Military Supplement
24/1/2008
Unmanned Stryker Prototype Tested
The object of
the experiment is designed to test basic
robotic convoy functionality and accuracy
with obstacle detection and avoidance
technology. During the experiment, an
unmanned Stryker vehicle reached speeds up
to 55 kilometers per hour (34 mph). Also
included in the experiment was and Light
Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV). The
experiment is part of the Autonomous
Navigation System program pursued by GDRS
under contract with the U.S. Army; Phase II
experiment will commence in July 2008 which
will also involve the Stryker and MTV.
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24/1/2008
Tank Support Combat Vehicle "Terminator"
The Tank Support Combat Vehicle is designed to provide support for armoured formations, by engaging anti-tank teams, demolishing obstacles, engaging fortified targets in bunkers, buildings or under cover. The vehicle utilizes the T-72 chassis, mounted with turret mounted multi-purpose weapon system, comprising of twin barrel 2A42 30mm gun, machine gun and four missile launchers. Each weapon can be aimed separately, providing multi-target engagement capability. The weapons systems are operated by a commander and gunner. Both are equipped with day/night sights.
24/1/2008
COMBAT DIARIES: Black Knight looks far too big and heavy, like the wartime German Maus tank. Like the British Conqueror and Toad of the 1950s and 1960s, fuel, slow speed, and transportation problems can be expected. Few rounds carried, and if they expect an autoloader to handle 152mm and the narrowly confined crew not to be effected by the blast, they are crossing their fingers. Would not like to be inside when the tit is pulled. Road and rail transport difficult, and movement by air impossible. Goes right against current tank philosophy of Western limitary. After the brilliant T-34, the Russians for some reason never quite got their tanks quite right again. Look at that ludicrously small turret diameter for example. The crew positions must be murderously cramped, even under the best of circumstances. The fume extractor alone must be a good one, otherwise the crew will be dead not long after the first round is fired. Reloading under fire would be a perfect nightmare. As rounds of this diameter can hardly be manhandled, goodness only knows what extra equipment would be needed to put rounds (quickly!) into the autoloader. Recovery after mine damage or engine failure would be a double-nightmare, and as for changing a track, don't ask!
CB
The Russian ministry of defence, acting under presidential decision, is establishing an armoured-vehicle manufacturing holding company to be operating from Omsk. First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said the new holding will include 16 Omsk-based enterprises and design bureaus. The long term goal is to establish a single Russian armoured vehicle manufacturing enterprise under the Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Corporation. The enterprises to be included in the new company include the transport engineering design bureau (TEDB), a special-purpose hardware development and production centre. The Omsk transport engineering plant (OTEP) which will soon resume armoured vehicle repair and modernization of tanks, as well as civilian wheeled tractors and cars. The new corporation already produced T-90 tanks for the Russian defence forces and export, and is expected to begin production of "Terminator" tank support vehicles (BMPT). Uralvagonzavod is expected to assume responsibility for the production of Russia's future tank, the formidable T-95, see above.