Re: Dragon Fire II 120mm Mortar
 

Alliant Tech has come up with an elegant solution called M908 HE-Obstacle Reduction, which is basically a M830A1 converted to APHE. Dunno if it is fielded yet, but from what I could hear I wouldn't rule out that this one or another similar round is being field-tested in Iraq.
Still not proper HE though...

Edit: Just found out that it is listed as operational round in a USMC tanker manual from June 2006, call that a positive sign.

Re: Dragon Fire II 120mm Mortar
 

No, but then again does Russia or China? Does Germany or the United Kingdom? I would say the United States isn't exactly any more or less "patriotic" in this realm than anyone else with the money to do so.

Furthermore, we seem to be missing two of the most integral elements to US defense procurement.

Number 1 is that any patents on the purchased equipment has to be turned over to the US government (this is one of the biggest reasons for Glock not seeking a contract for instance). The reasoning behind this is that following the initial contract the US government opens it up for bidding, where small contractors usually get undercut by larger concerns. Good example? Colt's CGL-5 loses out to AAI's XM203 during trials, AAI produces the first run and then Colt produces the majority of subsequent units.

Number 2 is that these "foreign" systems we're using are mostly made in the United States, another common requirement for foreign equipment to be purchased by the US government. We're a capitalist economy. If we're buying something, we'd like to see jobs go to Americans so we can feel like we're paying ourselves. With globalization this has become more prevalent anyways.

Just important things to remember when you discuss US defense procurement.

Re: Dragon Fire II 120mm Mortar
 

I would call that protectionnism http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif true capitalism ignores borders. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: Dragon Fire II 120mm Mortar
 

Quite right, but true capitalism also believes that markets balance themselves out on their own 100% of the time http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif I'm sure US economists would say the protectionism is required for proper functioning...ie, so we don't lose out http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: Dragon Fire II 120mm Mortar
 

Some would, most don't though as free trade is a win/win situation per defenition. It's protectionistic measures that turn it into a win/lose situation instead. And then it becomes a fight of who'll 'win' and who'll 'lose'. In fact both will lose as the net benefit in a non-protectionistic win/win situation will be higher for both...

Narwan

Re: Dragon Fire II 120mm Mortar
 

The Marine Corps LAVs were Canadian built! These are about two generations behind the current Army Strykers which I think are built by General Dynamics.