Miragedriver
Brigadier
There have been many articles published recently regarding the US Army wanting a new light tank for Light Infantry forces. Most have concentrated on the primary requirement being a replacement for the M551 Sheridan (which was retired without replacement in 1997) for the 82nd Airborne. Let’s ignore the fact that this vehicle is for airborne troops, since I’m suggesting a support vehicle for lite infantry.
So the question is what should such a vehicle (be it a light tank or some other form of fire support vehicle) be?
So the question is what should such a vehicle (be it a light tank or some other form of fire support vehicle) be?
- A lite tank with a low velocity 105mm (tank rounds are cheaper than missiles)
- A heavy wheeled vehicle like the Centauro B1
- An Russian Terminator with two auto cannon and missiles
- A wheeled APC with 20mm auto cannon and some missile
- A vehicle like the German Lynx
- Or just use the standard IFV as is
So the question is what should such a vehicle (be it a light tank or some other form of fire support vehicle) be? Not necessarily just for the US 82nd Airborne but other (US & foreign) Light Infantry forces.
Light units do not want to be around tanks. Tanks make lots of noise and attract too much attention defeating of Light Infantry's asset- that being stealth.
Any ideas or suggestions?