I've not been able to figure this out from photos. Are the thermal sleeves on the barrel of the t-64b cloth or metal covered. I'm trying to figure if they should be painted a different color than the rest of the barrel. I know the sleeves for the Chieftains and Challengers are canvas(?).

I don't remember seeing inside one but the cuter all surface is smooth sheet metal. I'd imagine that it is lined with insulation of some kind (asbestos?). I'll see if I have a manual that gives any clues.

Russian thermal sleeves are thin (more or less) metal tubes which allow the gun barrel to cool thanks to the air "trapped" inside.
On French tanks, there are a number of holes drilled at the bottom of the sleeves to improve the cooling as well as evacuate the humidity.

Edit : looks like the German thermal sleeves are thin metal sheet too. (Danish Leo on the picture)


Olivier

RE: Danish Leo ..... Ouch! No need to dig that deep, Robert. Just need to know the outer makings for painting. Like I said I remember Centurion/ Chieftain / Challenger having cloth sleeves. Even if an attempt at having barrel and sleeves the same color the fabric would be a little off. Thanks guys .

Hi;

The Thermo Sleeve's are Painted the same Color as the rest of the Vehicle.

CHEERS; MIKE.

Spasiba.