I am new to this forum and would like advice on the design of a new APC-like vehicle for use in Iraq in urban combat and convoy escort.
The advantage in IRAQ has always been with the insurgents for one simple reason: Rocket Proplelled Grenades. That is because even heavy tanks are at risk from them never mind Humvees and Strykers. The question that haunts me is this: Is it possible to design an armored vehicle that will hold 6 to 12 men and that is capable of taking multiple direct hits with RPGs from all sides without losing any crew? Note that this vehicle does not have to operate anywhere but on the steets and highways of Iraq in the present.
I think several designs are possible so let me describe one concept
Consider a conventional, US style over-the-road tractor unit like a Mack or Freightliner with automatic transmission (Eaton). The cost of such a vehicle is only about $100K new so it is cheap by military standards. Adapt a standard trailer for that tractor and on that trailer place what is essentially a mobile "pill box" - a special hardened survival capule that has the best armor that technology can provide quickly. Make the tractor remotely controlled (easy to do). Add a very powerful offensive weapons capability (machine guns, grenade launcher, flame throwers and so on). The key requirement is that this crew capsule must survive any number of hits by RPGs, mines and roadside bombs and not only survive but survive to retaliate immediately with massive effect.
The problem I am told, is that armor that will meet this requirement is not available. (read: Give up, it is too difficult) But the more I investigate, the more it appears that adequate armor is available - especially if weight is not a major limitation which is not in this case. To start with, a couple of tons of "slats" armor as used on the Stryker, will render most incoming RPGs ineffective. The remaining armor on the capsule surface could be Chobham or some other advanced type, thick enough to eliminate virtually all risk to the crew. Lets say that the total armor weighs in at 50 tons. Will that do the job? I think so. (Oh yes, and partition the interior just in case, like the Bradley). Seems to me that netralizing the RPG would completely demoralize the enemy.
Note that the tractor and the trailer are considered doiposable items in this concept. If they are damaged by a mine or RPG, just get another set out of inventory - like the LIberty ships of WW2, make them faster than the enemy can destroy them. While the crew are waiting for a replacement tractor, they can defend themselves well and stay safe especially wth cover from other similar vehicles.
I think that is now very obvious that we need an almost nvulnerable vehicle in Iraq both for forays into urban areas (main streets) and also for convoy escort where surviving a first strike by the enemy is a mandatory requirement.
So, in the specific case of Iraq, is this the right type of vehicle for urban war and convoy protection? If not, what is?
The advantage in IRAQ has always been with the insurgents for one simple reason: Rocket Proplelled Grenades. That is because even heavy tanks are at risk from them never mind Humvees and Strykers. The question that haunts me is this: Is it possible to design an armored vehicle that will hold 6 to 12 men and that is capable of taking multiple direct hits with RPGs from all sides without losing any crew? Note that this vehicle does not have to operate anywhere but on the steets and highways of Iraq in the present.
I think several designs are possible so let me describe one concept
Consider a conventional, US style over-the-road tractor unit like a Mack or Freightliner with automatic transmission (Eaton). The cost of such a vehicle is only about $100K new so it is cheap by military standards. Adapt a standard trailer for that tractor and on that trailer place what is essentially a mobile "pill box" - a special hardened survival capule that has the best armor that technology can provide quickly. Make the tractor remotely controlled (easy to do). Add a very powerful offensive weapons capability (machine guns, grenade launcher, flame throwers and so on). The key requirement is that this crew capsule must survive any number of hits by RPGs, mines and roadside bombs and not only survive but survive to retaliate immediately with massive effect.
The problem I am told, is that armor that will meet this requirement is not available. (read: Give up, it is too difficult) But the more I investigate, the more it appears that adequate armor is available - especially if weight is not a major limitation which is not in this case. To start with, a couple of tons of "slats" armor as used on the Stryker, will render most incoming RPGs ineffective. The remaining armor on the capsule surface could be Chobham or some other advanced type, thick enough to eliminate virtually all risk to the crew. Lets say that the total armor weighs in at 50 tons. Will that do the job? I think so. (Oh yes, and partition the interior just in case, like the Bradley). Seems to me that netralizing the RPG would completely demoralize the enemy.
Note that the tractor and the trailer are considered doiposable items in this concept. If they are damaged by a mine or RPG, just get another set out of inventory - like the LIberty ships of WW2, make them faster than the enemy can destroy them. While the crew are waiting for a replacement tractor, they can defend themselves well and stay safe especially wth cover from other similar vehicles.
I think that is now very obvious that we need an almost nvulnerable vehicle in Iraq both for forays into urban areas (main streets) and also for convoy escort where surviving a first strike by the enemy is a mandatory requirement.
So, in the specific case of Iraq, is this the right type of vehicle for urban war and convoy protection? If not, what is?
