In the 70’s, U.S. basic training included training in squad engagement of aircraft, whether fighters, or transports,etc. Usually, it amounted to one, perhaps two hits out of ten shots fired, whether these would cause enough damage to force a withdrawal is anyone’s guess.
Bringing down an aircraft with 5,56mm ?..hmmmm 
That reminds me of this one of the extremely light Soviet AA action
This was the medium AAA, PTRD 14,5mm.
Well, if the plane was low enough, cant reach out too far with the 5.56, but it may keep the baddies off your back for awhile…
I guess a well placed bullet could pierce the cockpit plexiglass…
Actually, an aircraft, especially a jet flying at several hundred miles per hour, could be peppered by dozens of 5.56mm or 7.62mm rounds that could cause significant damage not unlike a flak burst…
Aircraft (at least those in WWII) were made out of sheet metal, a foil. One doesn’t need much armour penetration force.
Most AA ammo was HE, not AP.
Even a jet flying several hundred kilometers and hour is going to have a hard time if flying into bullets showering the plane. Even bits of flak the size of your finger could severally damage engines, fuselages, etc…
Looks like front hull armour has also been added.
The Pershing tracks should stick out about a foot in front of hull, but this modded Pershing armour is about level with the front tracks.
While small bore A.A. gun fire(.50cal or smaller) was generally A.P. incendiary, the explosive projectiles are used in A.A. guns of 20 mm and larger. Its not that smaller exploders cant be made, its that they would yield no practical benefit over the more easily and cheaply produced A.P.I. ammo.
The use of infantry squads to fire on low flying aircraft has been well practiced, and is surprisingly effective. They use only general issue ammunition.
How 'bout this one? The crew of this Pershing protected their vehicle’s gun mantlet with some additional armour of a German Panther - as it was written about this photo…
Definately a good idea, beside that spaced armor probably gave more chances against the panzerfaust.
Interesting photo of Degtyarev Shpagin DShK 38 12,7mm machinegun in Luftwaffe hands.
From: U.S. Army In World War II, 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, Volumes: The European Theater / The Mediterranean Theater / The War Against Japan - Pictorial Records, Kent Roberts Greenfield - General Editor (1953) thru Maurice Matloff - General Editor (1972), The National Historical Society, 1994.
These men apear to be Japanese-American soldiers of the famous 442nd RCT (Regimental Combat Team)
Nice pics and text George, good to see you…
Thank you Nick, I guess it has been awhile.
Been kind of involved with other things…
George,
Good to see you back.
We’ve missed you.
Japanese -americans with german equipment, that was weird. welcome back dear Jorge.
Thanks RS
I thought the same thing PK, very unusual.
Thanks for the welcome back
Hey George it’s good to see you’re back.
Many thanks VW
Somebody just posted this one at the photo section and called it an armoured trolley…
What the…?
Or maybe they’re just “Team Biathlon” contestants?