introduced to Britain 25 years ago and popular for corporate events and stag dos - a radical revolution.

Just like in the theatre of war, its inventors say the tank will provide the infantry paintballers with armoured cover when they take on rival teams.

Paintballing centres across Britain are being advised to buy the pocket tanks in pairs to make games more fairer.

Ron Francis, of Funtrak Ltd based in Blackpool, Lancs, said: "We have trialled it out at a few
paintballing centres and every single player had a huge grin on their face.

On the attack: The one-manned machine runs on a Honda petrol engine and is armed with a 2ft gun

"Everybody wanted a go on it, they loved it. It takes paintballing to a whole new level and gives it fresh excitement.

"It allows armour to enter the simulated combat arena for the first time. "It can be used to spearhead a frontal assault or as armour to protect infantry.
"Its gives workers the opportunity to take revenge on their bosses in great style.
"Being hit by one paintball hurts but can you image the pain of being struck 15 times a second?
"Alternatively, the gun can be set to scattergun effect which enables it to take out several players in one go."

The tank, which has a fibreglass, camouflage shell, was invented by former RAF engineer Philip Parsons who built one for his own personal use.

He then got he idea to make a business out of it and turned to Mr Francis, 52, who is now selling the tanks.

During a 20 minute game, the tank can by put out of action if it is struck in a particular spot a set number of times.

A marshall keeping count on the number of hits has the ability to cut off the engine with a remote control if, for example, it is struck 10 times on its front.

It also comes complete with a two-way radios so drivers on the same team can communicate to one another.

Mr Francis said: "People think there is a quad bike underneath the shell but it is a tank.
"It has been designed from the ground up and has hydraulic drive and caterpillar tracks. It is steered using two levers just like a normal tank.
"Obviously because it is miniature, the driver's head in exposed so there is a roll-bar to protect you if it overturns.
"Philip Parsons designed and built one for his own personal use and people saw it and asked where he got it from.
"We have turned his idea and hobby around and made it into a business.
"The Panzer has a number of barrel attachments, so you can fit all sorts of guns on top of it, from a normal paintball gun and a water-cannon."

Mr Francis said that as well as paintballing, the tank can be fitted with an electronic Laser Tag gun, which is similar to paintballing but because it is infrared technology it doesn't hurt when you get hit.

The Panzer tank can also be classed as a motor vehicle and be public highway, as long as it has a number plate and road tax. "

HUZZAH!

P

4 Comments:

  • Now that's a "Willy Pusher". ;)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:53 PM  

  • Actually it probably has about as much firepower and engine speed as the original 'willy pusher'. WWII churchill tanks were not noted for their heavy guns or speed!

    Cheers,

    P

    By Blogger Patrick, at 11:05 AM  

  • LOL...yes! I knew you'd pick up on the reference.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:00 AM  

  • The British War Museum had some very impressive artefacts, guns, artillery - and you bet - tanks.

    And can't forget those two massive, 16-18 inch (?) guns from the deck of an old battleship featured outside at the main entrance.

    Wouldn't want to be at the receiving end of that volley.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:04 AM  

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