Thread: Opening Windsceens...........

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

The South African Defence Force (SADF) had opening screens on their Land Rovers, so they could shoot out of them. I have more images at home but these are a start.

This image is of a SA Police vehicle of which the windscreen does not open.

The knobbies on the frame is where one attaches the windscreen protection grid. The front door's knobbies are also visible.

These vehicles were deployed often in townships where the SA Police were tasked to keep opposing factions apart and they themselves invariably became the target of stone throwing (Soweto confetti)

The reason for the opening windows on the SADF vehicles was not for shooting out of, but to get air movement through the vehicle when stationary. Most opening windscreens are found on vehicles where an operator would work in when the vehicle is stationary, example Crypto Office, Office, Radio Relay, RF Transmitter, RF Receiver, Direction Finder, Communications Center etc. Later vehicles had air conditioners that made the opening windscreens redundant.