Name that Armored Apparatus

[Snarky]

So uh... This appears to be some sort of mobile artillery attached to a giant metal wang. What the heck is going on in this picture? What is that giant ....thing? Why is it shaped like that? Why do they think that camouflage would be effective on THAT?

I guess it could be firing shells into it to test the guns to make sure they don't explode without actually lobbing ordnance. Or it could be a giant sound cannon meant to shoot down satellites...



Radar Operator: Colonel, you better have a look at this radar.
Colonel: What is it, son?
Radar Operator: I don't know, sir, but it looks like a giant...
Jet Pilot: Dick. Dick, take a look out of starboard.
Co-Pilot: Oh my God, it looks like a huge...
Bird-Watching Woman: Pecker.
Bird-Watching Man: [raising binoculars] Ooh, Where?
Bird-Watching Woman: Over there. What sort of bird is that? Wait, it's not a woodpecker, it looks like someone's...
Army Sergeant: Privates. We have reports of an unidentified flying object. It has a long, smooth shaft, complete with...
Baseball Umpire: Two balls.
[looking up from game]
Baseball Umpire: What is that. It looks just like an enormous...
Chinese Teacher: Wang. pay attention.
Wang: I was distracted by that giant flying...
Musician: Willie.
Willie: Yeah?
Musician: What's that?
Willie: [squints] Well, that looks like a huge...
Colonel: Johnson.
Radar Operator: Yes, sir?
Colonel: Get on the horn to British Intelligence and let them know about this

 

[Pawnshop]

I have been told it is a "sound moderator", don't know if that is correct though...

 

[Snarky]

I have been told it is a "sound moderator", don't know if that is correct though...

That's a heck a silencer, I need one for my deuce.

 

[Pawnshop]

Here is a photo of a German version:

 

[southdave]

was that intro from Austin Powers?

 

[ida34]

The tracks are Paladin M109 series self propelled howitzers and the apparatus is used in testing. Not sure exactly what it does but it is not for anything other than testing.

 

[deuce259]

Looks like the M109's trying to make baby M109's. That's where they come from right?....right?

 

[Snarky]

The hive queen hungers for more steel!

 

[bulldog_mack13]

Nothing more than test stuff. I dont see the need of something to muffel the sound with the max range being what it is.

 

[Snarky]

Here is a photo of a German version:

The german one looks less impressive.

 

[croftonaviation]

was that intro from Austin Powers?

yes, and thanks to snarky for posting it. I laugh every time I see it.

 

[Pawnshop]

Nothing more than test stuff. I dont see the need of something to muffel the sound with the max range being what it is.

From what I have read on the www on the subject it appears to be the result of noise complaints from the neighbors of arty training ranges.

 

[David_4x4]

It's a suppressor for noise restraints in Europe.