The Army wants the next infantry fighting vehicle to be simply awesome:
The Army is vigorously pursuing a new combat vehicle able to launch attack drones, carry next-generation missiles, fire a 50mm cannon and operate “optionally-manned” technology, according to initial Next-Generation Combat Vehicle requirements outlined by service weapons developers.
The service is surging forward with ambitious plans to engineer a mobile infantry carrier able to deploy quickly, traverse rough terrain, keep pace with maneuvering infantry and yet also operate with sufficient protection necessary to thwart the most advanced enemy attacks.
I half expect the vehicle prototype to have a single horn mounted on the center of the glacis plate.
I hope the Army doesn't make the same mistake of vigorously surging toward a wonder tank the way it did a generation ago (see pages 28-33).
I don't know how we make an IFV safe for internal infantry when even our massive tanks can be knocked out and build enough IFVs to equip our forces.
Yes, the tanks need protection from enemy infantry by having accompanying infantry. But when on the move, dropping the rear slab of the IFVs moving with the tanks so they can dismount the infantry stops the tanks in their tracks.
I think the Army should consider protecting the infantry by taking the infantry out of the IFV when the infantry are just passengers moving to contact.
