I was monitoring the conversation on the K-21 Fighting Vehicle and the discussion turned (predictably) toward the Bradley IFV. I have always thought highly of this vehicle. When used in its intended role...as an IFV, I haven't seen better. Reference the 1st Gulf War and the Invasion of Iraq. The vehicle was a beast! It didn't perform well in a nation building role but quite honestly NO vehicle did. Even the much lauded MRAPS were impractical. They were much too tall, much too wide, much too long and not very agile on Middle Eastern city streets.
But back on task. Is the Bradley the best IFV in the world today? Consider the statement by Gunner...
To compere it with what? Are you sure?Thats being said in comparison to that old favorite the M113.
First of all my friend, we are talking about IFVs.
But I will play your game.
Firepower.
The M2A3 has the most sophisticated FCS in the World, with hunter-killer mode, auto tracking capabilities advanced thermal cameras ect. What of the above the M113 MRV has?
Let's move to the weapons now. The M242 is one of the most successful IFV weapons ever fielded. It is capable to destroy tanks from the sides. Against personnel the weapon offers more ready to use ammo than any other modern IFV with bigger caliber. Size matters but quantity of ready to use ammo matters more. This gives Bradley the advantage of more engagements with the enemy. The weapons of Bradley do not end with M242. It is equipped with a double TOW launcher. I don't have to tell you more I suppose. Of course the vehicle has a standard M240 coaxial MG.
Speed.
One of the main reasons the US army is dumping the M113 for the Bradley for the roles of Mortar Carrier ect. is speed. No need for me to say more. But lets go back to compare M113 MRV with Bradley on speed, are you sure the M113 MRV with the 2 man turret and it's ammo has the same speed as the standard M113?
Range.
M113 and M2Bradley have more or less the same Operational range. The M113 MRV has smaller Operational range range than the standard M113 because it carries the 2 man turret and it's ammo.
Let me add the final factor, Protection.
M113 MRV has protection level STANAG 4569 level 1. M2A3 Bradley as it is, has STANAG 4569 level 5, not counting ERA tiles.
But the K-21, Puma, BMP series and others only at best match it...and they don't have the combat record of the Bradley.
So having said all that is the Bradley the standard that all others still try to meet?