Ukraine has filled the streets with Czech hedgehogs, modern antitank obstacles derived from the Friesian horses. Here’s how they work and why they’re called that.
Photo credit: Twitter
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Since the war in Ukrainesubsequent toinvasion of Russiathe streets of Kyiv and other cities filled with defense systems already widespread during the Second World War: I Czech hedgehog. They are simple but very efficient tank obstacles, which have the ability to slow and block the advance of enemy vehicles. In fact, tanks and other vehicles trying to mount it can get stuck or seriously damaged due to their particular shape. tripod. They are modern versions of the horses of Friesland, obstacles made of wood, metal, wire and other intertwined elements designed to counter cavalry (in ancient times) and, more recently, vehicles. Considering the huge number of land vehicles that were sent past to fly To attack Ukraine, it is no wonder that Czech hedgehogs are widespread in cities, as shown in the following images published on Twitter.
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Czech hedgehogs are obstacles consisting of two bar / bar of metal (e.g. steel) heavily welded together, to which is added a third, which serves as a fulcrum. They can be reinforced with plates, rivets and bolts. The result is a stable and heavy structure with six feet, three of which are always resting on the ground. Although rudimentary, these defense systems are extremely effective, in part because they always return to their position, even after being knocked off by an explosion. In order to let the vehicles pass, the soldiers have to remove them manually, exposing themselves to enemy fire. A tank stuck or damaged by a Czech hedgehog is also easy prey for defenders. It’s no coincidence that stations are placed around these structures to hit the stranded invaders hard. To understand their importance, just remember that in Ukraine the company specializes in construction railway tracks switched its production to Czech sea urchins. In a press release in early March, Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) announced the production of 831 units, of which 517 have already been delivered.
Why are they called Czech hedgehogs?
The Czech name derives from the fact that the first country where they were used was Czechoslovakiato defend against the advanceNazi Army. However, the first examples from the 1930s were made of reinforced concrete, an easily destructible material that could also offer protection to enemy forces. So it was decided to build them out of metal (during WWII they were also made out of wood and other makeshift materials like railroad tracks). Especially during the Second World War, these devices played a fundamental role, so much so that the Russia has a monument in Moscow with three huge Czech hedgehogs. Built in 1966 along the M10 highway, it marks the point at which Nazi troops stepped onto Soviet soil. That too Normandy landings it was heavily influenced by the Czech sea urchins, which made the use of the amphibious vehicles difficult. Today they are a valuable resource in protecting Ukrainian cities.
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The monument in Russia. Source: Wikipedia