Re: MBT's
 

Maybe a Patch by Christmas, New Years or whenever you Dam well feel like would be in order FOR THE BOTH of you!!

When's the last time you guys even played your own game??

Read a book, listened to some music and just plain spent some time with the family and friends.

All those things will exercise your mind and relax your body.

The STRESS to meet some kind of arbitrary deadline or expectations of others just because it's what you BOTH do, and what we expect PALES to the realities of what has been an ongoing battle for many years now.

If you BOTH feel the need "to get your hands dirty" an hour or two a day AT MOST should take care of the "ITCH".

For some of us the game is changing metaphorically speaking and we had BETTER all of us RESPECT that whether we want to or not.

Hence my post in the Patch Thread.

When my ashes are put into the URN (A Submarine one would be most cool with a separate compartment for CINCLANTHOME. We would just have to figure out who would be in the Forward Compartment and or the Aft one!?! :D) it won't say "He gave his all for the Game".

I DO NOT apologize to either of you for my bluntness.

We might all be working on our OPUS concerning the game but for me I intend to come out on the other side and enjoy the rest of my life with whatever time I'm given by the "Chairman of the Board. "

You both live in beautiful countries see some of it. Given the size of Ireland when we were there for the Centenary of Easter Sunday 1916 we were surprised as we made our way around the whole island at how many people had no idea of some of places we went to.

I find that sad. So, see the above makes some sense.

Sometimes these "uncomfortable" things need to be said as we want to just stay in our "bubble" until someone comes along and asks "Is there anyone in there? "

Go BUST THE BUBBLE!!

Our next reality check comes later today when we find out how much it'll cost to install a new HVAC system. Can't complain as our TRANE system lasted for 28 years without any major issues.

I have a feeling it'll cost more than it did at ~$3650 just a feeling :rolleyes: but as they say "Life Goes On" and it does until the next thing comes along.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

Well.......YOU DID ASK...........
Andy plays MUCH more often that I do

I cannot remember when I last sat down to play out a game start to finish.......think in YEARS. ( also... a lot has happened since Christmas that makes remembering events with clarity "difficult" ). If I DO play I usually play to test, and when I get the answer to my test I stop playing, generally.

When I need to test a code change, I play until I get the answer I need then compare notes with Andy.

My main focus in testing is " do the graphics I added display the way I expected them to"

if YES, then I move on to the next graphic.

Don

PS......... Ah........ wait. I think I ran a nearly full game ( UKN / RUS ) just after Christmas... but a lot has happened since Christmas 2024 so don't bet your mortgage that I am remembering this correctly.

Re: MBT's
 

Yep, I usually have a WW2 Long Campaign on the go, play every day or so, usually as Soviets or British.

Haven’t played MBT since last summer IIRC - and generally play UK or USA 1950s to about 75 or so. Cubans vs South Africa can also be interesting. Me likes Scorpions and Sheridans, but they do go boom a lot...:re:

Re: MBT's
 

Well, that's encouraging to hear from the both of you. Seems like I'm closer to Don or worse.

Still trying to setup my 8th battle of 25 in my long campaign Ukraine versus Russia Oct. 2022 - Nov. 2023.

The issue is that my START also means when I start playing.

That's nothing more than short of sad!?!

June 2027 can't get here soon enough. ;)

Amana HVAV 3 Ton came in better than I thought by $2000 to $4500 less. :D

Good now take care of yourselves.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

I assume that is your retirement date?

This December 22 I'll have been retired 19 years

If June 2027 is indeed your retirement, make the most of the next 26 months.

One guy I worked with lasted less than 10 days after he retired.

There are no guarantees

Re: MBT's
 

Yeah, that'll be my retirement date at 68.

For CINCLANTHOMEs birthday also in June we'll be in Atlanta to see the Simple Minds, Soft Cell and Modern English.

The next day we will be going to the Atlanta Aquarium which is now I believe the largest in the country. When we were last there, it was in preparation for a major renovation and expansion done a few years back.

It was awe inspiring to sit in the theater looking at one of the largest tanks in the world and seeing the 2 Whale Sharks swimming around with some other fish. I didn't have a care in the world watching them.

We are certainly looking forward to that!!

Halifax in Oct. as noted for our 39th never got to there as I just stayed in Dartmouth across the river where we were moored on both port calls, we made there when I was on the NEBRASKA.

I understand they have a Military Tatoo Pipes and Drum Corps ALMOST as good as the "Black Watch" in Edinburgh.

For our 40th we'll book an MSC Cruise to which if the dates work out, we'll "crack open" what was in Oct. 2016 a 12-year-old bottle of Bushmills we bought at the distillery. They personalized the label to mark our 30th anniversary and were told at that time you could only buy it in Ireland.

On the very rare occasion I prefer a Tullamore Dew for "Beer" it's Smithwick's Red Ale (Prefer it to Guiness) or Innis & Gunn aged in a Bourbon, Whiskey or Rum Oak Casks (As I had with dinner Sunday.)

If it's NOT in a bottle I won't buy it. My degree is in Hotel and Restaurant Mgmt. when an Associate one still mattered. Started at age 13 and would end up with 14 yrs. in the field to include my last 4 on active duty on a not to interfere with my military responsibilities. There were many times I would have to call off due to an operational situation, they NEVER said a word about it and the staff were at my retirement.

Bottomline is a bottled Beer or Ale if stored in the back of your Refrigerator will last over a year and taste as fresh as you if you had it on the first day. CINCLANTHOME will tell you I can make a 6-pack last a year or little more. I buy the best I want at the time and can say I've had both of the above from every continent.

I have something called "TYPE II" and I have to respect it when I have a drink besides all the rest of it. 8 months before I retired is when I found out in March '02.

It's the small things in life I really appreciate such as a Full or Near Full Moon anytime but especially when I walk my 23 Magazines I check at the end of my watch on Saturdays (My Friday.)

I started as a News Paper Delivery boy at 10 years old. I grew up in the part of NY State where it SNOWS. Up at 0400-0430 to sort my newspapers and in my <first year I had 75 homes (The paper actually had you apprentice under the person responsible for the route.) before my second year that went to 125/30 homes seven days a week. During school I had to have a bigger breakfast and make the bus by 0700.

I actually had a young MA (Navy uniformed Police.) a few years back ask me "But Mr. Conklin how could have delivered your newspaper if you weren't old enough to drive?" Nice person as I recall but however obviously it was a generational thing which here deserves a :doh:

I'll be ready for JUN 2027 I'll need to keep the mind sharp (Love reading real books.) and will definitely need to keep physically active as well.

One of my co-workers just turned 70 he's afraid to stop as he's a person who that it's "Retirement to the Rocking Chair to the Grave" I say ONLY if you let it be that way.

Bored you guys enough sorry about that. It's the "little things in life" that will touch you and provide the balance needed for the other things going on in your life.

At work one of these things beside the Moon is in the last few months I'm seeing ID cards that are expiring in 2027 THAT'S MOTIVATION FOR ME.

Oh, before I forget TANKS HAVE GUNS (Just not Innis & Gunn.).

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

Poland there looks like there might be a delay to FOC for our export version of the M1A2P UNIT 007 from the Polish Ministry of Defence are two issues of concern concerning game START.

1) They 4 days ago started their first "Live Fire" training exercise.
"On April 7, 2025, the Biedrusko training ground near Poznań marked a historic milestone for Poland’s armored forces. The newly acquired M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks conducted their first live-fire exercises, marking a new phase in the Polish Land Forces’ fast-paced modernization process"

2) Based on the issues with ABRAMS in the Ukraine I'm sure and what appears to be shortage of TROPHY systems and more importantly...
"...is designed to support the integration of active protection systems (APS), though this capability remains unutilized in the Polish fleet. "

"Despite the significance of this achievement, concerns remain regarding the integration of active protection systems. The Polish M1A2 SEPv3 tanks are “fitted for” but not equipped with the Trophy APS. To date, the Polish Ministry of Defence has not confirmed any procurement of this system, and the availability of Trophy modules is uncertain—especially in light of the delays observed in the UK’s Challenger 3 program, which has also been affected by APS supply chain challenges. The question of whether and when such systems will be ordered remains open, with implications for both timelines and budgetary priorities.

These concerns are not limited to the Abrams platform alone. Future armored vehicles, including the K2PL tanks to be produced under South Korean license, are also expected to feature both soft-kill and hard-kill protection systems. Given the current context of the war in Ukraine, where anti-tank threats are widespread and evolving, the absence of operational APS on new platforms represents a vulnerability that could impact battlefield survivability in high-intensity conflict environments."

"With these acquisitions, Poland becomes the third country to operate the SEPv3 version after the United States and Australia, which received its first units in November 2024. While training and delivery are proceeding as planned, achieving full operational capability depends on critical decisions—particularly regarding the implementation of active protection systems. In the context of ongoing regional tensions, these decisions will directly influence the Polish Army’s capacity to counter advanced battlefield threats.

The inaugural live firing of the M1A2 SEPv3 tanks at Biedrusko marks a tangible step in Poland’s move toward higher technological standards in armored warfare. However, this technical progress also highlights a key issue: modernization of platforms must be accompanied by the integration of complete protection solutions. As regional instability and modern warfare continue to evolve, aligning equipment acquisition with defensive system implementation remains a strategic imperative for Poland."

These to some extents were the same factors why we kept pushing back (~4-5 years) the START/FOC for our M1A2C. The other factor also was that the USA required full training/qualification of the crews and number of Brigades that got fully equipped with that tank.

The current Polish decision on FOC was clearly stated above from their "MOD" but what also abundantly clear was the Polish crews are still qualifying/training on those tanks as we speak.

We should not be surprised by this at all as noted above for M1A2C/SEP 3 and when I submitted the ABRAMS M1A2 SEP2 to a somewhat lesser extent.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...t-test-firings

The comparison between us (Then) and Poland (Now) are closely related with the fact as well that neither of us were or currently are in a state of war that would change the ""dynamic" of what was discussed above concerning all to include FOC.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

The start date in the master OOB that I am using is 6 months beyond today . Let me know how they are doing in October

Re: MBT's
 

For now, your "master date" was close to what I was thinking for about Oct.

We'll see and track by that time they should have significant progress on the training side but for now seems TROPKY could be the main issue the military and government need to sort out.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

Again, I ask the AI (since I am now forced at work to learn to be a good little prompt engineer) to summarize and make this more like a military report. The AI's response was:


Subject: Operational Status Update – Polish M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tanks

Overview:
The Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated live-fire training with the newly acquired M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks as of 07 April 2025 at the Biedrusko Training Area near Poznań. While this marks a significant milestone in the Polish Land Forces’ armored modernization program, Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the platform remains delayed due to the following key factors:


1. Crew Training and Qualification:
- Polish armored units have only recently begun live-fire exercises.
- Tank crews are in the early stages of qualification and tactical proficiency development.
- As observed in the U.S. Army’s M1A2C (SEPv3) rollout, FOC is contingent upon full training and brigade-level equipping.
- The current status aligns with standard readiness timelines in peacetime acquisition cycles.

2. Absence of Active Protection Systems (APS):
- The Polish M1A2 SEPv3 fleet is fitted for but not equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS).
- No formal procurement contract for Trophy APS has been confirmed by the MoD.
- APS module availability remains uncertain due to global supply chain constraints—similar to those impacting the UK’s Challenger 3 APS integration.
- Without APS, the SEPv3 platform remains vulnerable in high-threat anti-armor environments, particularly in the context of lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict.


Strategic Implications:
- Lack of operational APS and incomplete crew certification postpone FOC status.
- Future Polish platforms, including K2PL tanks, are also expected to integrate APS (both soft-kill and hard-kill variants), raising similar procurement and timeline concerns.
- Current regional security dynamics (e.g., Russian activity) elevate the urgency of full defensive capability integration.

Comparative Analysis:
- U.S. experience with the M1A2C/SEPv3 showed similar delays (4–5 years) due to training, integration of APS, and unit fielding requirements.
- Neither Poland nor the U.S. faced wartime urgency, allowing for extended acquisition and readiness cycles.
- The current Polish approach mirrors established NATO peacetime modernization practices, though operational risks remain until APS is fielded.

Conclusion:
While Poland’s acquisition and fielding of the M1A2 SEPv3 represents a substantial upgrade in armored warfare capability, FOC remains dependent on:
- Completion of crew training and unit-level readiness.
- Final decisions regarding APS procurement and integration.

Delays in these areas, if unaddressed, could limit the platform’s survivability and operational effectiveness in high-intensity combat scenarios.

Re: MBT's
 

Ask the AI-------" how long does it take to train a tank crew "

Answer "Training a complete tank crew, including all four roles (commander, driver, gunner, loader), typically takes around 22 weeks. This includes 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) focused on the specific tank type, like the M1 Abrams.

From the beginning of Feb to the middle of September is 22 weeks so FOR THE TIME BEING.I am happy with the Oct start date I have in the master OOB for the Polish M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tanks. Right now I am still recovering from my head injury there are a lot of things I KNOW I do better now than I did when I came home from hospital a month ago BUT there are still some deficits I have to deal with and I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT AT ALL.

I don't expect we will be done with MBT before Oct 2025 so I will wait and see what the status of training and APS is in 6 months

The Polish M1 does not have CIWS now but if it gets added in RL it will be added to the game update

Re: MBT's
 

Good to know I'm as smart as AI-I THINK!?! :rolleyes:

Nice breakdown by the AI but for now I'd like to draw my own conclusions and interpretations from the data.

Exercises my brain to seek alternative perspectives i.e. the "what ifs" etc.

To many studies are out there and validated to suggest if you don't challenge your brain, it'll potentially go "soft" on you which the long haul could lead to such things as Alsheimer's/Demeshia (AD).

A good outlook/attitude in life is important to as studies suggest something my mom didn't always have later in life.

Physically she was very fit, but life didn't turn out the way she thought it would, and she stopped reading, playing games and such until she got AD.

After three years in a facility one day her brain couldn't remember
to tell her throat muscles how to swallow.

Well, I leave the rest to you.

I'll do my own thinking and draw my own conclusions rightly or wrongly, stay positive and maintain a Positive Fxxxing Mental Attitude (PFMA) AT ALL TIMES!!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

By now everyone on this forum knows ( or should ) that I experienced a traumatic brain injury that MAY have an impact on how I live my life until EOL

That is my issue to deal with but I do have memory deficits

SO....... could someone please show me where Andy or I wrote there would be mine carrying drones added to the game

Thanks
Don

Re: MBT's
 

We have not promised mine-laying drones - someone did suggest them somewhere though.

It wont be happening since:
- Time taken for the drones to lay a 1 hex light scatter minefield is beyond typical game time, as each drone will need to go to the mined hex, drop 1 (1) actual mine and then return and repeat several times in order to be classed as 1 game mine point - which is more than 1 actual mine. each hex is half a football field, remember!
- AI has no clue about using these so if given them, it will just kamikaze the things as "scouts"
- AI has no clue about the enemy ability to drop mines in a non assault game, so wont buy any engineer assets to possibly deal with them. See how it has problems already should cluster weapons lay a few random UXO.

So if they were implemented, they would be a way for a human player to slap the poor little AI about the head with ease and totally unbalance game play. Only would be worth it for human v human play really, and if you really want to "simulate" it - then just bombard an area with cluster ammo from an off-map howitzer battery and wait for a few UXO to appear there?

Oh yeah - as a simulated drone laying device - use a minelet battery, that would also do the trick. Been so long since I ever used one of those that I'd forgotten about those.

Re: MBT's
 

This is all I could find doing a quick search, nothing mentioned about drones /mines that I could find...

Drones with RPG warheads will be in the V18 Ukraine OOB and the V18 Russian Extension OOB has a KUB-2
http://52.116.51.243/showpost.php?p=...&postcount=161

Re: MBT's
 

Mine carrying drones are not very realistic at this scale. Could use the scenario editor to deploy the mines before the battle starts though.

How powerful are minelets? What do they look like? Are they concealed like regular mines or are they always visible to the player?

Re: MBT's
 

They tend to be track busters or anti-personnel - not large.

They will be scattered on the surface, so fairly easily detectable unless in e.g. grass, fields or trees. Easily enough to spot if they fell onto a road especially if tarmac.

A delaying item rather than deadly. Nasty for the local civilian population to have to deal with. Western ones were eventually painted a luminous yellow to help civvies, please politicians etc. The eastern bloc - not so bothered.

Re: MBT's
 

Interesting last few Posts. And NO neither Andy nor You made any such suggestion concerning Mine Drones

Now that I have a better understanding of Dons memory issue, I'll start with the mine drone issue as that started on 6 April.

Mark for informational purposes, in the "What happens in 2025? Thread Post 164 How the Russians had used said drones to heavily mine the road network Ukraine was using to support I believe a critical logistics center.

Post 165 Thought it was cool but made an inquiry about those mines. "No harm no foul" there.

Post 166 Mark provided said information and mentioned it would slow down the game.

Post 167 I posted this because I saw the "potential" based I what we've seen many times where someone would latch onto a piece equipment which in time leads to momentum building in the threads of "can we have this and if not why?"

And drones certainly have been "the flavor of the month" except in reality the last couple of years or more.

I stated many reasons why I felt it was a bad idea. I knew it would get Dons ATTENTION AND IT DID. Don and STEVES308 thanked me (And thank you!) without comment. I thought the matter would die there.

However, the following post involving the AI ANALYSIS of my post said the same thing I said and to be honest my first thought was WTF!

So, for the record Don has NEVER been shy in making a comment on my posts good or bad. When it's a simple THANKS I know he concurs with what I've posted. It's just that simple.

If you need an example of when I've gone a little "overboard" well that happened 3 days later in the APC Thread Post 742

He concurred with the data HOWEVER, not so much in my use of the English language. Just scroll down from mine. ;)

MBT Thread Post 1957 I ("") quoted from the Polish Ministry of Defense from my very credible ref. and offered my inputs as taken from that post as well. See the following now with "Bold".

"These to some extents were the same factors why we kept pushing back (~4-5 years) the START/FOC for our M1A2C. The other factor also was that the USA required full training/qualification of the crews and number of Brigades that got fully equipped with that tank."

"We should not be surprised by this at all as noted above for M1A2C/SEP 3 and when I submitted the ABRAMS M1A2 SEP2 to a somewhat lesser extent."

"The comparison between us (Then) and Poland (Now) are closely related with the fact as well that neither of us were or currently are in a state of war that would change the ""dynamic" of what was discussed above concerning all to include FOC. "

The AI comes along again not once but twice to confirm all I posted.

Having a better handle on Dons memory in "Medium" area or more, I wouldn't expect him to remember that in dealing with both M1A2 SEP2 and what was still at the time M1A2 SEP 3 I posted from Dept. of the Army the official overview tank training document. That document broke down length of training for each position in the tank along with a general understanding of the training to be given. I could be wrong but, I believe it was more in line as a student orientation document.

But I suppose someone will just ask the AI if my memory is correct or not.

Hopefully this clears up some of the "angst" out there as this could've all be avoided.

And finally, I would request that the use of the AI to breakdown what I'm trying to say, mean or to fact check me in the threads stop.

The score is Me 3 the AI 0/ or "Nil" if you prefer as it covered everything I put in the posts.

And further as I put it out here just because I don't own a cell phone because of all the crap out there and they're just not that secure, doesn't mean I'm not tech savvy.

The AI has its uses, that being said for the more challenging issues in the game or other, you might want to take a DEEP BREATH and MAYBE just ask yourself "I wonder if he used the AI about this issue?" :rolleyes:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:


:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

I REALLY would recomend you don't aquire a "better understanding" THE HARD WAY.

It is a major ** AND I MEAN** MAJOR PITA ......unless you like having people you have never met before tell you all the things you used to do but cannot now :mad:

.......and anything I do, do I get tired quicker but I don't dare have a nap or I won't sleep well or hardly at all the next night.

NOT fun

That Blackburn Skua I built I put into a shp file and that would have taken me <5min 4 months ago........ I just got it in finally and "test flew" it sucessfully BUT IT TOOK ME NEARLY AN HOUR TO REMEMBER ALL THE STEPS....I guess I should be happy I finally managed it but I am NOT feeling it ATM.. MAYBE in time.

https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1744656689

Don

Re: MBT's
 

The following is an update of what will eventually become the ABRAMS M1A3.

A couple of quick points...
Read the caption under the picture CAREFULLY as the current word is ..."developed"...(Article is dated 4/16/2025) which is the same I'm seeing from my other sources posted and or saved in my tank folder.

It'll weigh about 60 tons versus 73 tons for the M1A2C (I believe SEP 2 68-70 tons.). The package will be smaller with only 3 vice 4 Crew. Also, it'll have an auto loader in a remotely operated turret. However...
"This means that the space designated for the crew will be significantly smaller than it is now, making it easier to secure with armor of the intended resistance. "

This is what for years I've saying about Japan's TYPE 10. Because it's smaller doesn't mean a tank is any less protected. From what I can "Glean" concerning at this early stage in development so far is the M1A3 is going to be "near par" to its "older/bigger brothers" with DU armor.

Since no one can figure out the type of "highly classified" STEEL component of the TYPE 10, I feel and intend to higher values in that category along with an increase in its TI/GSR.

It is "possible" it might even have DU Armor since Japan certainly has that nuclear capacity and capability. The bottom of REF. 2 states my case to at least the "hypothetical" point.
https://www.iiss.org/sv/online-analy...ld-go-nuclear/
https://www.newsweek.com/japans-new-...pinion-1968235
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/comment...clear-weapons/

M1A3 article. Also take time to read the "Context" part of the article at the bottom...
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/am...393ce4b2c&ei=6

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

The
https://colossvs.artstation.com/projects/vYlgx
shows width of 4 m and overall with gun overhang of 11.2 which is handy when placing the turret on the icon, but the actual hull lenght woould have been nice BUT scaling from that drawing on that websight looks like the hull WxL is CLOSE ENOUGH to 2:1 to work from and that is not significantly smaller than the existing M1A2 SEP Abrams Icon

BUT

If anyone finds a really good line drawing or a good top-down photo of the actual vehicle please post it here

There are a couple other tanks this one resembles in small details but that changes depending on the photo

Don

Re: MBT's
 

very VERY early stage hull comparison


https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1744895372

M1A3 bottom


https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11021905


SOMEWHAT "Turkish Altay"

Re: MBT's
 

Alright here we go the video below within the first 3 minutes you'll get some decent to "fix" where things are on the turret at 3:13 pause the video which will get you what you want but it is a test to probably certify the turret.

I just got home so no time to finish watching this video, you might want to run it all the through just see if there's something better.

Wish to point the secondary weapon is to a 30mm Auto Cannon this is of course subject to change.

I will attempt to upload a couple of or 3D renderings if not in here when you see this check your email.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m4qH3UfHug

Attachment 17216

Let's see what happens.

OK first one didn't take however the one above did and I preferred it to the first because it's more in line with the above video and current views of the tank.


Regards,
Pat
:capt:
Hope this helps like the last time from a couple of months back.

Re: MBT's
 

Been awhile since I looked at ORNX for Russian losses in the Ukraine.

However, looking at the data we can see the following...

1. We now have a more complete picture of which older tanks have reached the battlefield which the last time I looked at it and posted didn't have more than handful listed (T-55 mostly).

2. It is also very clear of the more modern tanks that the T-72B3 and T-80 (Including the updated versions for both.) represent the "backbone" of their tank force.

3. All the reporting on the fact that Russia was producing large amounts of the T-90 tanks (In particular the T-90M) seem to have been exaggerated because the losses have increased since last viewed but, not by not much as the losses of the type has not gone up significantly over time. This does make sense if you've been following the state of Russia's ability to produce the more modern tanks due to the sanctions imposed on them since the war broke out.

4. What also stands out is the there are currently 500 tanks they couldn't verify by type.

5. What's missing is the T-14 in any category they track. It's as of this writing, that sources are still reporting of the mess this tank is. Reminds me of the ARJUN MBT. Plus, the Russian economy is just a "train wreck" right now made worse by out tariffs.

Here you go...
https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/0...equipment.html

For Ukraine seems like the M-55S, AMX-10 RC(R), OPLOT and OPLOT-M (With none listed in any category.) are the main winners so far. And yes, both OPLOT versions have been confirmed to operating on the battlefield of which a couple of articles I've already posted on that matter are in here-somewhere.

The ref also gives us a clearer picture of what's in the field both from the Ukraine and from Foreign donated equipment.
https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/0...ukrainian.html

Someone should've been in bed a couple of hours ago, wait a minute, I think it's me!?! :shock:

At least it's my my TGIF!!! :D

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

M1A3 VERY early stage


https://forum.shrapnelgames.com/atta...1&d=1745241822

Re: MBT's
 

.......and I doubt I will go much further with it until I start seeing consistent photos of it

Re: MBT's
 

I would whole heartly agree with your last. As it looks right now and as I posted "subject to change" it's too along with the 30mm have also a RWS 50 cal. and 7.62mm coax.

It's just too early to tell.

Your last looks really good.

I'm trying to figure out the "dome" I know it's not Commanders Panoramic Sight.

I suspect a like Submarine Periscope which contains multiple antennas in it, that this will also include GPS/Radar (Possibly) BMS/IFF/Drone EW (Which will be integrated into this tank) and certainly C4I which is what set the Japanese TYPE 10 apart from most other modern tanks to include ours when it was fielded.
I believe it was the first tank to operate with a fully integrated C4i system.
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA414829.pdf
https://www.tobyhanna.army.mil/Capabilities/C4ISR/
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervie...5A8B&FORM=VIRE
(C4I coordinated ops in action.)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

BREAKING NEWS: The M-10 BOOKER is cancelled. Other systems to follow. Waiting for army.mil to respond.

SECDEF called upon the Army to make cuts a couple of days ago.
https://militarnyi.com/en/news/jltv-...-next-and-why/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/th...d=BingNewsSerp
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/m10-...ank-cancelled/
https://www.businessinsider.com/us-a...o-heavy-2025-5
https://kmaupdates.com/2025/05/02/fo...ks-fatal-flaw/
https://insidedefense.com/daily-news...-driscoll-says
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/20...o-list/405000/

So, from the quotes taken for the above refs I'm thinking it's a "done deal" now the PITA will be to track the likes of the AMPV. APACHE D, UAV's and JTLV.

Most will fall under STOP Production orders.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

***K!

NOT ONLY "track the likes of the AMPV. APACHE D, UAV's and JTLV."

But also older systems that might have had their end date trimmed because of the now missing replacements for them

There are 6 AH-64D's start data variously 1997, 2006, 2007
End dates are 2005 for U123 and the rest go to 2030

FUN..............NOT!

Re: MBT's
 

I'm not changing anything in the OOB's right now....late fall 2025 let me know "what's still on the chopping block"

Re: MBT's
 

If true that would be a game changer

Also.........The US OOB has one ( 1 ) drone and it's unarmed so there will be additions.... just what they are is TBD..........FORTUNATELY we have the extention OOB in place so we can add many more...... the first unit in the extentions was the M10..........grumble

Re: MBT's
 

That means the M10 *may* not be pulled completly out of the game........they could end up anywhere doing what they we designed to do or becoming dust magnets locked in a warehouse

Re: MBT's
 

Here's what I wanted as expressed in my last post.

The next two items read the same but, I posted them for context.

First as the upper Chain of Command received it...
https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/...initiative.pdf

Last also from the army.mil News section which I first saw.
https://www.army.mil/article/285100/...ion_initiative

First the M1E3 appears to be safe.

For now, except as already noted so from the above...
"We will cancel procurement of outdated crewed attack aircraft such as the AH-64D, excess ground vehicles like the HMMWV and JLTV, and obsolete UAVs like the Gray Eagle."

So, we will not be producing and or buying any more of those systems and other systems TBA in the future.

From the quote I highlighted the ones most in danger of being withdrawn from active service.

"We live in interesting times. "

I'm not worried about AMPV as it was already fielded by the USA and we further adjusted the START date accordantly as posted. We have no backup plan (Except autonamious systems still being evaluated.) or "whiff" of another armored unit to replace it or to transport our troops in.

As noted, we'll have to be "eyes on" for certainly the next few months or more.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

Just came across ;)this a few minutes ago, I'll call this the "Don't fall in!?!" article. I think most will catch my meaning ;) as it relates to the information I passed along to Don yesterday in the APC Thread for the timeline posts. Anyway...
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...e65a8f60&ei=42

The next has no game impact however it most certainly has potential real life consequences.

We have decided at the end of last week or earlier to not allow Australia to send their M1A1 Abrams to the Ukraine one of the reasons is stating we don't think they want them however, Ukraine did address the issue that they do want them on the web. Besides they figured out how to better protect the "Top" (Another issue that was brought up by us.) a few months back and we haven't seen anything in a while about drones taking them out.

I guess they managed the situation quite well and without our help. They must've been paying attention to what the Israelis have been doing for decades, making our equipment better then when they got them to include more recently their F-35I.

Before I post this I'm sticking to my START for these tanks as I recently posted they are still training and qualifying on these tanks. Further the only ref that matters is the Australian "REAL" Army newspaper I subscribe to. Para 6 of the following mentions the delay in shipping.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...-tank-squadron
https://kyivindependent.com/transfer...media-reports/
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/bu...k-in-australia
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/ar...abrams-ukraine

It's a wonder how these things come along to support a point I made in a post so for a further example here's the following...
https://www.armyrecognition.com/focu...ted-smart-fuse

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

EDIT: Alright was heading to bed when I realized I forgot the following. This is the reason why the K2 PIP was "killed" 2-3 years ago. First the K2 had many of the systems incorporated into the tank when the decision was made to improve the K2 and be able to build a larger tank force quicker which also included modernizing the K1 to the K1A2.

This also lead to the K3 planning which I started posting on about a year ago at least. When I saw this article there was another obvious reason to get it posted, which Don will most certainly pick up on. Read Para 2 very slowing. and the rest of the article will certainly show this tank has a long way to go. VLS on a tank MAYBE-WOW!
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...3-stealth-tank
(Now corrected in here as well-thanks Don. Cut the end "k" when made bold early this morning.)

Re: MBT's
 

registers-the-design-of-south-koreas-future-k3-stealth-tan[/url][/b]k[/quote]

The link cut the K off the end in link above

This is the corrected one

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...3-stealth-tank

Re: MBT's
 

Perhaps a little clarity on the Russian T-54 tank usage.

And based on the ORNX numbers for the T-54/55 tanks I feel they both are being used as indirect artillery support as the below video suggests for the T-54.

I base this on the current ORNX numbers for all reporting items they cover to show that a total of only 14 of the above tanks have been reported.

Unless you want them as artillery units MAYBE you might just want to save yourself a couple of Russian slots. Neither have been upgraded for the current war.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/news...on/vi-AA1AKE7Z
(This is less than a day old.)
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/202...ian-T-55-tanks

To better support the "MAYBE" by contrast I looked to the next tanks which would be the T-62 and up. Again from ORNX.

5 T-62 Obr. 1967: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (1, captured)

2 T-62 Obr. 1972: (1, destroyed) (1, abandoned)

135 T-62M: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (5, destroyed) (6 and 7, and so forth...

46 T-62M Obr. 2022: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (5, destroyed) (6, and so forth...

36 T-62MV: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (5, destroyed) (6, destroyed) (7, and so forth...

The above fall under the SOVIET banner to indicate they had only minor improvements made to them if at all.

10 T-62MV Obr. 2022: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (5, destroyed) (6, and so forth.

39 Unknown T-62: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (5, destroyed) (6, and so forth...

The above two fall under the RUSSIAN banner.

And note this is why almost a 100% of my refs to include the "vaunted" JANES use this site as the data is verifiable and more importantly to me and I'm sure most legitimate of the refs like is if it's in the "Unknown" category there is no guessing of which model it is so it is what it is which is again "Unknown" period.

Wasn't going to do this but here you go after this this you're on your own to check deeper this for "GP"...

3 T-64A: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (1, damaged)

92 T-64BV: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed) (3, destroyed) (4, destroyed) (5, destroyed) (6, destroyed) (7, and so forth...

2 T-64BVK: (1, destroyed) (2, destroyed)

1 Unknown T-64: (1, destroyed)

All above SOVIET era again.

All after start with T-72 "URAL" at (1) and goes way up after that as you can imagine.

I would think again T-54/55 would be wasted slots again in the current war unless used as indirect artillery and Russia all ready has enough of that to include a new system that just came on line.
https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/0...equipment.html

My final point is also for all the articles saying that the T-54/55 tanks have fought in all these battles over the last almost two years just doesn't wash with reality of the numbers lost for both types especially as compared to the T-62/64 tanks that arrived on the front about the same time.

Also you can find online some indicating that both the T-55 is very similar to the T-62 even the main gun design are about the same. This also includes the size of both tanks. The one way to distinguish a difference is I believe it was that they have the same number of road wheels however unlike the T-55 the front roadwheel is separated from the rest and on the T-62 the gaps between the roadwheels that increase towards the rear roadwheel (Hopefully I believe that's how it was and I didn't "reverse" the tanks .).

My recommendation and your call.

I'm staying "independent" in the tanks I'm working on however, and we've discussed this many times over the years and that is are we going to keep TI/GSR at 60 for tanks etc. due to game map constrictions and overall all game play?

I have NO PROBLEMS with this as is just wanted to see where your thinking is on the matter. You can answer here or PM me if you wish for this topic.

THANKS!

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

US Army Reevaluates Tank Warfare Strategy Amid Drone Threats:
https://armyrecognition.com/news/arm...-drone-threats

Re: MBT's
 

I read that article so I guess that means that hopefully we won't get into a shooting war in the next 5-10 years when we might have enough autonomous systems out there to lead the charge.

As I don't have much faith in the leadership at DOD at the moment, they should be well aware (Or are not discussing it.) that as reported that the TROPHY launchers are being adjusted lower than the current angle of 55 degrees to both offer protection against drones and ATGW weapons. The initial testing showed TROPHY was "somewhat" effective but obviously not effective enough.

Israel did however find that IRON FIST in testing was highly efficient (They claimed 100% though I'm not "handing my hat on that" and would've felt better with 90% + just guessing on my part.) out to a distance of 1.2km and I've not seen anything to dispute that range.

Germany has the SHIELD system which in the video I posted discussing all of this showed a FUCHS running a course with many anti-tank weapons being fired at it from both sides. None got through.

Further in regards to Germany there now is some speculation that the LEOPARD 2A8 might get SHIELD instead of TROPHY. It'll be awhile before we see the 2A8 get to FOC so this will have to be tracked closely.

EW is not a factor as the newer tanks already have at least 2 to 4 masts already on them that can integrate an EW anti-drone capability and if I had to choose the IFF mast would be my choice for reasons I can't go into here even for when I was active-that should tell you something right there. MAYBE! ;)

Again a wonderful article.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

This will be "Short and Sweet" in that Australia has begun sending their M1A1 ABRAMS to the Ukraine.

Though this situation has raised some "eye brows" in the Pentagon (Which has been recently reported that they stopped the arms shipments to the Ukraine w/o POTUS supposedly not knowing about it.) part of the concern beyond what I recently posted included the fact that the Pentagon was suggesting they didn't want them, is the concern it's in a "grey area" (Since we sent them ourselves.) of the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) agreement as it pertains to foreign sales.

From want I can find, I've not seen anything to suggest these tanks have been modified before shipping.

And at this point haven't checked what Ukraine has already as compared to what Australia is sending them (They might be slightly better.) if so fine for RL and GL.

Also based on an article I just got from "Down Under" and have already posted the AAR is holding back about a Companies worth until the M1A2C Export tanks are FULLY INTERGRATED sometime around mid-2026.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...n-light-of-u-s

Plenty more about this on the web.

Have an early day with some training with a new hire class.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

Alright for the sake of getting some sleep and to save Don a "little time" I've taken a look at the Australian M1A1 AIM SA UNIT 026 as compared to the the Ukrainian ABRAMS UKR* UNIT 714.

The Ukrainian version is nothing more than the M1A1 Export version of the tank submitted with the ERA added to it as later reports had shown.

Generally speaking it is important to note when these tanks were delivered to both countries, 2007 for Australia and 2023 for the Ukraine.

So it makes perfectly good sense that the Ukrainian version would have the improved TI/GSR 45 vice 40 for the Australian version.

Likewise considering the geographic differences (Or Battlespace.) involved it would make sense that Australia would favor an ammo loadout more on the armor vs. armor were the Ukrainian tank is more well rounded to fight both armor and infantry.

There are "minor" fluctuations in the armor values but not enough to matter in the big picture and one must consider especially concerning Australia's tank was more built to their requirements while we are building those tanks today for a more "general" market.

So as I already mentioned previously we should send the Ukrainians the Australian tanks "as is" for one it'll give the player the option to chose which one will be better suited for the next battle ahead or both working together.

And would you believe it that my ref sort of brings up some of this to a degree but more importantly they will (Ukraine) be receiving these tanks unaltered as is from Australia.

However once they get them they'll add the ERA that UKR UNIT 714 has along with possibly increasing the TI/GSR to 45
though that might fall in closer to "speculation" at this time.

Also for both you might consider the TOP to be 10 VICE 8 for both based on posts I made last year where the Ukraine added a 1 to 1.5 inch armor plate fitted to the ABRAMS turret roof that also had raised grill like "cage" over the plate armor at roughly to same height of 1-1.5 inches as the pictures showed from a couple of those refs. Both were cut to fit the turret as designed I at first I almost missed that until I "blew it up".

From Para 2 of the ref:
"In addition to the logistical issues, the Australian variants could be different from those already sent by the U.S., requiring Ukrainian crews to undergo extra training."

What I think about the "training" issue to me falls in line with I have any number of wonderful and beautiful bridges I'll sell you a bargain price in NYC!?! :angel
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world...50c9a742&ei=20

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

I'll add another option

In my master Ukrainian OOB there is a "M1A1 Cage" in slot 756https://i.imgur.com/xo1N5dn_d.png?ma...&fidelity=high

https://i.imgur.com/aGGvHoY_d.png?ma...&fidelity=high

Right now it has an end date of 9/125....... why 9/125 ? IDK exactly. I suspect I added this between when I slipped and fell on the ice and when I was admitted to hospital and don't remember anything for three weeks BUT it's an MIA1 with ERA added and with the date extended to 12/130 I think it would be ideal as the Australian addition to the Ukrainian inventory of M1A1's without adding a separate unit that does the same thing.........and it's green

Re: MBT's
 

That solution will work.

However, if I may suggest, you might want to increase the TI/GSR to 45 so that it'll match the current in game Ukrainian ABRAMS UKR* UNIT 714 just a thought.

Otherwise looks very good.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

Re: MBT's
 

I believe I already submitted a change due to the training etc. I normally make allowances for, if not here we go...
CHANGE/M1A2T/UNIT 025/CHANGE/START/OCT 2025/VICE/NOV 2024.//
Second shipment confirmed enroute to arrive shortly if not just getting there now.
From the ref. Para 3..."As of June 2025, Taiwan’s Army has received 38 M1A2T tanks (First batch-mine.) currently used for conversion training by the 584th Armored Brigade at the Armor Training Command. This brigade, based in Hsinchu, is expected to be reinforced with the incoming batch. The tanks are scheduled to conduct their first live-fire exercises between June 18 and 27at the newly developed Kengzikou training range in Hsinchu County."

From the ref. Para 5..."This event would follow live-fire certification exercises in late June and the formal fielding of the first operational unit later in 2025."

This would seem to reflect the thinking of the USA in fielding our tanks such as ICO M1A2 SEP 2 was I believe 8 Brigades (or Battalions, it was a long time ago when I posted that bit of information.) were equipped before it was fielded.

Also from Para 5...
"The older CM12 tanks have been completely decommissioned and transferred to the Armament and Maintenance Development Center for dismantling and parts recovery."

"M60A3 tanks are scheduled for limited upgrades, while CM11 tanks will be progressively placed into storage."

To the M60A3 seen reports to indicate they will get a new FCS, Ceramic or Applique armor, ERA (Maybe) and less likely though mentioned a 120mm MG.

I'll have to get back into the OOB to recommend REASONABLE END dates for the CM11 and CM12 tanks.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news...hinese-threats

Regards,
Pat
:capt: