Stryker Armored Vehicle
| M1126 Stryker ICV | |
|---|---|
Front view of the vehicle (first half of the 2000s) |
|
| General properties | |
| crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) to 11 (ICV) |
| length | 6.95 m |
| width | 2.72 m |
| height | 2.64 m |
| Dimensions | 16.5 to 19 t (combat weight) 21 to 24 t (with cage armor ) |
| Armor and armament | |
| Armor | up to 14.5 x 114 mm (basic armor 7.62 × 39 mm) partially RPG-7 (with cage) |
| Main armament | depending on the version |
| Secondary armament | depending on the version |
| agility | |
| drive | Diesel engine Caterpillar C7 260 kW (350 PS) |
| suspension | hydropneumatic |
| Top speed | 100 km / h |
| Power / weight | approx. 15 kW / t |
| Range | 500 km |
The Stryker is a four-axle 8 x 8 -fähiger- Radschützenpanzer the US Army , and is based on the 8 × 8 chassis of the Piranha III of Mowag ( under license from General Dynamics ). It was introduced in 2002. The US Marine Corps has been using the technically closely related, but lighter armored predecessor vehicle Piranha II under the designation LAV-25 since 1983 . The Stryker forms the backbone of the newly formed seven Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT). The idea behind these brigades is to be able to move highly mobile and strong combat units to any place on earth within 96 hours. The transport takes place with the transport aircraft C-5 "Galaxy" , C-17 "Globemaster III" and C-130 "Hercules" . From these transport aircraft, the Stryker can also be dropped into the target area with parachutes as air cargo.
overview
The concept of the Stryker was devised by General Eric K. Shinseki in 1999 as the US Army Chief of Staff. The aim was to use a vehicle platform in different variants in brigades that should be deployable worldwide within 96 hours ( see also: Transformation of the United States Army ). In 1999 the selection process for the ICV version ( ICV, English Infantry Carrier Vehicle ; German infantry troop transport vehicle ) began. There was a choice of various 4, 6 and 8-wheel armored vehicles and tracked vehicles such as the Bionix and a modified version of the M113A3 . With the MGS version, the M8 Armored Gun System was still available. The winner was selected according to the following criteria:
- Performance and quick availability
- Price-performance ratio and cheap maintenance
- Cooperation and collaboration
Since the ICV version was chosen first and the choice fell on a modified piranha, this also influenced the decision for the MGS version.
The Stryker represent so-called "medium forces". Their task is to transport infantry quickly and safely to the area of operation. Brigades equipped with Stryker vehicles were previously only light infantry brigades or, in the case of the 2nd US Cavalry Regiment , only equipped with HMMWVs . For these units, the vehicle represents a significant increase in mobility, protection and firepower. Stryker brigades are naturally not designed to combat heavy units and are therefore dependent on air support and armored brigade combat teams .
In August 2004, was M1132 Stryker ESV with parachutes from a dropped C-17th The test was intended to demonstrate the parachute release of the MGS version and was successful. The Stryker can also be placed on a transport pallet with the LAPES .
Various TARDEC programs are currently running to improve the Stryker Armored Vehicles (see below). Among other things, a vehicle from General Dynamics was equipped with new electronics, which among other things should enable the control of unmanned ground vehicles such as the Multifunctional Utility / Logistics and Equipment . This also included an autonomous navigation system for tracking a lead vehicle (robotic convoy). An active wheel suspension with ferrofluids as dampers to increase vehicle stability is also being tested in the Yuma Proving Ground .
technology
The tank has the option of switching from 8 × 4 to 8 × 8 mode, but then uses more fuel, so that most of the time it is only driven in 8 × 4 mode. All mechanically moving parts are controlled pneumatically and hydraulically . The tank is available in different versions (see below), all of which are based on the same chassis . The main components, such as the engine , transmission , tires and differential , are therefore always the same in order to simplify logistics. The interior of the vehicles can be quickly exchanged to avoid lengthy repairs in crisis areas. The vehicle has an automatic fire extinguishing system for the engine and fighting compartment, which can also be triggered manually by the driver. To protect the crew, the tires have run-flat properties in the event of air loss. The internal tire pressure can be adjusted by the driver via a tire pressure control system to the terrain in the stages asphalt, snow / mud, terrain and emergency.
The 'Emergency' setting is used when all steerable front tires have been destroyed. Each selected setting is linked to a speed limit; if exceeded, the driver is warned by the on-board computer
The elements of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team are networked according to the doctrine of network-centric warfare . For example, the brigade's infantry soldiers are equipped with the land warrior system. With the help of an OLED screen on the helmet and special weapon attachments such as cameras and lasers, they can participate in the brigade's networked operations management.
On the digital tactical map the position of all own units of the Stryker Brigade is shown in real time , the soldiers are able to add the position of detected opponents on the digital map. The vehicles and land warrior soldiers communicate with each other and with higher command posts via text messages (similar to a chat program ), Voice over IP and data packets (similar to e-mail attachments) for sending images.
The commander can observe the surroundings through a thermal imaging device and corner mirrors (360 °) to assist the driver in navigating, as his field of vision (90 °) is limited by three corner mirrors. The crew can also use the vehicle as a training simulator if the appropriate software is loaded. The on-board weapons are operated exclusively from inside the vehicle. The fuel tanks are placed on the outside of the vehicle to protect the occupants from burns. The vehicle cannot float. Retrofitted 2.5 tonne cage armor improves protection against RPG-7 fire - a measure that is now also used in other combat vehicles ( Leopard 2A6M CAN , M113 ). The vehicles were retrofitted with jammers during the civil war in Iraq to repel remote-controlled booby traps.
variants
- M1126 Stryker ICV - Infantry Carrier Vehicle
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) transports an infantry group of nine men to the combat area and provides fire support there. This version of Stryker has a remote controlled weapon station of the Protector M151 type , which makes it possible to operate a Browning M2 or a 40 mm Mk 19 machine grenade launcher from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was equipped with a Stryker Interoperable Vehicle Kit to be compatible with the Land Warrior infantry system. The combat weight without the cage is about 19 tons.
- M1127 Stryker RV - Reconnaissance Vehicle
The Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV) is used for surveillance and reconnaissance at the front. For this purpose, a camera system and electronic equipment are attached to the vehicle. In addition to the three-man crew, a scouting party of four soldiers is carried inside the vehicle. The soldiers are also trained for HUMINT tasks. A Protector M151 with a Browning M2 or Mk-19 machine grenade launcher is available for self-defense. The combat weight without the cage is about 19 tons.
- M1128 Stryker MGS - Mobile Gun System
The Mobile Gun System (MGS) uses a stabilized, apex- mounted 105mm autoloader M68A1E4 cannon developed for the Expeditionary Tank . Additionally still another is coaxial M240 - machine gun available. The commander can still operate a Browning M2 through his hatch. It is not a replacement for main battle tanks , but is intended to give the Stryker Brigades more firepower in battle. This is also evident from the low ammunition supply of 18 rounds in the car loader. The combat weight without the cage is about 21 tons, the crew consists of three people.
- M1129 Stryker MC - Mortar Carrier
The Mortar Carrier (MC) provides fire support and fires various grenades (HE, light ammunition, IR light ammunition, smoke, guided ammunition) with its 120 mm mortar. The vehicle can go into the firing position in three minutes and leave this position again within two minutes in order to avoid counterfire. The crew also has an 81 mm M252 mortar or a 60 mm M224 mortar that can be used outside the tank. The combat weight without the cage is around 19 tons and the crew consists of five people.
- M1130 Stryker CV Command Vehicle
The Command Vehicle (CV) is a vehicle with whose equipment the brigade evaluates the information collected and from which the Stryker are commanded in action. The necessary equipment (C4ISR, antennas, etc.) is therefore available for the commanders in the vehicle. A Protector M151 is available for self-defense. The combat weight without the cage is approximately 19 tons.
- M1131 Stryker FSV - Fire Support Vehicle
The Fire Support Vehicle (FSV) is used for target reconnaissance in order to direct air or artillery support into the target. The Stryker has the M707 Striker Mission Equipment Package to plan and command a combined arms battle . A Protector M151 with a Browning M2 or Mk-19 machine grenade launcher is also available for self-defense. The combat weight without the cage is about 19 tons.
- M1132 Stryker ESV - Engineer Support Vehicle
The Engineer Support Vehicle (ESV) is designed for repair, maintenance and clearing of minefields and the removal of obstacles for the Stryker . In addition, it is possible with the vehicle to protect your own troops in fogging an area in order to take the view of the enemy. A Protector M151 is available, the combat weight without cage and trailer is about 19 tons.
- M1133 Stryker MEV - Medical Evacuation Vehicle
The Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV) is the ambulance vehicle for units of the Stryker Brigade. Serious injuries can be treated in it while the occupants are protected from fire. There is space for four lying or six seated patients. The vehicle is unarmed as it bears the Red Cross as a protective symbol .
- M1134 Stryker ATGM - Panzerjäger (Anti Tank Guided Missile)
The Anti Tank Guided Missile Stryker is equipped with a 0.5 meter mast with a twin starter for TOW missiles and an M240 machine gun. Since the Stryker Brigades are not designed to fight heavier units, the M1134 is only intended for emergencies. The combat weight is around 19 tons.
- M1135 Stryker NBC RV - NBC Recon Vehicle
The NBC Recon Vehicle (NBCRV) is used to track down nuclear , biological and chemical warfare agents under full NBC protection. It is essentially based on the M93A1 Fox from the German manufacturer Rheinmetall Landsysteme. The M1135 has an RWS weapon station. It is equipped with the CBRN sensor device for ABC identification.
- Mxxx Stryker SP - Howitzer (Self Propelled)
In 2004, a howitzer version of the Stryker was tested. This version is equipped with a 105mm cannon, which was originally also used on the M1A1 Abrams. The artillery cannon was supposed to give the Stryker brigades more indirect firepower. In November 2005, successful fire tests were carried out with ammunition developed by Denel . The project has since been on hold, presumably because of the XM1203 non-line-of-sight cannon .
controversy
In the course of the increasing number of attacks during the occupation of Iraq from 2003 to 2011 , there was widespread controversy over the vehicle. The choice of a wheeled armor was often criticized because of the tire's sensitivity to fire . The lack of protection against RPG-7 anti-tank hand weapons was also criticized . From 7.62 × 51 mm toilet on the side and rear, up to 14.5 × 114 mm w32 frontal from a distance of 500 meters. In order to compensate for the deficits, the vehicles were retrofitted with cage armor , which, however, worsened the cross-country mobility and increased the center of gravity of the vehicles. Furthermore, it does not increase protection against improvised explosive devices . Another decisive disadvantage of the ICV is that the machine gun is not stabilized, which makes it impossible to fire accurately while driving off-road. The stabilization mechanism has been omitted to save costs.
In the course of the sometimes very emotional debate (similar to the debate about the NATO ammunition 5.56 × 45 mm ), arguments were put forward that can be explained more by the unfavorable course of the conflict than by technical details. For example, the following was not mentioned:
- No pre-existing wheeled vehicle was able to withstand RPG-7 fire in the side - neither were the tracked vehicles such as the Bionix and M113A3 . This also applies to the M1 Abrams and M2 Bradley tanks , which had to be re-armored.
- The Stryker Brigades were previously equipped with M113 and HMMWVs, with which the losses would have been even higher.
- No M1 Abrams or M2 Bradley have been replaced by the Stryker.
- The M113- Mannschaftstransportwagen can already be penetrated by rifle ammunition; he was provided with cage armor also in use in Iraq.
- All NATO armies are increasingly relying on armored vehicles, since the advantages in use obviously outweigh the disadvantages.
- Protection from IEDs has not yet been considered in any existing tank.
- Italian forces successfully used the Centauro in Iraq, which has similar characteristics to the M1128 MGS.
LAV-H Stryker
Due to the experience gained in Iraq, the Stryker are subjected to an increase in combat value . This includes:
- Double V-shaped sub-floor against mines and booby traps
- stronger side armor
- Elimination of bullet trap points on the hatches
- special mine-proof seats
- non-flammable tires
- fully stabilized weapon station
- more powerful generator for more powerful anti-IED jammers
- Lithium-ion battery as a vehicle battery
- new data bus
- improved chassis for up to 27 tons
The measures lead to an increase in weight of up to 25 tons, the cage armor should then be dispensed with.
User states
- 4466 × Stryker in different versions. The Stryker is used exclusively by the US Army. The Chilean and Iraqi armies have expressed interest. Israel and Canada tested it, but preferred national products.
A first Stryker brigade was moved to Iraq in 2003 in the Mosul area . Currently (2009) the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment with up to 300 Stryker and 3900 soldiers is stationed in the Bavarian town of Vilseck ( Grafenwöhr military training area ).
See also
- Expeditionary Tank , predecessor of the Stryker
- Future Combat Systems was intended as a follow-up project
Web links
- army-technology.com - Stryker 8-Wheel Drive Armored Combat Vehicles (engl.)
- GlobalSecurity.org - Stryker (Eng.)
- Stryker Brigade News (English.)
- STRYKER BRIGADES Versus THE REALITY OF WAR PDF (3.27 MB)
- M1128 MGS delivered
Individual evidence
- ↑ Vetronics Technology Integration (VTI) ( Memento of the original from December 24, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ suspension test report, Mille Works
- ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/iav-sph.htm
- ↑ GDELS | PIRANHA. Retrieved January 17, 2018 .
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from June 17, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ^ Army Guide - US Army Awards General Dynamics $ 30 Million for Stryker Double-V Hull Production
- ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original from July 5, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ http://www.investquest.com/iq/a/ati/ne/news/ati100608.htm ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
