Excellent Report on Light Tanks, and Light Armored Vehicles

[Hakan]

Excellent Report on Light Tanks, and Light Armored Vehicles (Mostly About U.S Military)

Long but has alot of good info, facts, and opinions. Includes videos, articles, power points etc.

U.S. Army employs light tanks but doesn't admit it
​

@Neptune @Horus @AUSTERLITZ @Nihonjin1051 @SvenSvensonov @Penguin @LeveragedBuyout @DESERT FIGHTER @Secur @jhungary @Irfan Baloch @500 @Zarvan @everyone else No offence for forgetting names.

@vostok talks about how russia is doing it the right way regarding armored vehicles.

​

 

[Aepsilons]

Excellent Report on Light Tanks, and Light Armored Vehicles (Mostly About U.S Military)

Long but has alot of good info, facts, and opinions. Includes videos, articles, power points etc.

U.S. Army employs light tanks but doesn't admit it
​

@Neptune @Horus @AUSTERLITZ @Nihonjin1051 @SvenSvensonov @Penguin @LeveragedBuyout @DESERT FIGHTER @Secur @jhungary @Irfan Baloch @500 @Zarvan @everyone else No offence for forgetting names.

@vostok talks about how russia is doing it the right way regarding armored vehicles.

​

@Hakan ,

The United States Army is looking to its M8 Armoured Gun System, and this design is to take shape in its new concept called the MPF (mobile protected firepower). This is going to be a game changer for precision, quick, high impact force projection for clandestine operations.

Here's an article to read:

U.S. Army in the Market for ‘Light’ Tanks - Blog

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Pure goodness at 47-48 tons AK-I:

AK-II might be around 55 tons..

 

[AMDR]

he United States Army is looking to its M8 Armoured Gun System, and this design is to take shape in its new concept called the MPF (mobile protected firepower). This is going to be a game changer for precision, quick, high impact force projection for clandestine operations.

Here's an article to read:

U.S. Army in the Market for ‘Light’ Tanks - Blog

Nice article. US paratroopers should definitely get some more armored firepower. I'm a big fan of Russia's Sprut-SD system. It is similar to the M8, with high mobility,125mm smoothbore gun,and amphibious, made specifically for the VDV.

 

[SvenSvensonov]

Excellent Report on Light Tanks, and Light Armored Vehicles (Mostly About U.S Military)

Long but has alot of good info, facts, and opinions. Includes videos, articles, power points etc.

U.S. Army employs light tanks but doesn't admit it​

Personally, I'm not a fan of light tanks, but I would support the US gaining the CV 90120 as a weapon for Paratroops, though support assets are needed as well.

Entered service -
Crew 4 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 26 - 35 t
Length (gun forward) 8.9 m
Hull length 6.6 m
Width 3.2 m
Height (turret roof) 2.4 m
Armament
Main gun 120-mm smoothbore
Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm / 12-7-mm
Elevation range - 8 to + 22 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 45 rounds
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine Scania DI16 diesel
Engine power 670 hp
Maximum road speed 70 km/h
Range 600 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 1 m
Trench 2.4 m
Fording 1.5 m

The CV90120-T light tank was developed by the BAE Systems Hagglunds as a private venture. The main goal was to meet the firepower of modern main battle tanks, but with greater tactical and strategic mobility. The first prototype of the CV90120-T was completed in 1998. After extensive trials development of this light tank was finally completed in 2001. Despite that further improvements in a number of areas continued, especially electronics. The CV90120-T is being actively proposed for possible customers worldwide, however as of 2014 no production orders were placed on this light tank.

The CV90120-T is armed with a fully-stabilized Swiss Ordnance 120-mm high-pressure low-recoil smoothbore gun. It fires modern NATO ammunition. A total of 45 rounds for the main gun are carried. Claimed maximum rate of fire is up to 14 rounds per minute.

The CV90120-T tank is fitted with a computerized fire control system and stabilized day/night sights. Vehicle's integrated battlefield management system ensures situational awareness.

Modular armor of the CV90120-T can be configured to various levels of protection. Additional passive armor package can be fitted. It is speculated that the front arc with add-on armor protects against 30-mm armor-piercing discarding sabot rounds. All-round protection is against 14.5-mm armor-piercing projectiles. Furthermore explosive reactive armor can be fitted for even higher level of protection. Interior is lined with a spall liner. Survivability of the CV90120-T light tank is further enhanced by the tank's Defensive Aids Suite, including laser, radar and missile approach warning systems, multi-spectral aerosol active countermeasures system. A top attack radar can identify precision guided anti-tank munitions. Furthermore vehicle's design has some certain stealth features.

This light tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

The CV90120-T uses modified CV90 (or Combat Vehicle 90) infantry fighting vehicle chassis. Vehicle is powered by the Scania DI16 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 670 hp. Running and life cycle expenses on this light tank are considerably lower comparing with modern main battle tanks. Furthermore unlike most modern MBTs that can only be airlifted by the largest transport aircraft, the CV90120-T can be transported by Airbus A400M military transport aircraft.

Light tanks are drivable coffins with AGTMs being as effective as they are... though heavy tanks have downsides too.

 

[Hakan]

My favorite:

Sherridan was cool too

 

[Zarvan]

Pure goodness at 47-48 tons AK-I:
View attachment 163771


AK-II might be around 55 tons..

So this is AK-1 which is going to be shown in next year ?

Personally, I'm not a fan of light tanks, but I would support the US gaining the CV 90120 as a weapon for Paratroops, though support assets are needed as well.

View attachment 163779

View attachment 163780

View attachment 163781

View attachment 163782

Entered service -
Crew 4 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 26 - 35 t
Length (gun forward) 8.9 m
Hull length 6.6 m
Width 3.2 m
Height (turret roof) 2.4 m
Armament
Main gun 120-mm smoothbore
Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm / 12-7-mm
Elevation range - 8 to + 22 degrees
Traverse range 360 degrees
Ammunition load
Main gun 45 rounds
Machine guns ?
Mobility
Engine Scania DI16 diesel
Engine power 670 hp
Maximum road speed 70 km/h
Range 600 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 40%
Vertical step 1 m
Trench 2.4 m
Fording 1.5 m

The CV90120-T light tank was developed by the BAE Systems Hagglunds as a private venture. The main goal was to meet the firepower of modern main battle tanks, but with greater tactical and strategic mobility. The first prototype of the CV90120-T was completed in 1998. After extensive trials development of this light tank was finally completed in 2001. Despite that further improvements in a number of areas continued, especially electronics. The CV90120-T is being actively proposed for possible customers worldwide, however as of 2014 no production orders were placed on this light tank.

The CV90120-T is armed with a fully-stabilized Swiss Ordnance 120-mm high-pressure low-recoil smoothbore gun. It fires modern NATO ammunition. A total of 45 rounds for the main gun are carried. Claimed maximum rate of fire is up to 14 rounds per minute.

The CV90120-T tank is fitted with a computerized fire control system and stabilized day/night sights. Vehicle's integrated battlefield management system ensures situational awareness.

Modular armor of the CV90120-T can be configured to various levels of protection. Additional passive armor package can be fitted. It is speculated that the front arc with add-on armor protects against 30-mm armor-piercing discarding sabot rounds. All-round protection is against 14.5-mm armor-piercing projectiles. Furthermore explosive reactive armor can be fitted for even higher level of protection. Interior is lined with a spall liner. Survivability of the CV90120-T light tank is further enhanced by the tank's Defensive Aids Suite, including laser, radar and missile approach warning systems, multi-spectral aerosol active countermeasures system. A top attack radar can identify precision guided anti-tank munitions. Furthermore vehicle's design has some certain stealth features.

This light tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

The CV90120-T uses modified CV90 (or Combat Vehicle 90) infantry fighting vehicle chassis. Vehicle is powered by the Scania DI16 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 670 hp. Running and life cycle expenses on this light tank are considerably lower comparing with modern main battle tanks. Furthermore unlike most modern MBTs that can only be airlifted by the largest transport aircraft, the CV90120-T can be transported by Airbus A400M military transport aircraft.

Light tanks are drivable coffins with AGTMs being as effective as they are... though heavy tanks have downsides too.

The kind of terrains Indonesia and Malaysia and Bangladesh has this kind of light Tank will serve them best each if Indonesia and Bangladesh go for similar kind of thing 1000 each it would give there Army a massive boost. What should be done the if they use some deadly material in there weapons to damage enemy tanks than would make it more better and at power with heavy MBTs.

 

[Aepsilons]

Guys,

What's your opinion on the Scorpions?

 

[vostok]

Nice article. US paratroopers should definitely get some more armored firepower. I'm a big fan of Russia's Sprut-SD system. It is similar to the M8, with high mobility,125mm smoothbore gun,and amphibious, made specifically for the VDV.
View attachment 163773 View attachment 163772

My favorite light tank. After 2 years should be presented an upgraded version. No details yet.

 

[Penguin]

Excellent Report on Light Tanks, and Light Armored Vehicles (Mostly About U.S Military)

Long but has alot of good info, facts, and opinions. Includes videos, articles, power points etc.

U.S. Army employs light tanks but doesn't admit it
​

@Neptune @Horus @AUSTERLITZ @Nihonjin1051 @SvenSvensonov @Penguin @LeveragedBuyout @DESERT FIGHTER @Secur @jhungary @Irfan Baloch @500 @Zarvan @everyone else No offence for forgetting names.

@vostok talks about how russia is doing it the right way regarding armored vehicles.

​

M 8 Buford.... cancelled

M8 Armored Gun System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[jhungary]

Not too sure what to say...

As an cavalry officer i am a fan for lightly armored vehicle (stryker, bradley and LAVs)

But i have to say, current US Army Armour doctrine would not allow a Light tank within their rank. This goes again the 3 pronged attack we have been train on with armoured warfare

Under the US Army Doctrine, armoured scout scouts the enemy position, then radio in for an interdiction gunship strike, and finally roll in with your main armoured. Now think where a Light tank can fit in?

They cant act as the armored scout as 1. They are slower and louder than Bradley or stryker. 2. They cannot bring troop (which actually did the scouting) in the forward line. Unless the tank crew dismount themselves to scout and recon, its no use.

And then they cant be bunched into MBT action too, cos either they will be targeted or they need to draw some MBT away on their flank for protection.

Light tank are good on wooded and desert terrain and especially good when you get to a place like Iraq, but we cannot introduce equipment just becuase of a single war, when it would be useless soemwhere else. Light tank would not be surviving in a general war situation.

What i think best is actually what the army did. That is modified the existing equipment like the stryker into m1128 MGS. But i.cant see a future of a purposed built light tank for the US Army

 

[Penguin]

Not too sure what to say...

As an cavalry officer i am a fan for lightly armored vehicle (stryker, bradley and LAVs)

But i have to say, current US Army Armour doctrine would not allow a Light tank within their rank. This goes again the 3 pronged attack we have been train on with armoured warfare

Under the US Army Doctrine, armoured scout scouts the enemy position, then radio in for an interdiction gunship strike, and finally roll in with your main armoured. Now think where a Light tank can fit in?

They cant act as the armored scout as 1. They are slower and louder than Bradley or stryker. 2. They cannot bring troop (which actually did the scouting) in the forward line. Unless the tank crew dismount themselves to scout and recon, its no use.

And then they cant be bunched into MBT action too, cos either they will be targeted or they need to draw some MBT away on their flank for protection.

Light tank are good on wooded and desert terrain and especially good when you get to a place like Iraq, but we cannot introduce equipment just becuase of a single war, when it would be useless soemwhere else. Light tank would not be surviving in a general war situation.

What i think best is actually what the army did. That is modified the existing equipment like the stryker into m1128 MGS. But i.cant see a future of a purposed built light tank for the US Army

Isn't the whole point of an AGS to add supporting firepower to light infantry (para/airborne) units? I.e. it doesn't operate in tank units ....

The AGS is not a tank -- it may look like a tank, but it's not a tank. It's a thin-skinned vehicle with a gun on it. The vehicle was designed to support the infantry from a position where it can fire and be behind dirt with an elevated gun and to fight in areas where its not going to run into tanks. It has more than one role, and it just doesn't kill tanks. It kills other kinds of targets. It has to be able to bust bunkers, shoot into bunkers, go into urban areas and shoot into windows, and have a round that will spray shrapnel -- that will "take out" people who are firing hand-held weapons or machine guns. US forces using enhanced direct-fire weapons such as the Armored Gun System would fare better than forces equipped with current firepower.

M8 Buford Armored Gun System

Designed for C-130 low-velocity air drop and roll-on/roll-off, the M8 Armored Gun System (AGS) can be flown with rapid deployment forces to troubled "hot spots" around the globe. The automatically loaded, lightweight 105mm cannon fires all NATO standard and enhanced ammunition at the rate of 12 rounds per minute. The quickness, balance and speed of the AGS provide superior mobility against battlefield opponents.

Army Guide - LP M8 AGS, Light tank

Just like these

Caddillac Cage LAV 600

M1128 Stryker MGS precursor

LAV 105MM (Gen III) (LAV-105)

VFM5 (in case u wondered what the M8 is based on)

Cadillac Cage Stingray

Cadillac Cage Stingray II

HSTV(L)

GDLS's DFSV competitor for the AGS competition

 

[jhungary]

Isn't the whole point of an AGS to add supporting firepower to light infantry (para/airborne) units? I.e. it doesn't operate in tank units ....


M8 Buford Armored Gun System


Army Guide - LP M8 AGS, Light tank

Just like these

Caddillac Cage LAV 600

M1128 Stryker MGS precursor

LAV 105MM (Gen III) (LAV-105)

VFM5 (in case u wondered what the M8 is based on)

Cadillac Cage Stingray

Cadillac Cage Stingray II

HSTV(L)

GDLS's DFSV competitor for the AGS competition

that maybe the case for the old system in the 1990s

The current system is a combine BCT doctrine, basically that means you have a 3 dimension warfare a Brigade can fight, by infantry/armour and supporting artillery and aviation element. And the unified command of BCT under light and heavy infantry mean they all have the same BCT organisation

Only way a Light Tank or AGS make sense would be put into a Stryker Brigade (Which does not count as an infantry brigade) and armoured brigade.

A quick reference from the Wikipedia you can copy the TO&E from an American BCT.

Infantry brigade combat team

Infantry battalion (×3)[edit]

• Headquarters and headquarters company
• Rifle company (×3)
• Weapons company

Reconnaissance squadron[edit]

• Headquarters and headquarters troop
• Mounted reconnaissance troop (×2)
• Dismounted reconnaissance troop

Field artillery[edit]

• Headquarters and headquarters battery
• M119 105mm Howitzer (2 batteries × 6 guns)
• M777 155mm Howitzer (1 battery × 6 guns)
• Target acquisition platoon

Brigade Engineer Battalion[edit]

• Headquarters and Headquarters Company
• Combat Engineer Company (×2)
• Signal network Support Company
• Military Intelligence Company

Brigade support battalion[edit]

• Headquarters and headquarters company
• Distribution Company
• Field Maintenance Company
• Medical Company
  • Headquarters Platoon
  • Treatment Platoon
  • Medical Evacuation Platoon
• Forward Support Company (Reconnaissance)
• Forward Support Company (Engineer)
• Forward Support Company (Infantry) (×3)
• Forward Support Company (Field Artillery)

notice the mounted and dismounted recon troop under the recon unit? AGS and Light tank can't carry troop.....This is the current BCT doctrine

 

[Penguin]

So, imho, that's back to the basic point: rapid deployment forces, with independent 'self supporting' units.

A full Stryker brigade was intended to be C-130 Hercules air transportable into theatre within 96 hours, while a division-sized force is expected to need 120 hours.The Stryker brigade is an organic combined arms unit of light armored vehicles, and is organized differently from the infantry or armored brigade combat teams

Because the heavies take much longer to move and arrive, and infantry alone has not enough fire power and mobility.

Personally, I'm not a fan of light tanks, but I would support the US gaining the CV 90120 as a weapon for Paratroops, though support assets are needed as well.
Dimensions and weight
Weight 26 - 35 t

26-35t > won't work well for para/airborne.

Even this, the Centauro MGS 120, comes in at 25t. Likewise Rooikat 105 (28t)

The M1128 Mobile Gun System is just under 19 tonnes. Comparable, the 2S25 Sprut SD (18t): can still swim!

 

[black-hawk_101]

Pure goodness at 47-48 tons AK-I:
View attachment 163771


AK-II might be around 55 tons..

I think it will also have a super charged 1500 H.P engine too inside.