Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1281650
system, especially when it comes to its latest variants. It features a good thermal imaging camera, firing solution adjustments are made with regards to the gun movement, while the fire control system's computing is done automatically. This places these CV90 above the Ulan, and they also surpass the BMP-2. SPZ PUMA The German Puma is an example of an uncompromising approach towards the provision of firepower. One should note that the Germans could afford this, as the Puma program has been developed to support the domestic industry and to allow the design and manufacturing capacity to survive. The costs have been a matter of lesser importance. Puma is a unique design in many regards. Several avant-garde solutions are mixed here, with typical German pragmatism and a conservative approach. This is visible well in the case of the components forming the vehicle's firepower. Everything is based on Hortsman's hydropneumatic suspension system embedded within two side-sponsons. The sponsons have only two hull- contact points. This translates into some advantages, including mitigation of the vibration transfer. Thanks to the above, and the properties of the hydropneumatic suspension, the system dampens the vibration well, stabilizing the hull when the weapons are used. The turret placement and design are asymmetric. However, the gun is aligned with the central axis of the vehicle. The selection of the gun is also unusual. The Germans adopted the MK 30-2 cannon that is gas- operated, instead of being a usual chain gun. The gun is 40% heavier than the Bushmasters. However, it generates a much softer recoil, when fired in an automatic mode. It is not influenced by EMP or lack of power supply. Despite the aforesaid factors, the Germans decided to stiffen the barrel with an external cage, which greatly increases the accuracy after the barrel gets hot. The gun is capable of firing ABM rounds and it is stabilized. The fire control system of the Puma IFV far exceeds the capabilities offered by ANALYSIS