US Army News and updates general discussion

Does anyone know if the Army tank plant in Lima, Ohio still produces brand new factory made tanks? I’ve looked it up and several sources would indicate that Congress has indeed allocated funds to produce new M1A2’s at Lima but despite this I’m having a discussion with a colleague that is quite insistent that they are merely upgrading older tanks to the newest standard. I trust you guys immensely and I was wondering if anyone could put this to bed. Does the US still build new tanks?
 
The videos I've seen show a tired, beat up Abrams being stripped down to the bone, all the rust knocked off the hull and turret by being media blasted with steel bearings and emerging all shiny and pristine. Then the latest tech including a new engine new engine are installed and what emerges is a zero-miles tank which should qualify as "new" IMO.
 
Yes, I have seen the video and the resulting remanufactured tank is essentially a new tank. As to whether new tank hulls are being made, don't know.
 
Without looking up data to support, I believe there is still a small number of new tanks built there. Congress, like someone mentioned, has mandated to keep the ONLY MBT assembly line in the US open for wartime imperatives.

That said, most work is upgrades, wpkomg toward SEP IV now I believe.
 
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In regards to the acquisition of a new caliber weapons system, could this be a way to bring the LSAT weapons into a preferable position when its time to pick candidates for the carbine selection?
If I recall correctly, there were a previous statement which emphasized telescoped ammunition as an almost guaranteed requirement to secure the reduction in weight.
 
ngatimozart said:
The US Army is testing a 6.8mm round to replace the 5.56mm cartridge. They are trying to lighten the case as well. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
So Long, 5.56: The Army Is Testing A Bigger Bullet For Its SAW And Carbine Replacements

UPDATE
A couple of links regarding the 6.8mm (.338) cartridge.
The US military could replace the M240 and legendary ‘Ma Deuce’ a lot sooner than you think

The next generation - Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG)
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M-2 weighs in at 84lbs vs. 24lbs for LWMMG that packs a similar punch. Amazing.
 
The 1911 and the M2, sort of like wine, they get appreciated as they age. The Norma 338 cal is probably a good compromise for a LWMMG but the M2 isn't going away, probably ever. The SAW/carbine new calibre choice will be the interesting next development.
 
ngatimozart said:
The US Army is testing a 6.8mm round to replace the 5.56mm cartridge. They are trying to lighten the case as well. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
So Long, 5.56: The Army Is Testing A Bigger Bullet For Its SAW And Carbine Replacements

UPDATE
A couple of links regarding the 6.8mm (.338) cartridge.
The US military could replace the M240 and legendary ‘Ma Deuce’ a lot sooner than you think

The next generation - Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG)
Click to expand...


Not to be too pedantic, but a 6.8mm round = .270 cal, not .338, unless I'm missing something.
 
There are two ongoing programs, a possible 6.8 mm SAW and carbine (which you correctly point out is 270 cal) and a Norma 338 cal machine gun. The latter is seen as a 7.62 mm and M2 replacement. As I and others suggest, the M2 will likely be staying around. If the 338 can be made light enough, it could also be a SAW alternative.
 
John Fedup said:
... If the 338 can be made light enough, it could also be a SAW alternative.
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No. That is realistically not possible. Your basic.338 Norma 19.44 gram bullet (sans case & powder) weighs around 60% more than a 11.93 gram 5.56mm M855A1 complete cartridge.
Which is also the reason the .338 Norma LWMMG isn't likely to completely replace any 7.62mm GPMGs. No matter what you do to reduce the .338 Norma's overall cartridge weight it's still not going to get down to a reasonable everyday carry weight.
 
Why .338 Norma instead of the .338 Lapua Magnum that is already in service?

Admittedly only in specialised roles, but it is already in the logistics system.
 
the US Army is expanding its plans to fit APS to its Armor BCTs Originally planed for 3 BCTs, the program is now planned to fit all 9 with APS. Intitial kits should be fitted and deployed by 2019. Still considering plans for the 5 NAtional Guard BCTs

Next up will be systems similar to Iron Curtain APS for Bradley and Styker teams.

Most likely will be the last upgrades for the M1family, after SEP IV, until a new ground combat vehicle Family is procured.

All Armored Brigades To Get Active Protection Systems: Gen. Milley
 
Ranger25 said:
the US Army is expanding its plans to fit APS to its Armor BCTs Originally planed for 3 BCTs, the program is now planned to fit all 9 with APS. Intitial kits should be fitted and deployed by 2019. Still considering plans for the 5 NAtional Guard BCTs

Next up will be systems similar to Iron Curtain APS for Bradley and Styker teams.

Most likely will be the last upgrades for the M1family, after SEP IV, until a new ground combat vehicle Family is procured.

All Armored Brigades To Get Active Protection Systems: Gen. Milley
Click to expand...

1. That article clearly states that only 4 ABCTs are scheduled to receive APS for their M1s.
So far, Milley said, the only APS in the budget are for the four active-duty brigades, which are expected to be among the “first responders” to any crisis abroad. “We don’t yet have a schedule for the Guard, or the rest of the regular Army, but our intent is to outfit the total force, the total Army, with active protective systems in the years ahead,” he pledged.
Click to expand...
Intent is not programmed. Intent is not funded. The US Army's other SIX (6) active ABCTs have no more expectation of receiving APS than the National Guard ABCTs. And, I'll believe the M2/M3 Bradleys will be getting fitted when they actually complete development of their modified system and it's fitted to the first battalion of Bradleys.

2. When US Army generals state "total force" they are specifically emphasising the inclusion of the Army National Guard and Army Reserves in whatever they are discussing.

3. Sydney Freedberg is a complete hack. In my experience of reading his articles, he's barely capable of regurgitating press releases without screwing it up. Any time he attempts to add context to a story, in an attempt to prove he's informed on the subject, he fumbles. The US Army currently has 10 active duty ABCTs. 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID completed conversion last fall. Hell, one of it's tank crews just won the Sullivan Cup. And, this year the IBCT assigned to 4th ID (2nd Bde) was designated to convert to the 11th active ABCT.
 
steve33 said:
The US Army is testing a 6.8mm round to replace the 5.56mm cartridge. They are trying to lighten the case as well. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
So Long, 5.56: The Army Is Testing A Bigger Bullet For Its SAW And Carbine Replacements

New Zealand has purchased the the New Carbines made by Lewis machine tools to replace the Steyr will they be able to be chambered to take the 6.8mm round.?
Click to expand...

If they are currently chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm, then they possibly could be re-chambered to take the new round, but IMO it would be a good bit of work and might just be better to develop or purchase a new weapon designed for the new round. After all not only would the existing weapons need to be re-bored due to the larger round, the new round would require a new action able to handle both higher chamber pressures but also a lighter, non-metallic case.
 
Todjaeger said:
If they are currently chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm, then they possibly could be re-chambered to take the new round, but IMO it would be a good bit of work and might just be better to develop or purchase a new weapon designed for the new round. After all not only would the existing weapons need to be re-bored due to the larger round, the new round would require a new action able to handle both higher chamber pressures but also a lighter, non-metallic case.
Click to expand...

For a country of our size just having purchased all the new Lewis machine tools carbines to replace the Steyr the Army couldn't turn around and say to the government we need new weapons it just wouldn't fly so it looks like our army will be staying with the 5.56mm if the existing weapons can't be re chambered for the 6.8mm round.
 
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