Also, personal opinion - something has to be done with ABVs.
They're vehicles leading the assaults - i.e. not "just" combat vehicles, but also the leading and the most crucial ones.
If they fail - the whole assault at best fails.
1. Tanks with plows aren't a replacement - with heavy plows, they're almost incapable of maneuvering(so they can't even be a backup), light ones arefor show secondary. So, a purpose-designed assault vehicle. People who suggest doing it with ARVs shall go first to show with the example...no simply wrong, ARVs are far too valuable to an armoured unit to waste, even to make a point.
2. ABV is a target no.1 - from both the front, sides and top - smart mines do it, ATGMs do it. Heavy Composite/ERA cover instead of those weaker superstructures must be provided. And yes, of course, APS - in a survivable installation. Leopard 2a8 solution is a joke.
3. ABV must carry flexible charges(like M1150 does). Russian idea of carrying those on separate lightly armoureddeathtraps is ...well, at least, they shouldn't be the only solution. Btw, China does the same, and it's something to consider.
4. ABV must be capable of suppressing defenses at meaningful ranges. If anything, because it itself blocks fire of the armoured column it leads. Most of them, instead, are either completely unarmed, or have a MG only.
Maybe something like the Soviet Object 787 installation(guns on turret sides).
5. Heavy roller plows with side attack mine sweeping add-on (Russian style) - is a must.
Short point: ABV is the tip of the armored spear, not a glorified dozer.
They're vehicles leading the assaults - i.e. not "just" combat vehicles, but also the leading and the most crucial ones.
If they fail - the whole assault at best fails.
1. Tanks with plows aren't a replacement - with heavy plows, they're almost incapable of maneuvering(so they can't even be a backup), light ones are
2. ABV is a target no.1 - from both the front, sides and top - smart mines do it, ATGMs do it. Heavy Composite/ERA cover instead of those weaker superstructures must be provided. And yes, of course, APS - in a survivable installation. Leopard 2a8 solution is a joke.
3. ABV must carry flexible charges(like M1150 does). Russian idea of carrying those on separate lightly armoured
Maybe something like the Soviet Object 787 installation(guns on turret sides).
Short point: ABV is the tip of the armored spear, not a glorified dozer.
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