SOFTBALL #1...
In my last post I came across a ref concerning the
TOS-1A having been delivered to Iraq in July. I thought I bookmarked it however, I did not so, to close the loop here, I give you the following...
I recommend that
Oct. 2014 be the field date for the TOS-1A based on the late July 2014 delivery date and to allow for training. I believe the pictures you posted came from the first ref. the training time is reasonable considering the Iraqi Army is very familiar with the T-72 tank. The FCS is more of a direct fire system aided by a day/night (TI) optical sight with LRF again not a technical hurdle for them to overcome. The only time consuming issue I really is in learning to reload and use the launcher (As they already use similar systems.) specific to the TOS-1A.
http://www.janes.com/article/41343/i...ssian-weaponry
Please note dated posted on the following (This is a legitimate site designed to serve current active, reserve, veteran and retired military in the U.S.)
http://www.military.com/video/rocket...3846081544001/
And if your feeling really frogging...
JANE'S was right on top of this concerning the Iraqis having been equipped with the Iranian
HM-20 MRL as pictured. I have not verified that this is even in the Iranian OOB. I have a handful of equipment issues to deal with concerning Iran, they've been
busy this past year. If not, as you can see it's on my list to do already.
http://www.janes.com/article/47826/d...aq-as-positive
Since in these refs there has been discussion of the Su-25, Iraq does have and is getting more of them however, there is no info to support that they are being used at this time. This is a new aircraft for them thus the Russians (Yes they're there and yes we paid for some of this equipment as well.) are training them to fly and maintain them.
Regards,
Pat