sol wrote: ↑28 Mar 2024, 09:42
I don't think there is a single 105mm uncrewed turret currently in use beside MGS. Same for 120mm. It is not unthinkable just it will take time for this.
At this point crewed and uncrewed isn’t a deal breaker IMO.
If the U.K. developed a workable 105mm but ideally 120mm uncrewed turret for Boxer which could eventually also be utilised on Ares what would be the export potential? It could be extremely lucrative as well as providing increased survivability for the crews.
Reinforced crew citadels and uncrewed turrets with effective APS are the way forward now rather than relying on increasingly heavier armour to provide overall protection.
Yes, it could be split over two flights, not sure that is the best solution.
Why not?
One hour to remove the module, flight time time to anywhere in the JEF region around 4 hours max, one hour to refit module.
That’s less than 7 hours as opposed to nearly 7 days by sea to the eastern Baltic.
It depends if you think that’s important.
Question is how much Ajax with gun turret would weight.
More important to quantify how much appliqué armour can be swiftly removed and reattached.
IMO it is a waste of money and crews. If you want gun support vehicle just get tank.
Two problems there.
The first is that the U.K. isn’t getting enough tanks.
The second is that getting the CH3 to where they need to get too takes a lot of time and if kinetic exchanges have commenced with a peer, the transportation stage will be highly vulnerable.
My reasoning is pretty straightforward. If the rapidly deployed Brigades are deployed and successfully stall an incursion, elements of an all wheeled 1st division can be swiftly transported by air and move (without transporters) to reinforce 16AAB/3 Cdo etc. If that involves Boxer with 30mm or 40mm, 105mm or 120mm, 120mm NEMO, RC155, GMLRS, GBAD and Brimstone then it’s a very credible force.
Is it enough to reverse the incursion if air supremacy isn’t possible? Probably not which is why a fully armoured 3rd Division needs to follow on by sea with CH3, AJAX, M270, AS90 replacements etc.
It would be a huge effort but 2 fully resourced deployable Divisions and the rapid expeditionary Brigades again fully resourced is a realistic target for the UK without breaking the bank.