"HISTORICAL" Wish List for 2010-2011

[chrisswim]

future wish list for the M2 Bradley 2.0

The British are considering a 40mm gun system on their Warrior.

Bradley 2.0
by James Dunnigan
October 21, 2009
The U.S. Army plans to keep its M-2 (Bradley) IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) for another twenty years. To do that, it wants to upgrade thousands of them to "Block II" status. There are already 600 "Block 1.5" (BUSK) upgrades. These are the M-2s modified for urban warfare, based on Iraq experience.

The M-2 BUSK (Bradley Urban Survival Kit) upgrades were applied in two batches over the last few years (the program ended in 2008). The first included a more powerful (at 3 million candlepower, four times brighter) spotlight. There was also a wire mesh protector to keep the optics from getting scratched, and non-conductive rods that push away fallen electrical wires that often endanger crews. Later came a remote control (CLAW) 5.56mm machine-gun on the turret, additional armor underneath to provide protection from mines and a bullet proof, and a transparent shield for the commander when his head and shoulders are out of the turret.

Some non-urban warfare improvements were also made, including a series of sensors and a software package that more quickly found components that were wearing out (so replacements could be ordered and installed), and simulation software so the gunner could train (with the fire control system, in effect, turned into a realistic video game.) All this added about three tons to the weight of the vehicle, making the M2 a 30 ton vehicle (about what most World War II tanks weighed).

The Block 2 is planned as a major upgrade of the M-2. It will include a more powerful (800 versus 600 horsepower) engine, a more powerful gun (30 or 40mm) and lighter armor (or protection systems that shoot down anti-tank missiles and RPGs). Improved sensors are planned, plus vidcams to give people inside the vehicle a 360 degree view of what's outside.) More electronics, including one that would allow variable power, and fuel consumption, from the engine. More safety features are planned as well, including an improved fire extinguisher system. For better protection against mines and roadside bombs, the body of the vehicle would be 18 (46 cm) inches off the ground, instead of the current 11. With more armor on the floor, and seats that absorb some of the blast, the Block 2 would have protection approaching that of an MRAP. New fuel tanks would be less prone to causing fires (using protection similar to that found in aircraft fuel tanks). There would be dozens of more minor improvements, based on user feedback. The Block 2 M2 would probably weigh about 35 tons, making it heavier than most World War II tanks (late model T-34s and M-4s).

The new version is not expected to show up for another 4-5 years. These upgrades represent a belief that the M-2 is an excellent, combat proven vehicle worth keeping around for a while. Over 4,000 M-2s were built, and about 2,300 similar M-3s (a recon version with more gear and fewer passengers). It's unclear how many would be upgraded.

[Panzerleader71]

How about a Late War German CC that contains tanks? The existing one is good if you are looking to add support to an existing Battle Group, but not very good to start one.

[chrisswim]

The article or another one that I ready indicated theat the Bradley would be used for 20 years, to 2030 give or take. So upgrade may be in the works.

[Turk]

The Bradley will be the US Army's primary IFV for awhile. The FCS manned ground vehicle was cancelled awhile back and the new Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) will only cover a small number of brigades starting in 2015-2017. The army is going to take portions of the FCS technologies to plug in to existing systems, but the Bradley 2.0 is probably the answer for the next few decades. Strykers, Bradleys and Abrams will be around for a long time.

Here is a good link for more info:

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32888.pdf

[zaevor2000]

Civilians are a staple of modern conflict. I would like to see Western Civilians and Vehicles.

On another note I am VERY surprised that GHQ does not already produce the Abbott for the Modern UK. The Abbott was the small 105mm Howitzer used by BAOR for a good part of the Cold War.

I would look for the Abbott to be produced shortly since GHQ has done such an excellent job of having the full line of modern equipment, and I would really like to see Western Civilians and vehicles for Germany circa 80s

Frank

[jb]

...a 6mm Napoleonics line

[Panzerleader71]

...a 6mm Napoleonics line

I would definetly buy that line.

[Panzerleader71]

How about Command variants of existing vehicles for the modern line.

[Panzerleader71]

I don't know why this didn't occur to me earlyier. How about a '80s (Cold War) Canadian CC? Or, for that fact what about Dutch, Sweden, etc Cold War CCs?

[ltcconard]

I was just noticing that, as far as I can tell, there are no Carl Gustav RRs in any of the infantry packs. Add my vote for some kind of -- oh -- Mid-'70-80s NATO infantry to represent the Canadians, French, Danes, etc..

Bruce

[Donald M. Scheef]

Isn't it time to put this thread to rest and start a "HISTORICAL" Wish List for 2011-2012?

Don S.

[RaccoonEmpire]

I'm still going to lobby for PMP Bridging sets...in both deployed mode and while folded on the KrAZ trucks. And might as well add the bridging boats and their transporting trucks.

And while I'm on the whole river crossing thing, GSP ferry vehicles would be good too, and could be sold as a "twin pack" since it takes two(mirrored vehicles) to make a full ferry.

Sorry...I've got a hang up on mobile bridges, my "National Army" needs them because my opponent has a nasty habit of blowing up bridges.

[voltigeur]

I'm still holding out for Pro Western bush warriors. Same figures they are not just with FN & Belgian MG and Carl Gustav LAW. These would be good for the British Falklands as well as Mercenary

I'd also like to see a Australian Vietnam pack Boonie hats and FN rifles. These can also be used for British in the 1950 Malayan insurgency.

I'd also like a LRRPS pack (since GHQ has started the single pack infantry with the sub saharan Infantry) These would be armed with M16's and man carried M60 MG's Maybe some Light anti tank weapons. (not very many) and some guys with demo packs.

Since GHQ loves the guys with binoculars you can use them for ANGLICO.

The LRPS pack if done right can serve LRRPS for Vietnam, SEALS, Special Forces, Cold war Rangers, USMC Recon And regular infantry Ambush patrols.. It would add a ton of flavor to the US Vietnam line.

With these 3 packs and the existing line there would be very few post WW2 wars would cold not paint these figures for.

Still beating that dead horse.