Praying Mantis on a Universal Carrier
The Praying Mantis based on a Universal Carrier was an experimental military design aimed at improving infantry’s ability to engage targets from behind cover, particularly in urban combat or trench warfare scenarios. It was conceived to allow soldiers to fire weapons such as machine guns, anti-tank rifles, or even mortars, while remaining concealed behind walls or other obstacles, minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
The key feature of this design was a pivoting turret or mounting system, which allowed the weapon to be aimed and fired from behind cover, with the barrel or firing mechanism elevated above the wall. This would enable the operator to engage targets without being visible to the enemy, offering tactical advantages in situations where direct line-of-sight firing was difficult or dangerous.
The Praying Mantis system was based on a machine gun or anti-tank gun mounted on a vehicle or platform equipped with the ability to elevate the weapon over a wall or obstacle. For example, on a modified vehicle like the Universal Carrier, it could provide mobile fire support in urban settings. The operator would control the weapon from a sheltered position, allowing them to suppress or eliminate targets without exposing themselves to return fire.
While an innovative idea, the Praying Mantis system was never widely deployed or mass-produced, as other solutions to urban combat proved more practical.
