Mobile protected firepower for the Airborne IBCT?

2014-02-04T16:00:31-05:00

A discussion has arisen again involving the desire/need for mobile protected firepower in the Airborne community. In the past the extra firepower in the ABN units was provided by the M551 Sherman's until the 90s. Since the retirement of the Sherman there has been a lack of mobile protected firepower in the Airborne IBCTs. I would like to know folks thoughts on what should be used in this role, is the Stryker MGS the right fit? Is there a platform in another nation that would fit the bill (SPRUT SD, CV90120)? Or is this a requirement that doesn't need to be filled due to the increased potency of AT systems?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-09-30T09:59:57-04:00

I think since there's nothing in the system or the procurement pipeline, we have an opportunity to address this requirement starting with a blank sheet of paper. Assuming this is a valid requirement, we need to lay out what we need the vehicle to do, and then what we WANT the vehicle to do. Then let the HOW of the matter be addressed by the designers and engineers.
Does this need to be air dropped, or will LAPES be an acceptable deployment method? What size gun? What level of protection? There's a boatload of criteria to be quantified. I think this has been a gap in capability too long. I think this is good time to revisit the requirement and possibly innovate and close the gap.