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Kaze Chieftain:
[Link mogu videti samo ulogovani korisnici]
Citat:Ok. Some initial observations. Obviously lots of media will be coming through over the next two days, with their own topics and thoughts. My own video will come soon.
1) Don't get hung up about anything above the hull roof. In fact, don't get hung up about everything below the hull roof either. As suspected, this is a test vehicle which is focused on crew operation. They just needed something to do the turret job, which is why they grabbed an A1 turret and modified it to fit the needs of the crew test program (including autoloader). A bespoke turret is being made with everything incorporated from the beginning instead of added on like the current tank, but that gets integrated after they know for sure what they need from testing. This vehicle has the turbine engine, other test vehicles are running the automotive trials on the Cat. Eventually everything will be put together, but that time is not now.
2) As the RWS is above the hull roof, again, don't get hung up on it. They needed an RWS for testing, that's the one they grabbed. When they brought it to the show, the RWS had an empty rack, it could carry a Javelin, so they put a Javelin on it. The purpose is not to show that the thing can carry or is intended to carry a Javelin specifically, nobody here thinks there is any merit to using space/height/weight for things which things which don't have to be on the tank for the tank to do tank things. They have been very focused on the design on the tank's requirements as a tank. Instead the purpose was to demonstrate "the RWS will be modular and able to be reconfigured as required". For similar reasons, don't get too caught up on the Mk19, secondary armament mix and location has not been finalized. RWS'll shoot down drones though.
3) Power capacity for a coffee maker (110v plug socket) has been provided. (It actually has other uses officially, but you know someone will hook up a Keurig)
4) Confirmed 3 man crew. In theory they expect a hatch up top for admin moves, maintenance access etc, (this vehicle does have one) and a cramped manual backup position if things get desperate.
5) Tank can shoot and move with one crewman. It's not ideal, but it'll work. Again, I can't overstate how important the software you can't see is. Fully configurable crew stations, combat assistance and upgradeability is inherent. When it comes time to let the tank do everything on its own, there will be an app for that.
6) No more broken torsion bars.
7) Whilst I understand why it's a static and closed display, it is, granted, a bit underwhelming to look at in photographs. The interesting stuff is under the hood and the tank on display is a great talking point for the folks here who are very excited about the end design, we could have talked for hours. The engineers will geek out more than the tank nerds, this really is a massive step in capability. The promise this vehicle shows to keep M1's position as "apex predator on the battlefield" is definite, even if those who want to see the final, low profile, 60 ton vehicle right now are disappointed. It takes time to brew perfection.
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