Incredible Military Analysis: The Astonishing Impracticality of Rambo 3's Tank Battle!

According to military expert Nicholas Moran, the tank vs. helicopter battle in Rambo 3 lacks logic and realism. In his analysis of the scene, Moran points out the inaccuracies in the capabilities of the vehicles and criticizes the poor tactics employed by both the chopper pilot and Rambo himself.

Rambo has entered what I'll refer to as a T-72, although technically it is not. The helicopter depicted here is meant to represent a Hind, although it might actually be a Puma. The Hind, or Mi-24, was a heavily armored gunship capable of carrying troops while also being equipped with a multitude of rockets and missiles. Essentially, it can be likened to a flying tank.

Now, the question arises: is Rambo driving the tank or manning the guns? I can only think of one tank, the Swedish Strv 103, also known as the S-tank, that possesses full combat capability with just one crew member.

The driver also serves as the gunner, which is why it's recommended to have anti-aircraft vehicles accompany you. Their role is to protect against airborne threats.

Our enemy is operating an attack helicopter, equipped with missiles such as the AT-2 Swatters, that can effectively strike from several kilometers away. However, instead of targeting vital areas like the engine deck or rear turret, the helicopter inexplicably fires unguided rockets towards the front of the Rambo tank, where they would have limited impact.

And so the enemy pilot meets the fate that his foolishness has earned. It is advised, if one must engage in a direct confrontation with an aircraft, it should be approached at an oblique angle. This not only requires the attacker to aim accurately but also account for the change in distance effectively. Conversely, charging straight towards the aircraft simplifies the task for the oncoming vehicle. It relieves them of the need to worry about precise aiming. Considering its armored capability, I would rate it as a one.

Rambo III Epitomizes ‘80s Excess

Upon its release in 1982, the original First Blood depicted the story of a misunderstood Vietnam veteran (portrayed by Stallone) who confronts law enforcement in a small community located in the Pacific Northwest. However, by the time Rambo: First Blood Part II hit theaters in 1985, the character of Rambo had transformed into a violent one-man army, abandoning any semblance of realism. Rambo III then took this concept to the extreme, becoming an exercise in excessive action comparable to other exaggerated Stallone films of the time, such as Rocky IV and Cobra.

It is not surprising that a military expert would give Rambo III low marks for realism. During the film's release, Stallone's focus was more on showcasing his physique and satisfying his devoted fans rather than telling believable stories. The somewhat introspective Stallone seen in Rocky and First Blood was no longer present in Rambo 3, being replaced by a muscular, violence-driven character resembling an action figure drenched in oil.