If the driver windows have a high level of protection aren't they still going to attract fire? I'd be curious to see why this vehicle is superior to a rebuilt M113 along with a cost comparison?
The M113 carries 11 dismounts vs 8, weighs half as much, is amphibious, can be air dropped by a C-130, is widely available, cheap, and has various up armor packages available. I'm sure the G5 is a wonderful vehicle but personally I'm not in favor of any APC or IFV carrying less than 10 dismounts.
Mysteriously enough even the US Army has finally adopted this attitude and it now requires it's next IFV to carry at least 9 dismounts (or a full Army squad). This requirement is the result of a decade of combat experience. Obviously other nations make an 8 man squad work and so this vehicle might be perfectly fine. Though I still think worrying about an M113 with additional armor is a bit odd compared to the windowed driver compartment on this thing- looks like a shiny target to me.
The modular aspect of the vehicle I personally find the least interesting. Conceptually having extra modules sitting around isn't cost effective. Pretend you buy an extra dozen ambulance modules. Are you going to keep a dozen medical crews on standby and then put more hours on the existing ambulances so these extra/spare crews also get field training? Moreover, if the module didn't come out vertically with a support at each corner might the vehicle actually be configured to carry more dismounts?
the modularity is the biggest selling point to me. what happens if you have another earthquake and you need to rush medical personnel to an area. instead of having only your purely designated evac vehicles now you can outfit an entire company to perform the role. what happens when you're on the same mission and it turns into a refugee issue? you can then pull out your logistics module and feed the needy. and once everyone's bellys are full and they're in a fighting mood you can go to your infantry module.
Think about LCS. The modules are too expensive to buy multiple sets so the ships are going to be primarily single use. Certainly we're talking totally different modules but if you buy extra modules unless you're designate personnel to operate these spare modules then they're not going to accomplish what you want.
Feeding the needy with an APC seems a tad problematic. If you can't use a truck is the area safe enough to distribute food?
Does the unit actually carry around the extra modules in shipping containers all the time? How many extra personnel, how many extra dollars, and how much does it add to the battalion's footprint?
If the driver windows have a high level of protection aren't they still going to attract fire? I'd be curious to see why this vehicle is superior to a rebuilt M113 along with a cost comparison?
ReplyDeletejust from the looks of it i'd say that its substantially bigger....almost Bradley IFV in size.
ReplyDeleteIt's made from a Bradley drivetrain
ReplyDeleteThose slab sides seem like they would be RPG magnets...
ReplyDeleteThe tan one seems to have some sort of "spaced" armor. Notice the "bolt-on" plates
ReplyDelete25 tons vs. 12.3 for a stock M113. I'm betting that is due to added armor protection vs. IEDS/mines.
ReplyDeleteIt's already better protected than an M113. If you added an active protection system, you'd have a decent APC with a 6.5 ton payload.
"Vehicle uses some suspension components of the Leopard 1 main battle tank" vs Military-Today
Plus it's modular and the ambulance, HQ, APC, etc. modules can be switched out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sRBbkcldOS4#!
The M113 carries 11 dismounts vs 8, weighs half as much, is amphibious, can be air dropped by a C-130, is widely available, cheap, and has various up armor packages available. I'm sure the G5 is a wonderful vehicle but personally I'm not in favor of any APC or IFV carrying less than 10 dismounts.
ReplyDeleteMysteriously enough even the US Army has finally adopted this attitude and it now requires it's next IFV to carry at least 9 dismounts (or a full Army squad). This requirement is the result of a decade of combat experience. Obviously other nations make an 8 man squad work and so this vehicle might be perfectly fine. Though I still think worrying about an M113 with additional armor is a bit odd compared to the windowed driver compartment on this thing- looks like a shiny target to me.
The modular aspect of the vehicle I personally find the least interesting. Conceptually having extra modules sitting around isn't cost effective. Pretend you buy an extra dozen ambulance modules. Are you going to keep a dozen medical crews on standby and then put more hours on the existing ambulances so these extra/spare crews also get field training? Moreover, if the module didn't come out vertically with a support at each corner might the vehicle actually be configured to carry more dismounts?
the modularity is the biggest selling point to me. what happens if you have another earthquake and you need to rush medical personnel to an area. instead of having only your purely designated evac vehicles now you can outfit an entire company to perform the role. what happens when you're on the same mission and it turns into a refugee issue? you can then pull out your logistics module and feed the needy. and once everyone's bellys are full and they're in a fighting mood you can go to your infantry module.
Deletepersonally i like it.
Think about LCS. The modules are too expensive to buy multiple sets so the ships are going to be primarily single use. Certainly we're talking totally different modules but if you buy extra modules unless you're designate personnel to operate these spare modules then they're not going to accomplish what you want.
ReplyDeleteFeeding the needy with an APC seems a tad problematic. If you can't use a truck is the area safe enough to distribute food?
Does the unit actually carry around the extra modules in shipping containers all the time? How many extra personnel, how many extra dollars, and how much does it add to the battalion's footprint?