[SLB]

I have worked with COL Dennis Szydloski twice. A real straight shooter. With him at the helm of the Abrams program there was no room for errors.

[Iam1ru1-2]

And just think, if Kerry had his way, we would be fighting this war with "spitballs" instead. Preserve us Oh LORD from a Scary *Carrie presidency.

*Spelling intentional.

[blanknoone]

This is not good. The Abrams is a fine tank. But it a late 70's tank. It will be a 45 or 50 year old design by the time it gets retired. For perspective...that would be like showing up for the first gulf war with really upgraded Sherman tanks. Not good.

[Blueflag]

For more FCS information, try this.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/fcs.htm

[BoBToMatoE]

One thing I disagree with is Rumsfeld's decision to cancel the paladin's replacment.. and to nix the M1A1 (or scale back the upgradges) in place of faster strike vehicles.

MBTs are badly needed..

[Southack]

M1C1 Modular Combat Vehicle
Science & Technology

---

M1C1 Modular Combat Vehicle
(Proposals To Upgrade Mothballed M1 Abrams Tanks Into Active Duty Urban Infantry Support Platforms)

The M1C1 is a modified M1 (or M1A1 or M1A2) Abrams main battle tank platform. It contains nine unique improvements:
1. The 105mm M1 Cannon is replaced with the 20mm GAU-4 (or 30mm GAU-8) Cannon
2. The two M1 tank treads are replaced with four half tracks
3. The 4 man M1 tank crew is downsized to a 3 man M1C1 crew
4. Ammunition storage for 105mm shells is replaced by the integrated GAU-4
5. Two long-range anti-tank missiles (e.g. TOW, HellFire, etc.) are added to the M1C1
6. Two powerful external intercoms are added to communicate with nearby infantry
7. An incoming projectile detection system for locating enemy small arms fire is added
8. An electrically deployable, 387 inch long full body ghilli camouflage system is added
9. Infrared and laser jamming modules are added; laser detection units are added

The M1C1 is designed to be an A-10 infantry support fighter on the ground.

[Paleo Conservative]

Here's a thread from August about upgrading M1 series tanks.

The M1A3 Abrams Tank Thread (proposals for modernizing our aging fleet of M1 and M1A1 tanks)

[RatSlayer]

I just finished reading the book "Thunder Run", about the armour strikes on Baghdad. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in tank combat operations. The big surprize for me in this book was how ineffective they were at calling for air support and artillery support.

[Thunder 6]

First thing I would have done is retrofit the A1's with the same diesel engine they are using in the Leo 2A6. Then add a better CWS and Loader's MG station...but no one asked me...

regards,

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

"The unit of action, instead of having three battalions, is going to have two task forces

So which fleet will they be initially assigned to (sorry about that, couldn't resist)?

[VOA]

A "maybe out-manned, but never outgunned" BUMP!