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why don’t tank guns use gas blowback systems like assault rifles?

Mark Sterling
Mark Sterling
Research Editor · Feb 26, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

From: _URL_0_ Autoloaders represent tradeoffs. I do think it is possible to design a compartmentalized autoloader that might be able to be as fast as a human and perhaps ammo change-out of ammo as needed. But it would be bulky, heavy and likely quite expensive.

136
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1 min
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#46
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The Short Answer

From: _URL_0_ Autoloaders represent tradeoffs. I do think it is possible to design a compartmentalized autoloader that might be able to be as fast as a human and perhaps ammo change-out of ammo as needed. But it would be bulky, heavy and likely quite expensive. If you break the autoloader or take a hard hit, you could jam the autoloader even if the hull or turret isn't penetrated. Keep in mind the Russians went with autoloaders in the T-64, T-72, T-80 and T-90 designs as a way of keeping their tanks smaller. The lower profile and smaller internal volume made an autoloader desirable otherwise a human would be in a very cramped turret with the commander and gunner. Their tank design philosophy was simply different. Crew protection and survivability was not one of the driving factors.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Autoloader, autoloaders, design

This explanation focuses on autoloader, autoloaders, design and spans 136 words across 8 sentences. At 89% above the average Science explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “From: _URL_0_ Autoloaders represent tradeoffs.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.

How This Compares in Science

Ranked #46 of 500 Science questions by answer depth (top 10%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why tank guns use gas blowback systems like assault rifles?

From: _URL_0_ Autoloaders represent tradeoffs. I do think it is possible to design a compartmentalized autoloader that might be able to be as fast as a human and perhaps ammo change-out of ammo as needed. But it would be bulky, heavy and likely…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Science questions?

This is one of the most thorough answer at 136 words, ranked #46 of 500 Science questions by depth. The key concepts covered are autoloader, autoloaders, design.

What approach does this answer take to explain tank guns use gas blowback systems like assault rifles?

The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 136 words. It is categorized under Science and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.