Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1258433
BWP M2A2 Bradley finishing with the support weapons. It would not be optimal though to synchronize a metamorphosis as such with quantitative cuts and questionable reforms, as it happened in the case of Poland. As a result of those steps, the number of troops in mechanized infantry squads went down, which has not been compensated for (for instance, through increased firepower of the IFVs). With low saturation in the anti-tank/support weapons department, this creates a major decrease in the effectiveness of the system as a whole. The two primary issues here are the selection of the design layout of the turret, and the selection of the primary armament. Turret Design Selecting the turret design layout is one of the most difficult decisions faced by the people creating the tactical-technical requirements for such systems. Then, the challenge is transferred to the engineers trying to meet those requirements. The modern IFV turrets can be divided into ones that have one-man crew, two-men crew, or remotely controlled ones - here open and closed division can be done at this level. Single-person turrets are a rarity these days. Alongside France (DRAGAR) and an exotic Slovak-Belarusian 2A42 Cobra, no other proposals in this class (such as Rheinmetall E8) have been introduced. The reason for that stems from work overload, in case of a single-seat turret, and the potential deficiencies in the situational awareness of the vehicle commander. Classic, two-man-crew manned turrets are the dominant type. For some reasons stemming from certain disadvantages of the manned solutions, the new IFVs tend to employ remote control turret systems (Puma, Kurganets-25). These may be divided into open systems (such as RCWS-30 or UTD-30, with no turret shell) or closed ones (Rheinmetall Lance, the turret in the Puma or the Turkish Mizrak-30 - in case of these solutions, the whole turret mechanism is protected by the armor). Another interesting concept has been presented by the Russians, as their Bumerang-BM turret is semi-open. Some elements of the fire control system, active vehicle protection system, and two dual ATGM blocks have been placed outside the turret, while the gun stabilization system, drives, ammunition, and the armament are protected by the armor. This design solution ensures weight and size reduction. At the same time, the crucial elements of the turret are sufficiently protected. In emergencies, the turret can also be operated from inside of the vehicle. www.fragoutmag.com