Problems with armor found on Stryker combat vehicle

The Seattle Times ^ | 9/5/03 | By Ray Rivera and Hal Bernton

[lshoultz]

Weeks before the Army's Stryker vehicle is scheduled to make its combat debut in Iraq, the Army has discovered manufacturing problems in some of its armor plating that could make it vulnerable to heavy machine-gun fire, according to Army officials familiar with the program.

The extent of the problem is still unknown, but it's serious enough that Army officials have launched a crash program to test the plates at their Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. They are hopeful it won't delay deployment of troops from Fort Lewis, said two Army officials at the Pentagon, speaking on condition of anonymity.

[lshoultz]

General Dynamics, the main contractor for this hog, hasn't told the truth about this vehicle, its weight, it armament, its armor, its size or anything else since this program started under that little ToJo, Shinseki. Now that Schoomaker is running the show, the warts on this mini - armored car are showing - again! Next Stop Iraq with 3,700 American soldiers dressed as test dummies. The Army shoiuld have sent a platoon or a company as a test before sending a 300 car brigade of untested lightly armored cars full of soldiers.

[donmeaker]

The Army is planning to equip the vehicles with slat-armor, creating a sort of umbrella designed to detonate incoming grenades before they make direct contact with the vehicle

Please note: the slat armor may hold the RPG in a position of optimal stand off. The focus distance for the RPG is about 3 feet, and the closer it gets, the less effective it gets.

A better approach is to mount chain link fence, so the detonator has a good chance to pass through the hole, while the wires catch the fins, or deform the barrel of the shaped charge.

No matter how good the plates, the tires and axles will be a vulnerablity. They should get some old rusty dusty M-113s from the Aussies, and mount tea cup cupolas to them.

[donmeaker]

"The Stryker combat teams, which have about 3,600 soldiers, were conceived in 1999 by former Army Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki with the idea of closing the gap between the Army's slow-moving heavy tank units and its light infantry forces, which are quick to deploy but have limited firepower. "

But the heavy tank units are already there! Moving the tanks out and putting in the lightish forces now is ludicrous.

[lshoultz]

Yeah but you gotta understand that several generals are in line to make millions from this deployment. Shinseki, Heebner, Keane all have a stake in this. Their deal with General Dynamics is not that the Stryker works but that America deploys it in combat.

They had rather deploy it in Kosovo but they've got to send it to Iraq. However, when the first one hits the ground all foreign sales are finalized and the bonuses are payable on that date. The small item that we're sending along 3,700 American kids dressed as test dummies is no problem when you're going for the gold.

Shinseki needs his loot to run for the Senate from Hawaii next year after he's killed enough American kids in this iron trap. All it is missing is handles on the outside so they can carry it like a coffin.

[centurion316]

Is your intent to set the FR record for multiple posts of a single article? Multiple posts make it difficult to follow and provide appropriate comments to the discussion.

You appear to have evidence for a conspirancy of malfeasance, corruption, and fraud. You might want to turn your evidence over to the nearest United States Attorney so that these evil men can be prosecuted. I am assuming, of course, that you actually have evidence and are not just engaging in an ad hominim screed.

[R. Scott]

Once again, an armored infantry vehicle is intended to protect against Small Arms Fire, (individual weapons, 5.56, 7.62, grenade and light artillery shrapnel etc.) not heavy weapons. The heavy machine gun - .50 cal., 12.6 mm etc. – is not “small arms”. Heavy armor means less speed, maneuverability and transportability.

[Valin]

Flag.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Thanks. Just came in and wouldn't have seen this one.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

General Dynamics Buys Off General Heebner--Faulty Stryker Armored Vehicle A Vast Boondoggle--Why Are We Not Surprised?

[lshoultz]

Generals Shinseki. Heebner and Keane all have stock options riding on the US committing this vehicle to combat. They thought it would be to Kosovo and nobody would get hurt but the Army planners said "if its certified, it goes where we need it - Iraq." So, the generals can give up their retirement money (and Shinseki his campaign money to run for Inouye's Senate seat from Hawaii next year) or pray the nobody gets mangled too badly.

[lshoultz]

Generals Shinseki. Heebner and Keane all have stock options riding on the US committing this vehicle to combat. They thought it would be to Kosovo and nobody would get hurt but the Army planners said "if its certified, it goes where we need it - Iraq." So, the generals can give up their retirement money (and Shinseki his campaign money to run for Inouye's Senate seat from Hawaii next year) or pray the nobody gets mangled too badly.

[lshoultz]

I apologize for the multiple posts. My ISP just came back online today from clearing up the mess left by the SoBig WORM. We're still having "iffy" service.

[donmeaker]

How do you know of Shinseki's stock holdings? If he holds enough that it must be reported, then he has enough to run for the senate already. Most Senators run with other people's money. That is what campaign committees are for.