Posted on 12/05/2007 9:05:55 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
SU-122 type mobile artillery
"самоходная артиллерийская установка" Or SAU-122.
A stryker gives far more protection against mines and most IEDs than any IFV. The M2 gives a higher degree of ballistic protection even baseline than a BMP3.
A BMP3s armor is weak. It’s basic layout and design unlike a M2 limits the use of certain ERA as well (It's the suspension that can't handle the weight).
The problem is that what the DoD needs in Iraq is a glorified police car in concept, but with far greater firepower and protection. Convoys, routine patrols of routes, responding to some call for help, after a bomb etc. is not what tracked vehicles with low speeds, high maintenance intervals (when driven), loud, and succepable to IEDs were made for. The HMMWV in the versions they are building them now is MORE suited for what we’re doing. That does not mean the HMMWV will stop an RPG, or can deal with every IED, but it’s as a concept a more suited design for meeting the mission specific requirements.
First thing you do in a monkey model BMP, is disable the auto loader.
Otherwise, it will stuff the gunner in the breach.
They are a deathtrap. To make room for more troops, the fuel tanks are mounted on the outside of the vehicle on the rear doors. A hit that piereces them and the very thin armor of the doors will incinerate the occupants.
Thoe are 2S1 “Gvozdik” 122 SP Howitzer.
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