- Reaction score
- 35
- Points
- 560
We all seem to be getting wrapped around the axle over what is supposed to be an extension of an existing capacity.
The world is neither flat, nor transparent, but things like Coyotes, ERSTA equipped Griffons and Infantry soldiers with (fairly) reliable radios give us the ability to "see" around corners and into areas which would have been "terra incognita" even in the 1970s (and these are Canadian capabilities). A tank, as part of a combat team, might be able to receive information about targets in these areas now, but be unable to engage them with a DF gun round, thus being out of the battle for all practical purposes.
Through tube missile technology is a potential means of putting a tank or AFV back in the fight under these conditions, although other things like "smart rounds", TERM (Tank Extended Range Munitions), STAFF (Sensor Target Activated Fire and Forget) and "X-Rod" have also been proposed or even prototyped to do similar things with gun projectiles. Since through tube missiles actually exist (although to my knowledge, never fired in anger), it is easier to reffer to them than TERM rounds, which do not exist as yet.
In a battle where you may want to deal with a target right away, having the launch platform handy is bound to shorten the response loop. The counter example is during Gulf War I or Kossovo, it could take several hours to a day or more between identifying a target and dispatching an aircraft and smart bomb to attack it. Let the higher level headquarters deal with the larger issues and give the tactical commander the means of dealing with a tactical problem right away.
Collateral damage is a relative term, of course, but destroying a few rooms in an apartment building will have fewer consequences in terms of changing attitudes against us than destroying the entire building. I suppose when a tank can deliver a flu virus against enemies we will argue about controlling the spread of the infection...
I can hardly believe you of all people are arguing "for" the troika, Zipper. A "Generation Four" gun tank with extended shooting ability fights the close and long battles without three separate logistics trains (MGS, MMEV, TUA). That fact alone should make buying some form of tank into a "no brainer" (although we all see logic has little to do with military procurement).
The world is neither flat, nor transparent, but things like Coyotes, ERSTA equipped Griffons and Infantry soldiers with (fairly) reliable radios give us the ability to "see" around corners and into areas which would have been "terra incognita" even in the 1970s (and these are Canadian capabilities). A tank, as part of a combat team, might be able to receive information about targets in these areas now, but be unable to engage them with a DF gun round, thus being out of the battle for all practical purposes.
Through tube missile technology is a potential means of putting a tank or AFV back in the fight under these conditions, although other things like "smart rounds", TERM (Tank Extended Range Munitions), STAFF (Sensor Target Activated Fire and Forget) and "X-Rod" have also been proposed or even prototyped to do similar things with gun projectiles. Since through tube missiles actually exist (although to my knowledge, never fired in anger), it is easier to reffer to them than TERM rounds, which do not exist as yet.
In a battle where you may want to deal with a target right away, having the launch platform handy is bound to shorten the response loop. The counter example is during Gulf War I or Kossovo, it could take several hours to a day or more between identifying a target and dispatching an aircraft and smart bomb to attack it. Let the higher level headquarters deal with the larger issues and give the tactical commander the means of dealing with a tactical problem right away.
Collateral damage is a relative term, of course, but destroying a few rooms in an apartment building will have fewer consequences in terms of changing attitudes against us than destroying the entire building. I suppose when a tank can deliver a flu virus against enemies we will argue about controlling the spread of the infection...
I can hardly believe you of all people are arguing "for" the troika, Zipper. A "Generation Four" gun tank with extended shooting ability fights the close and long battles without three separate logistics trains (MGS, MMEV, TUA). That fact alone should make buying some form of tank into a "no brainer" (although we all see logic has little to do with military procurement).