Institutional memory.
Most times its a great thing to have. If the memory is long and the organization is able to pass along the "what works" and "what doesn't" then that organization has a much greater chance for success.
In the 1950's the USMC was smitten with the possibilities of helo-assaults. In the mode of embracing this new development in warfare, the M422 Mighty Mite was born.
Its time in service was short though. Helicopters evolved and a normal sized jeep was sling loadable with the introduction of the Huey and much more importantly the CH-46. Fast forward to today and once again, the Marine Corps is attempting another revolution in warfare with the V-22. In an attempt to make it work, the EFSS was born. It comprises a 120mm mortar and an internally carried vehicle which looks remarkably like a modernized M422 Mighty Mite.
The whole theory surrounding the EFSS (expeditionary fire support system) is that artillery fires should be internally carried by the V-22, to include its prime mover.
There was little to no debate on the merits of a standard 120mm mortar. The original Dragon Fire concept from which the EFSS was born was based on an automatically firing 120mm mortar that could be emplaced, left and fired remotely at targets entered into its computer. What we have now is a far cry from that futuristic vision (which was made to work)....
The difference now is that there's a debate on whether the 120mm Mortar or the 105mm Howitzer should be the early entry fire support weapon for the Marines.
Read about it here.
The biggest benefit of the 120 is weight and precision munitions.
ReplyDeletedid you read the article? i called it a fight between the 120 and the M119 but the author was talking about a new ultra light weight howitzer. that would appeal to both the Marines and the Light infantry/airborne/air assault units in the Army.
ReplyDeleteSorry... missed the "read about it here", thanks.
DeleteSounds great. Now build one-should take 10-15 years given current procurement strategies and cost overruns. By then someone will suggest it was a waste of time, and a new lightweight 155 should have been built, using technology that didn't exist when the EFSS was developed.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't this also pull money away from armor modernization?
wow.
Deleteyou kinda slapped me up side the head with some cold hard facts huh! you're right on all counts. i'll shut the fuck up and get back in the corner now.
I tend to agree we probably shouldn't get too excited about developing a new 105mm howitzer; however, if we really need more range out of the 120mm there are existing 120mm rounds that go to 13km with rocket assist or about as far as the M119 can fire on charge 8. The original goal of the M395 round was for it to go out to 15km.
ReplyDeleteIt's questionable whether the longer range and direct fire capability of a 105mm howitzer beats out the 120mm mortars 1/10th weight and far greater weight of shot. Also the mortar can fire 16 rounds first minute and 4 sustained which is not more than the M119.
i've seen fire missions with the 120mm and trust me, you ain't getting 16 rounds out in the first minute unless your guys are 7 feet tall and built like the hulk.
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