Posted on 05/06/2022 3:35:31 PM PDT by whitney69
We hear so much about military expenses and about a few of the vehicles created. So I ran across an article about some of the almost unknown vehicles of our military. To my knowledge, there are more but some have been identified and a couple are still on the drawing board.
Buffalo Clearance Vehicle:
This Buffalo Clearance Vehicle comes to a length of 27 feet and weighs 76,000 pounds. It’s one of the most valued vehicles in the vault because it is a mine-protected route clearance vehicle (MPCV) with a speed of 55 miles per hour. It comes with a 30-foot robotic arm with a camera and sensory devices that help prevent dangerous routes.
Black Knight Transformer:
Sometimes, going down a desert at 70 miles per hour isn’t thrilling enough. If that’s the case, you will get a kick out of riding the Black Knight Transformer. It’s a helicopter/truck hybrid that can reach a height of 10,000 feet. The concept of this transformer was first introduced in 2012 and had been undergoing development ever since. This is perfect if you prefer flying to driving.
M109A7 Tank:
For the longest time, the US Army Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) was reliant on the M109A6 Paladin. However, the Paladin needed an upgrade, which prompted the BAE systems to modernize the old model. After some tweaking, the M109A7 was released with updated technology, a more combat-capable design, and a redesigned chassis. This upgrade also comes with a new digital suite to make it easier to use in combat.
AAV7:
The AAV7 is an assault vehicle that is used for marine operations but can dominate both land and sea. It can hold up to 25 soldiers and requires a three-person crew to operate. The amphibious vehicle is limited to 20 miles per hour in the sea, but it has a range of 300 miles per hour on land. It also comes with a 25 mm Bushmaster cannon and a 40 mm grenade launcher.
Autonomous Terramax:
When the Autonomous Terramax was first introduced, it didn’t get a lot of attention. Google was stealing attention with the self-driving car, but Oshkosh went to create a vehicle that would keep the soldiers safe when they go overseas. The vehicle’s concept is evident as they need a way to keep as many soldiers out of danger as often as possible. It is effective but could use more upgrades.
QinetiQ Raider:
Looking at this vehicle doesn’t give away many of its features, but the QinetiQ Raider is quite a versatile vehicle and can be controlled remotely from 1000 yards away. It’s used to identify and take out IEDs, as well as keep soldiers safe. The Raider 1’s design was based on the Polaris MVRS700 and the vehicle is equipped with clearance tools and added engineer support for evacuations.
M9 Armored Combat Earthmover:
The Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE) is described as an unyielding force when you get this vehicle going. Because of its reputation, it’s a staple vehicle in the military, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to change soon. This vehicle can clear river banks, smash obstacles, cover allied soldiers, and protect soldiers while setting up and knocking down walls. This is a handy vehicle to have.
M142 HIMARS:
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a rocket launcher on wheels. This mobile rocket launcher can launch six M270 rockets to a distance of 186 miles, or one MGM-140 ATACMS. Another surprising fact is that the HIMARS can reach higher than 50 miles per hour and its overall travel range is at 300 miles. Lockheed Martin developed this vehicle.
M88A2 Hercules:
This military vehicle has participated in multiple high profile campaigns due to its unmatchable strength. The M88A2 was designed to weigh 35 tons and a 70-ton constant pull ability. The engine of this vehicle has a capacity of 1,050 horsepower, which means that it can reach a speed of 30 miles per hour. The M88A2 was famously used to take down a certain foreign dictator’s statue.
Cougar MRAP:
The Cougar is an example of a mine-resistant, ambush-protected military vehicle. The 6×6 model is the highest end of the whole lot. This MRAP can resist rocket-launched grenade fire, and the vehicle has an automatic grenade launcher. The 6×6 Cougar also comes with a C-7 diesel engine that carries 350 horsepower and an 860 pounds of torque. The fuel capacity gives the Cougar an overall range of 600 miles.
M1A2:
When a military tank is introduced into the world, there are many processes that go into building, testing, and approving it. When the M1A1 was first introduced in the 1980s, it was considered one of the best military tanks until the M1A2 was introduced. The M1A2 features the same frame as the M1A1, but depleted uranium was used as the armor for better protection.
M1117 Guardian:
When it comes to military vehicles, speed isn’t the most critical question to ponder. The more important question is how much power is used up by the engine. However, with the M1117, it changes the narrative with the ability to drive at a speed of 70 miles per hour, compared to most large military tanks that can only reach a top speed limit of 25 to 45 miles per hour.
Avenger Weapon System:
For many years, if the Army needed to launch an attack on the move, the Avenger Weapon System was the go-to mobile artillery. The AWS less a vehicle and more a bombardment machine, carrying eight stinger missiles capable of taking out numerous targets, including low-flying aircraft and helicopters. In addition to the US Army, Boeing has also designed a similar vehicle for the Egyptian armed forces.
Hope you appreciate the use of your tax dollars being spent to protect and assist our folks in the business defending us world wide. Also hope you found them Fascinating.
wy69
TTIUWP’s
“...AAV7:...300 miles per hour on land...”
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Impressive!!!!
bookmark
The M109A7 is a howitzer, not a tank.
M1A2 is now the M1A2 Sep v3
I’d watch NASCAR if the AAV7 competed.
The Army has little to show for all it's cancelled systems and billions spents since the 1980's. Here's a list I cobbled together.
Armored Systems Modernization (ASM)
Armored Gun System (XM8)
Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles - 9 vehicle types
Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV)
Next Generation Combat Vehicle (Current Program, moving along)
M109A7 is a self-propelled howitze=. NOT a tank!
AFAS and FARV do not exist. They were cancelled.
That's why they are on my list of cancelled systems.
You’re right. Sorry!
“NOT a tank!”
My mistake. I was doing a couple of things at once.
Wy69
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