ADF

[McDethWivFries]

Just read an article in The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.ne ws.com.au/story/0,25197,24568421-31477,00.html). Looks like we've signed up to the initial stage of the US's JLTV program

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Light_Tactical _Vehicle

Wonder if they do go that path if they'll intigrate it with the other announcement (re the Merc G Wagon).

Did a bit of reading on it and looks like a couple of prototypes are using a hexagonal frame for improved side protection as well as mine protection etc. Thing with that tho is there is still a large flat surface on the bottom of the vehicle which wouldn't really deflect any explosive force unlike vehicles with a 'diamond' shape to them. Also looking at a hybrid type setup with some of them as well.

Also read an interesting article on tracked v wheeled in Defence Today (well covered a couple of issues a while back) that was written by an ex-Israeli General. Was talking about pros n cons of each but that the IDF found tracked to be a lot better in built up areas due to better mobility (turning circle etc) and generally armoured better as well. Main reason why they were still using the M113s even tho they are pretty old. Also showed how they were converting some of their old Merkava MBTs into 'up armoured' APCs called the Namer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NamerSirpad01. jpg).

[chillwinston]

did u know that the Merkava MBT already has room for up to 6 fully armed troops,it has a door on the back of it like an apc,which was found to be a weak point by the lebonese.but after loosing a few tanks/crews it was modified to counter this.Merkava means "Gods Chariot"in hebrew

[McDethWivFries]

yup, spose they figure they could fit a couple of extras in too

[scrim-reaper]

Just had this sent to me by my cadet unit's OC. It's not about the Joint Light Vehicles but about the M113 APC's.

> Wednesday, 28 October 2008 148/2008
>
> GOVERNMENT APPROVES ADDITIONAL ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS
>
> The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced
> that the Government
>
> has approved a $220 million project to upgrade 81 additional M113 Armoured
> Personnel
>
> Carriers (APC) to improve the protection, mobility and firepower of the
> Australian Army.
>
> LAND 106 is already delivering 350 upgraded M113 APC vehicles. This
> project is now back on
>
> track and delivering a reliable vehicle that provides increased firepower,
> protection and
>
> mobility.
>
> The Government has decided to upgrade an additional 81 APCs to improve the
> capability of the
>
> Army's Mechanised Infantry units, 7 RAR, a recently established battalion,
> and 5 RAR, both
>
> of which are currently based in Darwin.
>
> "These high priority upgrades will provide improved protection, mobility
> and firepower to
>
> Australian soldiers, allowing missions to be carried out more efficiently,
> safely and
>
> effectively," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
>
> These enhancements will include the stretching of the M113 vehicles,
> add-on armor kit, spall
>
> liners, the addition of a new Australian designed and built turret and new
> weapon,
>
> replacement of the drive train and suspension and the adoption of measures
> to improve the
>
> comfort of troops in the vehicle such as heat mitigation measures and
> better stowage of
>
> equipment.
>
> "The increased number of vehicles to be upgraded by BAE Systems Australia
> will see the
>
> production line at the Bandiana production facilities in northern Victoria
> remain open until
>
> July 2011," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
>
> BAE Systems Australia is also opening additional facilities in
> Williamstown, Victoria and
>
> Wingfield, South Australia to ensure all of its delivery commitments are
> met.