Arms and Armour

Czech hedgehog

The Czech hedgehog (Czech: rozsocháč or ježek) is a static anti-tank obstacle defense made of metal angle beams or I-beams (that is, lengths with an L- or I-shaped cross section). It is similar in shape to metal knucklebones, although on a much larger scale. The hedgehog is very effective in keeping light to medium tanks and vehicles from penetrating a line of defense; it maintains its function even when tipped over by a nearby explosion. Although Czech hedgehogs may provide some scant cover for attacking infantry, infantry forces are generally much less effective against fortified defensive positions than mechanized units. Their invention is credited to a Czechoslovak officer, Major František Kašík.

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See also

• ▸Châtillon, Hauts-de-Seine
• ▸Independence I culture
• ▸Battle of Cannae

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