During the battle of 73 Eastings, supposedly an Iraqi ZSU-57 engaged an Abrams Main Battle Tank. The ZSU fired what appeared to be its entire load of ammo at the tank and failed to even damage it. Word has it that the paint wasn't even scratched after the ZSU subjected it to sustained heavy cannon fire. NOTE: The story always drifts between a '57 and a ZSU-23. Either way the results would be the same and the Iraqi's were brave but crazy---no way a traditional anti-air vehicle could hope to win against a MBT.
What if that wasn't the case anymore? What if the Canadians were in a way right with the Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle but aimed too high.
 |
| General Electrics DIVAD proposal |
During the early 80's the US Army was seeking to regain mobile air defense. The thinking was that the US and Soviet Union would be racing across the Middle East trying to control oil fields, the air war would be in the balance and that armored formations would have to provide their own protection against SU-25's seeking to swoop in and kill them.
General Electric proposed every skool boys dream. The GAU-8 cannon (the A-10 monster killer) inside the body of a main battle tank. The limited research that I've done indicate that its fire control and radar system cost them the win. But in an updated form, based on an Abrams should prove to be devastating. Imagine a Gatling gun equipped tank able to fire depleted uranium at ranges equal to a main gun, and yet versatile enough (and cost effective enough) to engage every other vehicle on the battlefield.
One thing is certain. With the proliferation of UAV's, stand off strike weapons, and with stealth becoming wide spread and threatening our ability to maintain Air Dominance (much less supremacy) its going to fall back on Air Defense Artillery to protect armored formations in the attack. The real problem is two fold. Commanders lack of knowledge on how to use them and ADA not providing a capability if air supremacy IS achieved. The future belongs to vehicles like the one shown above via the Brislin Presentation or with hybrid vehicles equipped with guns, anti-air missiles and DAGRs.
NOTE: Marine 83 brought another issue up that's rather disturbing. The clearance to fire is going to be an issue. If you're even a second late and you're able to kill the launch vehicle--- if the missiles are zooming toward your forces then its all for naught.
It might be time for the Army/Marines to start conducting anti-air drills again.
