±Recent Visitors

Recent Visitors to Com-Central!

±User Info-big


Welcome Anonymous

Nickname
Password

Membership:
Latest: cgsimpson
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 0
Overall: 6645

People Online:
Members: 0
Visitors: 566
Total: 566
Who Is Where:
 Visitors:
01: Photo Gallery
02: Community Forums
03: Photo Gallery
04: Photo Gallery
05: Community Forums
06: Community Forums
07: Photo Gallery
08: Community Forums
09: Photo Gallery
10: Community Forums
11: Photo Gallery
12: Community Forums
13: Photo Gallery
14: Community Forums
15: Community Forums
16: Community Forums
17: Your Account
18: Community Forums
19: Community Forums
20: Home
21: Community Forums
22: Community Forums
23: Photo Gallery
24: Community Forums
25: Photo Gallery
26: Community Forums
27: Photo Gallery
28: Photo Gallery
29: Photo Gallery
30: Community Forums
31: Community Forums
32: Community Forums
33: Community Forums
34: Community Forums
35: Community Forums
36: Community Forums
37: Community Forums
38: Member Screenshots
39: Your Account
40: CPGlang
41: Community Forums
42: Community Forums
43: Community Forums
44: Community Forums
45: Community Forums
46: Community Forums
47: Photo Gallery
48: Photo Gallery
49: Community Forums
50: Community Forums
51: Photo Gallery
52: Community Forums
53: Community Forums
54: Community Forums
55: Community Forums
56: Community Forums
57: Community Forums
58: Downloads
59: Community Forums
60: CPGlang
61: Community Forums
62: Home
63: Community Forums
64: Community Forums
65: Community Forums
66: Downloads
67: Photo Gallery
68: Community Forums
69: Community Forums
70: Community Forums
71: Community Forums
72: Community Forums
73: Community Forums
74: Photo Gallery
75: Downloads
76: Community Forums
77: Community Forums
78: Community Forums
79: Community Forums
80: Photo Gallery
81: Community Forums
82: Community Forums
83: Community Forums
84: Downloads
85: Community Forums
86: Community Forums
87: Community Forums
88: Photo Gallery
89: Community Forums
90: Community Forums
91: Community Forums
92: Photo Gallery
93: Community Forums
94: Community Forums
95: Community Forums
96: Photo Gallery
97: Photo Gallery
98: Home
99: Community Forums
100: Community Forums
101: Community Forums
102: Community Forums
103: Community Forums
104: Community Forums
105: Community Forums
106: Community Forums
107: Community Forums
108: Community Forums
109: News
110: Community Forums
111: Community Forums
112: Photo Gallery
113: Community Forums
114: Community Forums
115: CPGlang
116: Photo Gallery
117: Community Forums
118: Community Forums
119: Photo Gallery
120: Photo Gallery
121: Community Forums
122: Downloads
123: Community Forums
124: Community Forums
125: Community Forums
126: Home
127: Community Forums
128: Photo Gallery
129: Community Forums
130: Photo Gallery
131: Community Forums
132: Photo Gallery
133: Community Forums
134: Community Forums
135: Photo Gallery
136: Community Forums
137: Photo Gallery
138: Photo Gallery
139: Community Forums
140: Community Forums
141: Community Forums
142: Photo Gallery
143: Community Forums
144: Community Forums
145: Community Forums
146: Community Forums
147: Photo Gallery
148: Photo Gallery
149: Home
150: Photo Gallery
151: Community Forums
152: Community Forums
153: Community Forums
154: Home
155: Home
156: Community Forums
157: Home
158: Community Forums
159: Community Forums
160: Community Forums
161: Home
162: Photo Gallery
163: Photo Gallery
164: Community Forums
165: Community Forums
166: Your Account
167: Downloads
168: Photo Gallery
169: Community Forums
170: Home
171: Community Forums
172: Community Forums
173: Home
174: Community Forums
175: Your Account
176: Community Forums
177: Photo Gallery
178: Community Forums
179: Community Forums
180: Community Forums
181: Downloads
182: Photo Gallery
183: Community Forums
184: Community Forums
185: Community Forums
186: Community Forums
187: Community Forums
188: News Archive
189: Photo Gallery
190: Community Forums
191: Statistics
192: Downloads
193: Community Forums
194: Your Account
195: Community Forums
196: Photo Gallery
197: Community Forums
198: Community Forums
199: Photo Gallery
200: Community Forums
201: Community Forums
202: Photo Gallery
203: Community Forums
204: Community Forums
205: Community Forums
206: Home
207: Home
208: Community Forums
209: Community Forums
210: Community Forums
211: Community Forums
212: Photo Gallery
213: Home
214: Photo Gallery
215: Photo Gallery
216: Photo Gallery
217: Photo Gallery
218: Community Forums
219: Community Forums
220: Community Forums
221: Community Forums
222: Community Forums
223: Community Forums
224: Community Forums
225: Community Forums
226: Downloads
227: Community Forums
228: Community Forums
229: Community Forums
230: Photo Gallery
231: Community Forums
232: Downloads
233: Home
234: Community Forums
235: Photo Gallery
236: Home
237: Community Forums
238: Community Forums
239: Home
240: Downloads
241: Photo Gallery
242: Downloads
243: Photo Gallery
244: Home
245: Photo Gallery
246: Photo Gallery
247: Photo Gallery
248: Community Forums
249: Community Forums
250: Photo Gallery
251: Photo Gallery
252: Community Forums
253: Community Forums
254: Community Forums
255: Photo Gallery
256: Community Forums
257: Community Forums
258: Photo Gallery
259: Photo Gallery
260: Community Forums
261: News Archive
262: Community Forums
263: Community Forums
264: Community Forums
265: Photo Gallery
266: Community Forums
267: Community Forums
268: Photo Gallery
269: Photo Gallery
270: Downloads
271: Photo Gallery
272: Community Forums
273: Community Forums
274: Photo Gallery
275: Statistics
276: Home
277: Community Forums
278: Your Account
279: Photo Gallery
280: Community Forums
281: Community Forums
282: Community Forums
283: CPGlang
284: Community Forums
285: Community Forums
286: Community Forums
287: Community Forums
288: Community Forums
289: Home
290: Photo Gallery
291: Community Forums
292: Home
293: Community Forums
294: Photo Gallery
295: Community Forums
296: Community Forums
297: Photo Gallery
298: Photo Gallery
299: Community Forums
300: Community Forums
301: Community Forums
302: Photo Gallery
303: Community Forums
304: Home
305: Home
306: Community Forums
307: Photo Gallery
308: Community Forums
309: Community Forums
310: Downloads
311: Community Forums
312: Community Forums
313: Community Forums
314: Downloads
315: Community Forums
316: Member Screenshots
317: Community Forums
318: Community Forums
319: Community Forums
320: Photo Gallery
321: Community Forums
322: Photo Gallery
323: Photo Gallery
324: Photo Gallery
325: Photo Gallery
326: Community Forums
327: Community Forums
328: Community Forums
329: Community Forums
330: Downloads
331: Community Forums
332: Community Forums
333: Community Forums
334: Downloads
335: Community Forums
336: Photo Gallery
337: Community Forums
338: Community Forums
339: Community Forums
340: Home
341: Community Forums
342: Community Forums
343: Member Screenshots
344: Community Forums
345: Community Forums
346: Community Forums
347: Photo Gallery
348: Photo Gallery
349: News
350: Home
351: Photo Gallery
352: Community Forums
353: CPGlang
354: Community Forums
355: Community Forums
356: Community Forums
357: Community Forums
358: Photo Gallery
359: CPGlang
360: Community Forums
361: Community Forums
362: Community Forums
363: CPGlang
364: Downloads
365: Photo Gallery
366: Photo Gallery
367: Downloads
368: Downloads
369: Downloads
370: Home
371: Photo Gallery
372: Community Forums
373: Community Forums
374: Home
375: CPGlang
376: Community Forums
377: Photo Gallery
378: Photo Gallery
379: News
380: Community Forums
381: Community Forums
382: Community Forums
383: Photo Gallery
384: Community Forums
385: Home
386: Community Forums
387: Community Forums
388: Community Forums
389: Photo Gallery
390: Community Forums
391: Community Forums
392: Photo Gallery
393: Community Forums
394: Photo Gallery
395: Community Forums
396: Community Forums
397: Community Forums
398: Community Forums
399: Home
400: Community Forums
401: Downloads
402: Community Forums
403: Community Forums
404: Community Forums
405: Your Account
406: Community Forums
407: Community Forums
408: Community Forums
409: Photo Gallery
410: Photo Gallery
411: Community Forums
412: Photo Gallery
413: Community Forums
414: Community Forums
415: Community Forums
416: Photo Gallery
417: Home
418: Community Forums
419: Community Forums
420: Community Forums
421: Community Forums
422: Community Forums
423: Community Forums
424: Your Account
425: Community Forums
426: Community Forums
427: Community Forums
428: Community Forums
429: Photo Gallery
430: Community Forums
431: Community Forums
432: Community Forums
433: Community Forums
434: Community Forums
435: Community Forums
436: Community Forums
437: Community Forums
438: Photo Gallery
439: Downloads
440: Community Forums
441: Community Forums
442: Downloads
443: Photo Gallery
444: Community Forums
445: Community Forums
446: Photo Gallery
447: CPGlang
448: Community Forums
449: Community Forums
450: Community Forums
451: Community Forums
452: Home
453: Downloads
454: Photo Gallery
455: Photo Gallery
456: Photo Gallery
457: Community Forums
458: Community Forums
459: Your Account
460: News Archive
461: Community Forums
462: Community Forums
463: Community Forums
464: CPGlang
465: Community Forums
466: Downloads
467: Community Forums
468: Photo Gallery
469: Home
470: Community Forums
471: Photo Gallery
472: Home
473: Member Screenshots
474: Community Forums
475: Community Forums
476: Member Screenshots
477: Community Forums
478: Photo Gallery
479: Downloads
480: Community Forums
481: Photo Gallery
482: Community Forums
483: Home
484: Community Forums
485: Home
486: Community Forums
487: Home
488: Photo Gallery
489: Photo Gallery
490: Home
491: Community Forums
492: Community Forums
493: Photo Gallery
494: Community Forums
495: Photo Gallery
496: Community Forums
497: Community Forums
498: Home
499: Photo Gallery
500: Member Screenshots
501: Community Forums
502: Community Forums
503: Community Forums
504: Community Forums
505: Community Forums
506: Photo Gallery
507: Community Forums
508: Community Forums
509: Community Forums
510: Community Forums
511: CPGlang
512: Photo Gallery
513: Your Account
514: Photo Gallery
515: Downloads
516: Photo Gallery
517: Community Forums
518: Downloads
519: Photo Gallery
520: Downloads
521: Home
522: Photo Gallery
523: Your Account
524: CPGlang
525: Statistics
526: Downloads
527: Home
528: Photo Gallery
529: Community Forums
530: Your Account
531: Community Forums
532: Community Forums
533: Home
534: Photo Gallery
535: Community Forums
536: Photo Gallery
537: Photo Gallery
538: Community Forums
539: Community Forums
540: Community Forums
541: Community Forums
542: Community Forums
543: Photo Gallery
544: Photo Gallery
545: Community Forums
546: Community Forums
547: Community Forums
548: Photo Gallery
549: Community Forums
550: Community Forums
551: Photo Gallery
552: Community Forums
553: Downloads
554: Community Forums
555: Photo Gallery
556: Community Forums
557: Photo Gallery
558: Community Forums
559: Community Forums
560: Community Forums
561: Community Forums
562: Community Forums
563: Community Forums
564: Community Forums
565: Community Forums
566: Community Forums

Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)
The AFV ASSOCIATION was formed in 1964 to support the thoughts and research of all those interested in Armored Fighting Vehicles and related topics, such as AFV drawings. The emphasis has always been on sharing information and communicating with other members of similar interests; e.g. German armor, Japanese AFVs, or whatever.
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Post new topic    Reply to topic    Printer Friendly Page     Forum Index ›  AFV News Discussion Board

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:16 pm
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

[img][/img][img][/img][img][/img]
MORTARS!!!!, now you're talking my lingo. I had never seen this beast before but man is it beautiful! Not only can it pump out some serious firepower (steel rain) but she sure looks a lot more comfortable to ride / live in for extended periods over the M106 and M1064 that are currently fielded. Here's some more info I found on this Mortar wonder;

Specifications for the Advanced MOrtar System (AMOS)
Crew 2+1 (commander, gunner + driver)
Main armament 2 x 120mm breech loaded smoothbore mortars (3000mm barrell lenght each)
Automatic loading system
Hydro-pneumatic recoiling system
Secondary armament: machinegun, smoke launchers

High rate of fire thanks to the double barrel concept: 26 rounds in 60 seconds, of which the first 4 in less than 8 seconds
Time to shoot less than 30 seconds
Time to scoot less than 10 seconds

Range over 10 km with standard 120mm ammunition. 15 km with long range ammunition. 5 km with STRIX
Multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) up to 14 rounds per turret
Large on-board ammunition supply: over 66 rounds payload on XA-185 6X6 vehicle
Ammunition (total on-board) 84 rounds high explosive (HE) and 6 rounds smart guided ammunition
Suitable with standard 120 ammunition as well as smart guided ammunition and cargo munitions

Integrated laser sight and rangefinder, and is thereby capable of independently engaging the enemy
Devastating and accurate direct-fire capability, especially against soft targets and infantry
Computerized fire control which allows pre-programmed fire missions
Low chassis loads thanks to the recoiling mechanism; even a wheeled chassis is usable

Rapid deployment thanks to instrumentation for vehicle location and attitude; well suited for shoot & scoot tactics
Direct fire capability

Full 360° traverse without limitations thanks to turret mounting and recoil mechanism
Traverse and elevation is electrical / manual
Turret weight 4400 kg
-3 to +85 degrees elevation

Ballistic protection against infantry weapons and splinters for crew
Muzzle blast and NBC protection for crew
Add-On armor available as option

New improved dual-purpose cluster munitions are being developed by SM Swiss Ammunition Enterprise with Israel Military Industries (IMI). These consist of 32 dual-purpose grenades, each of which consists of a shaped charge and a pre-fragmented jacket producing high-energy fragments. Integrated self-destruction and self-neutralisation modes result in a high level of safety for advancing troops. The shaped charge can punch through at least 70mm of armor which is enough to knock the top open on a Main Battle Tank (MBT).
Firing the cargo ammunition during the recent demonstration, the AMOS is a new-generation twin-barrel mortar system of extreme versatility. To be tested during the coming winter, the mortar system integrated on the Patria XA-203 wheeled chassis, is expected to enter service with the Finnish Defence Forces around 2004-05 with training beginning in 2003.

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Doug_Kibbey
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 4678
Location: The Great Satan
PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:22 pm
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

- Tumbleweed


I knew this topic would give Jeff a full-on 11C "chubby"! Laughing

I'm curious as to what that vehicle is in the background to right. Looks like a bada$$ one-man truck.
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website Photo Gallery
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 4:30 pm
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

Truck? TRUCK?!, who cares about that militarized civilian vehicle when you have this beautful Mortar System!? OK, I must confess, I saw it too and did think it looked pretty cool. That tread on the Mortar system, the pads look like M113 type used but I'm not sure about the actual shoes. Its been a while (1998) since "I" broke track. I would like to see the top of the turret and look at the hatches. I haven't found a picture with a MG mounted up top yet.

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
buglerbilly
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 147

PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:49 pm
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

The armoured truck in the background is the Bofors new 155mm gun system under the banner of the ARCHER system, three-man crew, fully automated gun system in high mobility Volvo articulated truck.

Image here..........



If you search under Bofors Archer system you should find a presentation done to the US Army a year or two ago..........

Regards,

BUG
Back to top
View user's profile
Doug_Kibbey
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 4678
Location: The Great Satan
PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:25 pm
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

Thanks, Bug...that is totally wicked. And should make Jeff feel a little bit better since it's still an indirect fire weapon.
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website Photo Gallery
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 3:49 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

I feel a little better. I never cared for towed mortar systems. I liked the M252 81mm all assembled and carried in the back of a Hummer. You could whip it into a firing point, the crew would jump out the rear and drag the system out and put it 6 feet from the rear. As the assistant gunner started elevating the system, the gunner would grab the sight unit and mount it to the system. The driver/ammo bearer would shut off the vehicle and grab the aiming poles and run them out. All the while, the fire direction center (FDC) would setting up their M23 Mortar ballistic computers (MBC) while the section sergeant would lay in the section or platoon. The camo net, which was kept rolled length wise on the top of the Hummer would be drapped out over the vehicle and gun system. Ammo was carried in the Hummer so it was already there and in amny instances was already broken down and ready for fireing. Of course wire was run for the TA 312 and eventually buried, M-8 NBC alarm placed out, OP's sent out as well as security. Damn, I'm gonna miss the Mortars!!!, I hope being an 88N offers as much fun, but some how I doubt it.
Any way, if you can drive like a mad man to avoid counter battery or direct fire ( which would be hard towing something) then I dont really want to be involved with it.

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 8:17 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

- Tumbleweed
wondering if that's M113 track?
www.primeportal.net/ar...photos.htm


Hi Tumble! Hi Folks!

I don't think that is M113 track. The rubber pad looks to wide. Looks a bit like the newest type of track that is being fitted to the Bradleys and USMC AAAV-7s.

When we look at the newest Leo IIs and Abrams, it looks like many of the NATO armys are starting to use the same type of track block. The US is switching the M113s to the same block the Europian counties have been using for years. Could it possible be that the newest type track going onto the Bradleys and AAAV-7 is some type of NATO standard?

My 2 cents,
Sgt, Scouts Out! Confused

_________________
"You can never have too much reconnaissance."
General G.S. Patton Jr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
clausb
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 25, 2006
Posts: 146

PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:47 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

- Roy_A_Lingle
I don't think that is M113 track. The rubber pad looks to wide. Looks a bit like the newest type of track that is being fitted to the Bradleys and USMC AAAV-7s.

When we look at the newest Leo IIs and Abrams, it looks like many of the NATO armys are starting to use the same type of track block. The US is switching the M113s to the same block the Europian counties have been using for years. Could it possible be that the newest type track going onto the Bradleys and AAAV-7 is some type of NATO standard?


As the vehicle is a Hägglunds CV90 series, I guess it is CV90 tracks Smile .

Probably some kind of Diehl track which seems to be very popular these days:

www.diehl-remscheid.de...06&L=1

Claus B
Back to top
View user's profile
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:48 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

[img][/img]
I found this picture that was albeled "Land Bofors Archer Artillery" but I found it under a "Mortar" search. This looks more like a wheeled howitzer. Any ideas?

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Jinx
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 186
Location: Canada
PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:40 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

This is "a self-propelled 155mm L52 automatic howitzer incorporated into a modified armoured commercial six-wheel-drive (6×6) articulated Volvo A30D truck chassis". Apparently it has a range of over 50 kilometers. (!!!!!)
Back to top
View user's profile
Jinx
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 186
Location: Canada
PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 9:19 pm
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

From the Bofors website:




Back to top
View user's profile
buglerbilly
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 147

PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:18 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

The presentation material (Powerpoint presentation) to the US Army is here.........

www.dtic.mil/ndia/2005...nefors.pdf

The system is also one of the favourites for the Australian LAND 17 programme to (partially) replace current arty (Hamel Light 105mm Guns and M198 155mm howitzers) with, most probably a truck-mounted 155mm gun in armoured chassis, with a barrel of at least 52 calibres. Enhanced 155mm ammo is also part of this programme, probably Excalibur rounds.

Regards,

BUG
Back to top
View user's profile
Doug_Kibbey
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 4678
Location: The Great Satan
PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:30 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

That truck is wicked cool. I can think of all sorts of neat stuff I'd like to put on the back of that thing.

...and speaking of "guntruck" potential!
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website Photo Gallery
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:40 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

"Wicked Cool" is right on! I love this system. As much as I try to follow the "Buy USA" slogan, sometimes other countries have military equipment that make me drool and just seem to make sense. Paladin is long in the tooth, we should look at this type of toy for the future. Don't get me wrong, I love sticking with a proven item, but sometimes its time to improve and move-on.

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:04 am
Post subject: Re: Advanced Mortar System (AMOS)

Hi Folks!

Very interesting system. The US would never go for it, will not fit inside a C-130. Notice in the spec.s that it needs a A400M for air transport. The A400M will (in time and if it ever flys) be about equal to the C-17 Globemaster III.

Thanks for all the nice photos Folks!
Sgt, Scouts Out!

_________________
"You can never have too much reconnaissance."
General G.S. Patton Jr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    Reply to topic    Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index ›  AFV News Discussion Board
Page 1 of 2
All times are GMT - 6 Hours
Go to page 1, 2  Next



Jump to:  


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum