To me it doesn't seem like a good idea to leave them dangling when you are driving around. Besides the chance of them deciding to break loose fromjust wear and tear there is the chance of them snagging something (like a wire loop sticking up that is connected to something that would then be pulled up in contact with the hull.- SFC_Jeff_ButtonAll armor needs drain-plugs, or an awfully large shop-vac, to get out their fluids that accumulate. I'm VERY familiar with the M113 family of vehicles, as I still serve on them, (M1964 Mortar carriers, M577 FDC). We dont have "dummy-corded" drain plugs. We always loose them at the wash racks or in the field. Seems like a good idea.
They are left hanging so the fluids in the hull can drain out. They are small enough so the blast from an IED would most likely not be effected.- SFC_Jeff_ButtonI haven't been around Stryker vehicles but my guess is that those "dingleberries" are actually drain-plugs that are secured to the hull with small chains so they aren't lost. Why they are left hanging is another question.
- mike_DuplessisAlso, open drain plug when an IED goes off underneath would imply an access hole for the blast. Not the best of ideas. Any of you old armor types drive around in the field much with the belly drain plugs undone?
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