±Recent Visitors

Recent Visitors to Com-Central!

±User Info-big


Welcome Anonymous

Nickname
Password

Membership:
Latest: HighestAce
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 0
Overall: 6648

People Online:
Members: 0
Visitors: 766
Total: 766
Who Is Where:
 Visitors:
01: Home
02: Home
03: Community Forums
04: Community Forums
05: Home
06: Community Forums
07: Community Forums
08: Home
09: Member Screenshots
10: Community Forums
11: Community Forums
12: Photo Gallery
13: Community Forums
14: Supporters
15: Photo Gallery
16: Community Forums
17: Statistics
18: Member Screenshots
19: Downloads
20: Community Forums
21: Community Forums
22: Home
23: Community Forums
24: Member Screenshots
25: Community Forums
26: Home
27: Community Forums
28: Community Forums
29: Community Forums
30: Home
31: Member Screenshots
32: Your Account
33: Member Screenshots
34: Community Forums
35: Home
36: Home
37: News
38: Member Screenshots
39: Home
40: Member Screenshots
41: Home
42: Community Forums
43: Community Forums
44: Member Screenshots
45: Member Screenshots
46: Community Forums
47: Community Forums
48: Downloads
49: Community Forums
50: Community Forums
51: Community Forums
52: Member Screenshots
53: Community Forums
54: Community Forums
55: Member Screenshots
56: Community Forums
57: Community Forums
58: Community Forums
59: Member Screenshots
60: Community Forums
61: Home
62: Community Forums
63: Community Forums
64: Community Forums
65: Community Forums
66: Community Forums
67: Community Forums
68: Downloads
69: Community Forums
70: Community Forums
71: Community Forums
72: Community Forums
73: Community Forums
74: Community Forums
75: Community Forums
76: Photo Gallery
77: Community Forums
78: Member Screenshots
79: Photo Gallery
80: Photo Gallery
81: Community Forums
82: News Archive
83: Community Forums
84: Community Forums
85: Member Screenshots
86: Community Forums
87: Community Forums
88: Photo Gallery
89: Community Forums
90: Member Screenshots
91: Community Forums
92: Community Forums
93: Community Forums
94: Downloads
95: Community Forums
96: Community Forums
97: News Archive
98: Community Forums
99: Photo Gallery
100: Community Forums
101: Community Forums
102: Home
103: Community Forums
104: Community Forums
105: Member Screenshots
106: Community Forums
107: Member Screenshots
108: Community Forums
109: Community Forums
110: Downloads
111: Community Forums
112: Member Screenshots
113: Member Screenshots
114: Photo Gallery
115: Community Forums
116: Community Forums
117: Member Screenshots
118: Photo Gallery
119: News Archive
120: Community Forums
121: Member Screenshots
122: Community Forums
123: News Archive
124: Community Forums
125: Community Forums
126: Member Screenshots
127: Community Forums
128: Community Forums
129: News Archive
130: Member Screenshots
131: Community Forums
132: Photo Gallery
133: Community Forums
134: Community Forums
135: Community Forums
136: Home
137: Member Screenshots
138: Community Forums
139: Community Forums
140: Home
141: Member Screenshots
142: Downloads
143: Community Forums
144: Home
145: Member Screenshots
146: Community Forums
147: Member Screenshots
148: Member Screenshots
149: Community Forums
150: Member Screenshots
151: Community Forums
152: Member Screenshots
153: Community Forums
154: Home
155: Member Screenshots
156: Community Forums
157: Community Forums
158: Home
159: Member Screenshots
160: Community Forums
161: Photo Gallery
162: Community Forums
163: Community Forums
164: Community Forums
165: Member Screenshots
166: Community Forums
167: Community Forums
168: News Archive
169: Community Forums
170: Photo Gallery
171: Community Forums
172: Community Forums
173: Community Forums
174: Member Screenshots
175: News Archive
176: Home
177: Community Forums
178: Member Screenshots
179: Photo Gallery
180: Community Forums
181: Photo Gallery
182: Member Screenshots
183: Community Forums
184: Community Forums
185: Community Forums
186: Community Forums
187: Photo Gallery
188: News Archive
189: Community Forums
190: Community Forums
191: Community Forums
192: Community Forums
193: Member Screenshots
194: Member Screenshots
195: Community Forums
196: Community Forums
197: Community Forums
198: Member Screenshots
199: News Archive
200: Photo Gallery
201: Photo Gallery
202: Community Forums
203: Community Forums
204: Member Screenshots
205: Member Screenshots
206: Community Forums
207: Member Screenshots
208: Photo Gallery
209: Photo Gallery
210: Community Forums
211: Community Forums
212: Community Forums
213: Community Forums
214: Community Forums
215: Community Forums
216: Home
217: Community Forums
218: Downloads
219: Member Screenshots
220: Downloads
221: Downloads
222: Community Forums
223: Community Forums
224: Downloads
225: Community Forums
226: Member Screenshots
227: Home
228: Community Forums
229: Community Forums
230: Community Forums
231: Member Screenshots
232: Community Forums
233: Community Forums
234: Community Forums
235: News Archive
236: Community Forums
237: Community Forums
238: Member Screenshots
239: Community Forums
240: News Archive
241: Community Forums
242: Member Screenshots
243: Member Screenshots
244: Community Forums
245: Photo Gallery
246: Community Forums
247: Community Forums
248: Downloads
249: Home
250: Downloads
251: Member Screenshots
252: Member Screenshots
253: Community Forums
254: Community Forums
255: Member Screenshots
256: Community Forums
257: Member Screenshots
258: Home
259: Member Screenshots
260: Community Forums
261: Search
262: Downloads
263: Member Screenshots
264: Community Forums
265: Downloads
266: News
267: Member Screenshots
268: News
269: Community Forums
270: Community Forums
271: Home
272: Community Forums
273: Community Forums
274: Photo Gallery
275: Community Forums
276: Community Forums
277: Community Forums
278: Community Forums
279: Home
280: Treasury
281: Community Forums
282: Community Forums
283: Member Screenshots
284: Member Screenshots
285: Member Screenshots
286: Downloads
287: Community Forums
288: Member Screenshots
289: Member Screenshots
290: News Archive
291: Community Forums
292: Community Forums
293: Member Screenshots
294: Community Forums
295: Community Forums
296: Downloads
297: Member Screenshots
298: Community Forums
299: Photo Gallery
300: Community Forums
301: Home
302: Member Screenshots
303: Community Forums
304: Photo Gallery
305: Home
306: Community Forums
307: Member Screenshots
308: Community Forums
309: Community Forums
310: Community Forums
311: Photo Gallery
312: Community Forums
313: Community Forums
314: Community Forums
315: Home
316: Home
317: Member Screenshots
318: Community Forums
319: Community Forums
320: Home
321: Photo Gallery
322: Home
323: Member Screenshots
324: Downloads
325: Community Forums
326: Community Forums
327: Member Screenshots
328: Member Screenshots
329: Community Forums
330: Community Forums
331: Member Screenshots
332: Community Forums
333: Community Forums
334: Statistics
335: Community Forums
336: Community Forums
337: Photo Gallery
338: Community Forums
339: Community Forums
340: News Archive
341: Photo Gallery
342: Photo Gallery
343: Home
344: News Archive
345: Downloads
346: Community Forums
347: Home
348: Statistics
349: Community Forums
350: Community Forums
351: Downloads
352: Home
353: Home
354: Community Forums
355: Community Forums
356: Community Forums
357: Community Forums
358: Downloads
359: Downloads
360: Downloads
361: Home
362: Photo Gallery
363: Community Forums
364: Community Forums
365: Community Forums
366: Community Forums
367: Downloads
368: Treasury
369: Community Forums
370: Member Screenshots
371: Community Forums
372: Home
373: Photo Gallery
374: Member Screenshots
375: Community Forums
376: Community Forums
377: Community Forums
378: News Archive
379: Photo Gallery
380: Community Forums
381: Photo Gallery
382: Community Forums
383: Photo Gallery
384: Community Forums
385: Member Screenshots
386: Community Forums
387: Member Screenshots
388: Member Screenshots
389: Community Forums
390: Member Screenshots
391: Community Forums
392: Photo Gallery
393: Community Forums
394: Member Screenshots
395: Community Forums
396: Photo Gallery
397: Member Screenshots
398: News
399: Member Screenshots
400: Home
401: Home
402: Community Forums
403: Home
404: Community Forums
405: Community Forums
406: Member Screenshots
407: Home
408: Community Forums
409: Home
410: Photo Gallery
411: News
412: Community Forums
413: Community Forums
414: Community Forums
415: Home
416: Downloads
417: Community Forums
418: Photo Gallery
419: Photo Gallery
420: Member Screenshots
421: Community Forums
422: News Archive
423: Community Forums
424: Community Forums
425: Photo Gallery
426: Community Forums
427: Community Forums
428: Community Forums
429: Community Forums
430: Community Forums
431: Community Forums
432: Member Screenshots
433: Community Forums
434: Community Forums
435: Community Forums
436: Community Forums
437: Community Forums
438: Statistics
439: Member Screenshots
440: Community Forums
441: Community Forums
442: Home
443: Home
444: Member Screenshots
445: Community Forums
446: Downloads
447: Community Forums
448: Community Forums
449: Community Forums
450: Photo Gallery
451: Community Forums
452: Photo Gallery
453: Community Forums
454: Community Forums
455: Photo Gallery
456: Member Screenshots
457: Downloads
458: Photo Gallery
459: Downloads
460: Member Screenshots
461: Member Screenshots
462: Community Forums
463: Community Forums
464: Photo Gallery
465: News Archive
466: Community Forums
467: News Archive
468: Member Screenshots
469: Community Forums
470: News Archive
471: Member Screenshots
472: Community Forums
473: Community Forums
474: Community Forums
475: Member Screenshots
476: Member Screenshots
477: Community Forums
478: Photo Gallery
479: News Archive
480: Community Forums
481: Photo Gallery
482: Member Screenshots
483: Downloads
484: Member Screenshots
485: Member Screenshots
486: Community Forums
487: Community Forums
488: Member Screenshots
489: Community Forums
490: Community Forums
491: Community Forums
492: Member Screenshots
493: Community Forums
494: Community Forums
495: Community Forums
496: Community Forums
497: Community Forums
498: Community Forums
499: Community Forums
500: Home
501: Community Forums
502: Community Forums
503: Downloads
504: Community Forums
505: Community Forums
506: Community Forums
507: Community Forums
508: News Archive
509: Community Forums
510: Community Forums
511: Member Screenshots
512: Community Forums
513: Community Forums
514: News Archive
515: Community Forums
516: Member Screenshots
517: Community Forums
518: Community Forums
519: Member Screenshots
520: Community Forums
521: Member Screenshots
522: News Archive
523: Community Forums
524: Community Forums
525: Home
526: Community Forums
527: News Archive
528: Member Screenshots
529: Photo Gallery
530: Community Forums
531: Home
532: Member Screenshots
533: Community Forums
534: Member Screenshots
535: Home
536: Community Forums
537: Community Forums
538: Community Forums
539: Member Screenshots
540: Community Forums
541: Home
542: Member Screenshots
543: Community Forums
544: Photo Gallery
545: Member Screenshots
546: Member Screenshots
547: Community Forums
548: Member Screenshots
549: Member Screenshots
550: Downloads
551: Photo Gallery
552: Photo Gallery
553: Member Screenshots
554: Member Screenshots
555: Member Screenshots
556: Photo Gallery
557: Community Forums
558: Community Forums
559: Community Forums
560: Downloads
561: Community Forums
562: Community Forums
563: Community Forums
564: Photo Gallery
565: Downloads
566: Home
567: Community Forums
568: Community Forums
569: News Archive
570: Member Screenshots
571: Community Forums
572: Community Forums
573: Community Forums
574: Member Screenshots
575: Community Forums
576: Community Forums
577: Community Forums
578: Downloads
579: Community Forums
580: Community Forums
581: Community Forums
582: Member Screenshots
583: Member Screenshots
584: Home
585: Home
586: Member Screenshots
587: Member Screenshots
588: Community Forums
589: Community Forums
590: Member Screenshots
591: Member Screenshots
592: Community Forums
593: Member Screenshots
594: Home
595: Home
596: Home
597: Community Forums
598: Home
599: Community Forums
600: Downloads
601: Community Forums
602: Home
603: Downloads
604: Community Forums
605: Community Forums
606: Home
607: Photo Gallery
608: Downloads
609: Downloads
610: Member Screenshots
611: Member Screenshots
612: Community Forums
613: Community Forums
614: Photo Gallery
615: Member Screenshots
616: Community Forums
617: Community Forums
618: Downloads
619: Member Screenshots
620: Community Forums
621: Photo Gallery
622: Downloads
623: Community Forums
624: Home
625: Photo Gallery
626: Community Forums
627: Home
628: Photo Gallery
629: Community Forums
630: Home
631: Community Forums
632: Community Forums
633: Community Forums
634: Photo Gallery
635: Community Forums
636: Community Forums
637: Community Forums
638: Community Forums
639: Downloads
640: News
641: Community Forums
642: Community Forums
643: Community Forums
644: Downloads
645: Community Forums
646: Photo Gallery
647: News Archive
648: Home
649: Community Forums
650: Downloads
651: Community Forums
652: Photo Gallery
653: Community Forums
654: Downloads
655: Community Forums
656: Community Forums
657: Photo Gallery
658: Photo Gallery
659: Photo Gallery
660: News Archive
661: Member Screenshots
662: Photo Gallery
663: Community Forums
664: Community Forums
665: Community Forums
666: Community Forums
667: Community Forums
668: News
669: Community Forums
670: Community Forums
671: Community Forums
672: News Archive
673: Community Forums
674: Community Forums
675: News Archive
676: Photo Gallery
677: Downloads
678: Community Forums
679: Downloads
680: Community Forums
681: News
682: News Archive
683: Community Forums
684: News Archive
685: Downloads
686: Community Forums
687: Downloads
688: Home
689: Community Forums
690: Home
691: Photo Gallery
692: Home
693: Downloads
694: Home
695: Community Forums
696: Photo Gallery
697: Photo Gallery
698: News Archive
699: Downloads
700: Community Forums
701: Member Screenshots
702: News Archive
703: Community Forums
704: Photo Gallery
705: Community Forums
706: Community Forums
707: News Archive
708: Community Forums
709: Downloads
710: Photo Gallery
711: Photo Gallery
712: Downloads
713: Community Forums
714: Community Forums
715: Photo Gallery
716: Photo Gallery
717: Home
718: Community Forums
719: Community Forums
720: Community Forums
721: Community Forums
722: Community Forums
723: Downloads
724: Home
725: Community Forums
726: Photo Gallery
727: Community Forums
728: Home
729: Community Forums
730: News
731: Home
732: Home
733: Community Forums
734: Home
735: Home
736: Home
737: Your Account
738: Community Forums
739: Community Forums
740: Community Forums
741: Community Forums
742: Member Screenshots
743: Community Forums
744: Home
745: News
746: Community Forums
747: Community Forums
748: Home
749: Community Forums
750: Community Forums
751: Photo Gallery
752: Community Forums
753: Member Screenshots
754: Member Screenshots
755: Home
756: Community Forums
757: Community Forums
758: Community Forums
759: Member Screenshots
760: Member Screenshots
761: Downloads
762: Statistics
763: Downloads
764: Community Forums
765: Community Forums
766: Home

Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...
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.
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: Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:51 am
Post subject: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

I dont just post rare old armor, I post rare "new" armor as well! Per the article below, there are only 44 of these in the U.S. inventory. There were these 6 in the 36th ENG BDE, 4th ID motor pool and 6 more in a motorpool next door. When I was here in 2000 with 3-66th Armor, 4th ID, civilians brought one to our motor pool as a "demo" and it was pretty neat. Now they are actually stationed here. I haven't seen any in the 1st Cav area motor pools but I'd bet they have some too. I was in this motor pool to photograph an M4A3 that I cant seem to find a serial number for. I purchased some sandpaper this afternoon however and that serial wont be hidden long! Below is some info on the Wolverine.

The M104 Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge is an armored combat engineering vehicle designed to provide deployable bridge capability for units engaged in military operations.

For over a quarter of a century the US Army has made use of armored bridgelaying vehicles based on the M60/M48 Patton series of tanks. In recent years, however, the Army discovered that the aging M60 AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge) was too slow to keep up with the M1 Abrams during field maneuvers. Additionally, the M1 was so heavy that it could safely cross the AVLB's bridge only at a very slow speed.

Program development for a new armored bridgelaying vehicle began in 1983, and by 1994 General Dynamics Land Systems had been awarded a contract. The first prototype vehicles were being tested by 1996, and the first production models were delivered to the Army by 2003.

Because the Wolverine is essentially an M1A2 SEP tank with bridgelaying gear instead of a turret it shares virtually all of the parent vehicle's speed, mobility, survivability, and automotive components. This commonality was a key design factor in the Wolverine's development. The Wolverine also features an advanced communication package designed to keep it in contact with local field commanders. However, the vehicle itself is completely unarmed.

The Wolverine is operated by two crewmen who sit within the hull. Both crewmen have access to the bridging controls, while the bridge itself is carried in two sections above the hull. Once a bridging site is chosen the vehicle securely anchors itself in place with a spade. The two sections of the bridge are joined together, and then the entire bridge is extended across the obstacle and dropped into place. During launch the crewmen have the ability to make minor corrections if needed. Once operations are complete the Wolverine drives across the bridge and retrieves it from the other side simply by reversing the process. The bridge can be launched in under 5 minutes or retrieved in less than 10, all without the crewmen ever leaving the safety of their vehicle.

Once launched, the 26 meter bridge can support a 70 ton vehicle moving at 16 km/h. The Wolverine allows even the heaviest of vehicles to cross craters, ditches, and even partially damaged bridges at combat speed. This mobility is a decisive advantage for armored units.

To date the U.S. Army has received 44 Wolverines, which have been distributed to a few select engineer units. The Army had originally intended to purchase 465 vehicles, however budget cuts and the recent shift in philosophy toward a lighter fighting force have cast the future of the Wolverine program in doubt. Currently the Army does not plan to purchase any more Wolverines, but it has reserved the right to restart production in the future if necessary.

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 517

PostPosted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 1:50 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

"The M104 Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge is an armored combat engineering vehicle designed to provide deployable bridge capability for units engaged in military operations.
...
However, the vehicle itself is completely unarmed."

Yikes!! That's got to change. If this is such a rare bird, the opposing forces are going to know it too. Their troops will do what they can to harass or attack it. Even a .50 in a protected remote controlled weapons pod would be an improvement over nothing.
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: Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:54 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

I agree, I was surprised to see that it wasn't armed at all. Especially since its such a high-dollar vehicle. I wouldn't want to crew this.

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1439
Location: The back of beyond
PostPosted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 10:32 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

Lets face it the M9 ACE is the same. I was amused to read in a combat report the following description of it 'one man, alone, unarmed'

Cool

_________________
TTFN
Jim

If your not a member of JED then your
not serious about anything military..

***********************
www.jedsite.info
JED Military Equipment
***********************
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website ICQ Number
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:57 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

Hi Folks!

The proto-type M-48 AVLB had two cuplo mounted M2 50 cal machine guns. The production versions didn't have them. The M-60 AVLB were also unarmed.

That vehicle should never be sent out by its self. There should be more than enough firepower around it to ensure the crew only has to work on getting the bridge down in the right spot so over vehicles can cross ASAP.

Jeff, super thanks for this set of photos. I have hopes of some day trying to scratch build a Wolverine sense none of the model companies will most likly never do one.

It is my understand that in place of buying more Wolverines, the Army funded a program to upgrade the MLC 60 bridges on the M-48/60 AVLBs to a MLC of 70. Much cheaper to buy upgraded folding bridges than rebuild a M-1 into a Wolverine.

Spot Report!
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
bsmart
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 2523
Location: Central Maryland
PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:14 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

- Roy_A_Lingle
Hi Folks!

It is my understand that in place of buying more Wolverines, the Army funded a program to upgrade the MLC 60 bridges on the M-48/60 AVLBs to a MLC of 70. Much cheaper to buy upgraded folding bridges than rebuild a M-1 into a Wolverine.

Spot Report!
Sgt, Scouts Out!


But you loose the advantage of commonality and have to continue stocking parts in the system for the older vehicles that you would not otherwise have to have.

I can see and advantage to modifying the older AVLBs in the short term but as there are extra M1 chassis in the inventory I would think that converting some to support vehicles such as AVLBs, recovery vehicles and engineering vehicles would make sense.

_________________
Bob Smart (bsmart@xecu.net)
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
Joe_D
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 29, 2006
Posts: 2067
Location: Razorback Country
PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:28 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

But there is commonality with the old AVLB's, it's called the Hercules M88A2 and they have a very good track record. We also have plenty of M88A1's too. If you look closely at the M60 AVLB/AVLM systems they are now using M88 components when rebuilt. Much cheaper than converting old M1 hulls, Also cheaper to operate. BTW, the Wolverine uses the old M1 hull, just like the SEP's. One automotive difference is the the hydraulic pump is driven off the angle drive of the transmission and the generator was moved to the Auxillary Gear Box from what I saw in 98. What the Wolverine has is speed, but with the current fight we are in it's a moot point.

Joe D
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:57 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

Hi Bob! Hi Folks!

- bsmart

I can see and advantage to modifying the older AVLBs in the short term but as there are extra M1 chassis in the inventory I would think that converting some to support vehicles such as AVLBs, recovery vehicles and engineering vehicles would make sense.


I have to agree with that Bob. However the problem is a lack of funds. The Wolverine and the Grizzle are programs that were cut to free up funding for the Stryker FOVs and has yet to be restored.

It's like Joe D said, their are just not needed in the current fight. Look at the M1117 ASV. It was also one of those programs that was cut to free up funding for the Stryker FOVs. If's fund has been restored some because they are needed.

This is another one of those things where funding is the controlling factor and not common sense.
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
bsmart
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 2523
Location: Central Maryland
PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:05 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

- Roy_A_Lingle
Hi Bob! Hi Folks!

- bsmart

I can see and advantage to modifying the older AVLBs in the short term but as there are extra M1 chassis in the inventory I would think that converting some to support vehicles such as AVLBs, recovery vehicles and engineering vehicles would make sense.


I have to agree with that Bob. However the problem is a lack of funds. The Wolverine and the Grizzle are programs that were cut to free up funding for the Stryker FOVs and has yet to be restored.

It's like Joe D said, their are just not needed in the current fight. Look at the M1117 ASV. It was also one of those programs that was cut to free up funding for the Stryker FOVs. If's fund has been restored some because they are needed.

This is another one of those things where funding is the controlling factor and not common sense.
Sgt, Scouts out!


I think there is very little that is not controlled by short term funding issues.

I'm noticing a trend that we saw in the 60s where long term programs are being sacrificed to pay for growing operational costs while trying to stay within lower 'acceptable' budgets. Crying or Very sad I remember living in the aftermath of that on the flightline in the mid 70s with not enough parts because although they bought a new fighter ( the F-15) they scimped on the supporting kit to hold the cost of the program down.

_________________
Bob Smart (bsmart@xecu.net)
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
Roy_A_Lingle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:19 am
Post subject: Re: M104 Wolverine at Ft Hood...

Hi Bob! Hi Folks!

- bsmart

I think there is very little that is not controlled by short term funding issues.

I'm noticing a trend that we saw in the 60s where long term programs are being sacrificed to pay for growing operational costs while trying to stay within lower 'acceptable' budgets. Crying or Very sad I remember living in the aftermath of that on the flightline in the mid 70s with not enough parts because although they bought a new fighter ( the F-15) they scimped on the supporting kit to hold the cost of the program down.


The 1970s! The last half was hard on all of DOD. I remember reading about new F-16s coming off the production line in Ft. Worth. The Air Force would install an engine, send the aircraft up for a test flight and then remove the engine so it could installed in the next aircraft. The Army was putting a lot of it's available funding into the new Abrams/Bradley vehicles and there was very little funds for very much of any thing else. God help the AFV Crewman who lost a tool needed to work on his vehicle because the supply room didn't have any funds to buy replacement tools.

Hell, costs and the need from funds for other programs is the only reason the Navy has retired the F-14 Tomcats. I have heard, but I have not confired it, that the S-3 Vikings have been or are being retired, or there is a plan to retire them for the same reason.

All this is an outstanding example of why the DOD doesn't always buy good things at the right time. Sad
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 1
All times are GMT - 6 Hours



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