«Stryker" - the production of armored combat vehicle General Dynamics Land Systems.It has a wheel formula 8x8 / 4.A model based on the Canadian APC LAV III, which, in turn, is a deep modernization of the Swiss armored Piranha III 8x8.Stryker is in service with the US Army's mechanized forces and a number of other countries.
Appointment
Stryker APC is the main armament Brigade Combat Team of the US Army, formed in the 2000s.It is designed to transport infantry units (usually mechanized infantry divisions) on the battlefield with the possibility of soldiers firing directly from the machine, further fire support of infantry during and after dismounting, as well as comprehensive support and combat support units of the US Army mechanized.
models of armored vehicles (BT) of the family "Stryker" include 10 varieties of machines increased security in service with brigade combat teams "Stryker".The first copies entered service the US Army in February 2002, as of April 2013th was delivered 4349 units of different types of BT.
History
After the formal victory in the "cold" war weapons the US has been redundant for confrontation in low-intensity conflicts.October 12, 1999, General Shinseki E. (chief of staff of the US Army) has officially announced the long-term plan of transformation of the country's land forces for the future, taking into account existing and emerging challenges and threats of our time.The program, called "The purpose of the future army» (The Objective Force), formulated attempt to establish American military forces that are able to quickly respond to crisis situations in any region of the world in a timely manner to unfold in the areas of operational use and dominate in any conflict.
program determines adaptation to the military doctrine of flexible and relevant response to the situation and require the presence of the latest weapons.The first phase of the program was the development of an intermediate option line fighting vehicles, called IAV (Interim Armored Vehicle - «interim armored vehicle").Arming America at that time had no modern BT this class.
The new line is designed to fill a gap in the capabilities of ground forces to conduct so-called "classical" type of warfare, using heavy and powerful type of infantry combat vehicles BMP M2 «Bradley" or light and mobile, while poorly armed and protected equipment type M998 «Hammer. "The main arena of hostilities created models of armored vehicles - low-level armed conflicts.
equipped army
After selecting a few options for armored personnel carriers, which were considered as the basis for the subsequent creation of armored vehicles the new family, the basis was taken the Canadian APC LAV III.After a few months of testing in November 2000 and was approved by the 2131 procurement schedule instance BT "Stryker".Armored combat vehicles entered the Brigade.
first machines were only two types:
- SAU M1128 (MGS) with the British 105-mm rifled tank gun Royal Ordnance L7, which is installed on the first samples of the US main battle tanks "Abrams".These self-propelled guns was given the task of contact fire support in combat infantry units.
- Infantry armored vehicle M1126 Stryker (ICV), which replaced the outdated APCs M113.
Requirements and Regulations
new weapons US generals on a plan should have been cheaper and more cost-effective, with a high degree of security and mobility.The undoubted advantage "Stryker" was that the content of one brigade BT this type is 25% less than the content of the brigade group, armed with heavier BMP "Bradley."
According to regulations, the brigade combat team "Stryker" should be relocated anywhere in the world within 96 hours, the division - for 120 hours, and five divisions of rapid deployment - for 30 days."Striker" is carried by air "transporters» C-5 "Geleksi" (4 combat vehicles), C-17 "Gloubmayster III» (3 units) and C-130 "Hercules" (1 unit), and after the delivery of BT should bein readiness for further action.
difficulties transporting
From the start of the test of this war machine had problems with compliance armored tactical and technical requirements, to which it was calculated.So, the first samples of APC Stryker had technical difficulties with transportation of their transport aircraft C-130 "Hercules".Because of the large width of the armored vehicles in the aisle seat and technology had no space.Therefore, on board the plane could take part composition department, which, in turn, has created difficulties in the redeployment of troops in certain areas.
The exercise, in order to accommodate the "Stryker" in the plane, the crew had to shoot him with 2 launchers flue installation, all antennas, left rear console, which blocked the exit of the machine from the aircraft, combat unit on the tower and some moreassemblies and parts.As a result, department spent a lot of time to install equipment after unloading from the aircraft.
Vulnerabilities
In August 2003, the US Senate did damning report on the characteristics that have "Striker."Armored combat vehicles was described as very fragile and too expensive.The main emphasis was on the failure of the efforts of General Shinseki on E. adopting Superefficient US Army armored personnel carriers, which will meet all the challenges of modern conflicts.
report criticized the high vulnerability family Stryker over conventional RPGs, which are equipped with the militants and terrorists, the excessive size of the APC, were not allowed without delay to transport equipment C-130 "Hercules".
tests revealed low performance suspension of all modifications, whether heavier wheeled tank M1128 or relatively light APCs M1126.Problems arise in the transition to high speed and when moving over rough terrain.Also, "Stryker" has poor resistance - there were cases overturning an ordinary highway.
Comparison with competitors
Critics wheeled armored personnel indicate that Stryker in many ways inferior modernized M113 tracked, self-propelled guns and M1128 (MGS) in all respects worse than the project perspective M8 AGS.According to the military experts, the machine "Stryker" failed 7 of 9 basic exams, compared to the M113A3, and in particular with its elongated version MTVL.This firepower, maneuverability and off-road conditions in the city, the survival rate, the reliability, the ability to transport by air and comfort for the crew and landing.Eliminate shortcomings led to a significant rise in the cost of wheeled armored personnel carriers.
Specifications
armored personnel carrier "Stryker" in layout and configuration is virtually identical to its predecessor - LAV III, but there are some differences.First of all, the height of the housing is greater than the prototype of 25-30 cm. This was done to facilitate the placement of ammunition, crew and troops.For protection against mines and roadside bombs had to alter the profile of the bottom, which has increased the height of the body to compensate for the "eaten» V-shaped bottom of the useful volume of the troop compartment.Little changed and the linear dimensions.
Wheel BT has a characteristic for machines of this class classic layout: Left Front posted engine-transmission compartment, front left - a control unit with the driver's seat.Behind the driver is vehicle commander.Middle compartment and aft are allocated to the troop compartment, which housed nine fully equipped infantrymen.The roof of the shell landing crew are equipped with hatches over the corresponding places, troops landed through the feed door of the troop compartment are also provided emergency hatches.
TTX base model M1126
- length - 6394 mm.
- Width - 2667 mm.
- height - 2170 mm.
- ground clearance - 500 mm.
- Combat weight - 17.2 tons.
- speed on the highway - 97 km / h.
- Cruising (on the track) - 531 km.
Powerplant
In the engine-transmission compartment installed diesel Caterpillar 3126, its power is 257 kW (350 hp..).This engine is a key technology for the tactical level of the middle class in the US Army.It offers significant advantages in the repair and maintenance of such equipment in the field and combat conditions.
Reservation BTR "Stryker»
armored combat vehicles less vulnerable to small arms fire than the previous type of armored personnel carriers M113.The housing is welded armor plates of thickness up to 12 millimeters.Due to the use of different grades of steel corresponds to protection in the frontal projection of the fourth level of the standard STANAG 4569, and the second and third on other projections.Additionally to the "Stryker" screens can be installed around the perimeter of the housing.
Reservation protects against small arms bullets caliber up to 14.5 mm from the stern and sides, 30-mm shells in the frontal part of the body at distances of over 500 meters (in the presence of passive protection), as well as the defeat of 152mm shrapnel shellsexploded nearby.
Modifications
- M1126, an infantry armored vehicle (ICV) - armored personnel carrier core family "Stryker", designed to transport infantry and fire support.
- Modification M1126 for reconnaissance, security, patrol, communications, delivering ammunition, and so on. D.
- M1126 with reinforced bottom DVH-Scout (ICCV-S), intended for conducting military intelligence, which is equipped with a set of long-range observation.
- M1127 (RV) - combat reconnaissance vehicle, which is designed for reconnaissance, security and surveillance on the battlefield.Equipped with specialized equipment early warning intelligence firm Raytheon.
- M1128 (MGS) - self-propelled artillery (wheeled tank) with a 105-mm rifled gun.
- M1129 (MCV-B) - a self-propelled 120mm mortar with fixed and removable arrangement.
- M1130 (CV) - BT commander.
- M1131 (FSV) - Machine control fire.
- M1132 (ESV) - armored engineer vehicle, is designed to provide engineer reconnaissance, transport and support of engineers.
- M1133 (MEV) - Medical BT.
- M1134 ATGM - anti-tank missile system.The machine has a remote installation to start anti-tank guided missiles from the ground.
- M1135 (NBCRV) - is designed for radiation, chemical and bacteriological reconnaissance.
Conclusion
During the Iraq and Afghan wars BTR "Stryker" proved its usefulness.Soldiers praised for good armored vehicle crew survival and landing during mine explosions, roadside bombs, artillery fire from small arms and RPGs.They are indispensable in an urban setting.Against this background, certain technical drawbacks machines are not critical.
