APC Development and related topics.

[Suhiir]

Side note for future reference (say for "what if" mods/OOBs).
The 30mm Bushmaster intended to be mounted on the new USMC EFV is designed to be able to upgrade to 50mm.
Just a FYI.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

You probably won't need any what ifs, as this article from DOD reports the CORPS is essentially updating all the current EFV prototypes to improved designs, increased reliability, fire control systems and weapons etc. based on lessons learned to date.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/15615/
Good Night and have a Great Weekend all!!
Regards,
Pat

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

You probably won't need any what ifs, as this article from DOD reports the CORPS is essentially updating all the current EFV prototypes to improved designs, increased reliability, fire control systems and weapons etc. based on lessons learned to date.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/15615/
Good Night and have a Great Weekend all!!
Regards,
Pat

Yeah saw that, basically they've decided the current design was a great test bed now they're going to design the "real" EFV

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

As promised in my last white paper post, some of you might remember I came across some info that lead me to throw out that the French were in "cahoots" with the British MOD in the broader use of the CTWS 40mm when I was posting on the FRES program.
1. I give you the SPHINX from Panard a long time leader in armored recon and scout vehicles.
http://defense-update.com/products/s..._08072010.html

Pic:

2. Background on the French SCORPION Modernization Program that Panards SPHINX is in competition for in one segment of.
http://www.defence-update.net/wordpr..._scoprion.html

3. For you German and Dutch BOXER fans the long awaited IFV turret was finally unveiled also @ EUROSATORY 2010 (End of June first half of July.) it will mount the MK44 Bushmaster 30mm AC (Auto Cannon.)
http://www.defence-update.net/wordpr...expanding.html

Pic:

Also of interest some you might remember in one of my first posts on the "SPA SPAA" thread the Swedish SKYRANGER. I came across a picture of a BOXER with the SKYRANGER turret on it, though I believe it's still in development/evaluation stage with Germany and Sweden (Using the PIRANA IV APC.).

Pic:

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Poland to update ROSOMAK (PATRIA AMV) with new recon sensor gear by the end of this year.
http://defense-update.com/wp/2010122...e-rosomak.html

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

U.S. SECDEF Gates kills the EFV. I'm not adding it as a "deletion" to my last patch input yet. Gates also wants to kill the F-35 program as well to meet the goal of cutting the U.S. defense budget by 80 to 100 billion dollars between 2012 - 2016. The F-35 cut issue is meeting with resistance to Gates from the new congress. So congress might step into the fray to save the EFV as well. Only time will tell but as with real life vs game life one thing is certain for now, both will still be around after the next patch unless something drastic happens in real life.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21003/

Regards,
Pat

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

U.S. SECDEF Gates kills the EFV. I'm not adding it as a "deletion" to my last patch input yet. Gates also wants to kill the F-35 program as well to meet the goal of cutting the U.S. defense budget by 80 to 100 billion dollars between 2012 - 2016. The F-35 cut issue is meeting with resistance to Gates from the new congress. So congress might step into the fray to save the EFV as well. Only time will tell but as with real life vs game life one thing is certain for now, both will still be around after the next patch unless something drastic happens in real life.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21003/
Regards,
Pat

The F-35 cannot be completely killed, simply because it is the only way to give 5th generation fighter capabilities to the USN and several US allies, as well as replacing several aging USAF platforms. Maybe the vertical take off variant will be deleted and numbers trimmed somewhat but overall it is simply "too big to fail" at this point. Compared to that the EFV looks like a mere overpriced nice to have, although of course one would have to consider the background, such as which districts are going to benefit from it, how much lobbying power can be brought to bear in its favor etc.
However budgetary realities being what they are, something will give in at some point...

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Some were surprised by Gen. Amos being made Commandant of the CORPS for his support of the EFV as SECDEF Gates has been against it for some time now, but I have read all I need to now put the EFV on my delete list for the next patch now as well. SLAMRAM will be on the list as well though I noted no mention of MEADS. Some might find it interesting to see the direction the SECDEF and USAF want to take outside the F-35 program. There have been rumors for some time that the B-1B and B-2 would not be the end of strategic bomber development for us, it appears it's going to happen sooner then later now as well. Please read and enjoy the breakdown of the U.S. Defence spending overhaul over the next five years. Again note from this ref the source is located in the upper right corner to the article.
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/...5f3882e1791d50
Also a well respected "think tanks" response.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21043/

And to get back on topic this could be the end of the GVC program just recently revived last month for new bids - hope you like the BRADLEY.


Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well this is why I use the sources I do. This will effectively end my discussion on the EFV unless a miracle comes to Detroit (And those folks could use the jobs lost.) and the CORPS. This is a very comprehensive article on the EFV program from beginning to end and for and against it. A very good read.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...updated-02302/
Here's to another open slot!

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

The GCV program kinda like the EFV program kinda like the...well that one is in the JET...thread. Even my heads starting to spin a little and I'm not even possessed though some might question that!?! It's getting serious though if you're outside the country you might not fully understand the situation here caused by the last election, this was clearly shown after the State of the Union address by the President when normally each political party (Republicans & Democrats) has an opportunity to express their support or rebuttal to the Presidents speech. This year we also for the first time had a third response from the "Tea Party" backed Republicans, which support defense but are more fiscally conservative. I'm not expressing any political view here as this is fact based, however it's having it's ripple effect on defense issues as these will show.

The GCV program is meant to take us to the next gen IFV etc. beyond the BRADLEY, however as I brought to your attention it was cancelled (Budget etc.) in the early summer of 2010. It has since been resurrected with tighter guidelines in cost management and design features or has it?
Is it really needed?
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21503/
The new GVC development teams.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21423/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21399/

More on the...EFV
All DoD components unified on the budget.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21567/
Is the DoD concept of Amphibious Warfare wrong?
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21460/
Yes our old friend exceeds expectations or a line from a favorite comedy movie from across the pond "I'm not dead yet!"
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/21482/

Everyone have a great weekend!

Regards,
Pat