Tiamat
I've seen the future...
All I can say to that is in this fic Sparky's prized little M113 is gonna get retired quick. WW3 cements the "Gavin" (giggle, snort) as a flaming deathtrap. Bradley's and LAV's RULE! 😁
Alternate History World War III: 1988, aka "The War of '88"
- Thread starter Tiamat
- Start date
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- crossover sci-fi world war 3
All I can say to that is in this fic Sparky's prized little M113 is gonna get retired quick. WW3 cements the "Gavin" (giggle, snort) as a flaming deathtrap. Bradley's and LAV's RULE! 😁
Aaron Fox
Well-known member
Given that the US's modern replacement for the M113 is simply a modular, lengthened, Bradley chassis I wouldn't be surprised. The only real reason that the US still uses the M113 chassis is that chassis went places. Despite the flammability of the hull in the original configuration, it was also capable enough to be all the logistical bits that the US military needed it to be. Ambulance? Check. Command vehicle? Check. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised that they would have used it as an artillery hauler for towed artillery guns if they had half the chance... unless my google'fu missed that variant...
Tiamat
I've seen the future...
Well, there are the Mortar Carrier variants, if that counts...
Aaron Fox
Well-known member
Well, I was thinking the vehicle that hauls around 105 and 155mm howitzers all day... like the Maltier artillery tractor.
I know that I drove a 113 Command track in South Korea from 1999-2001.
Tiamat
I've seen the future...
Would you mind sharing your experience driving the Ga—-er, M113 in Korea?
It was surprisingly reliable despite it's age. Only down time on it was for regular maintenance and cleaning it after an unfortunate collission with a rice paddy.
It was also my only experience with break controls for steering.
Important Safety Note: Pull some track pads before driving on icy mountain roads. Doing 360's while sliding down a road with sheer drop offs is great way to increase your pucker factor!
Tiamat
I've seen the future...
I’ve heard they’re not exactly fun to be in during the summer or winter however.. Then again, that could be said for any armored vehicle that doesn’t come with a cooling or heating system, or did the Command version come with that?
Aaron Fox
Well-known member
Wow, those things are like the energizer bunny then? Give them regular maintenance and they'll keep going, and going, and going, and going?
No AC in mine, but we did have a vent system to bring in the engine heat for cold weather. In the Summer we just drive open hatch for fresh air.
Seemed like!
Aaron Fox
Well-known member
Good to know, given that I only heard HATE about it...
I will certainly give the thumbs down for comfort.
The issue for me is that it was the only track I drove so I have nothing to really compare it to.
I also never had to be inside it with more than 3 people.
The M113 is excellent... within its niche. And it's niche is not charging at the front line of an attack. The M113 is a support track, and it excels at that.
I will note that the Army is *not* completely replacing the M113 even now, they're instead rebuilding almost half of the inventory for another 20 or so years of service. The Bradley derived track is for front line use, while the M113s will remain for rear area work where they absolutely excel.
Sparky just seems to think that simply because the M113 perfectly fits the M113 shaped hole, that is also fits every other hole out there. Sparky is a moron.
I will note that the Army is *not* completely replacing the M113 even now, they're instead rebuilding almost half of the inventory for another 20 or so years of service. The Bradley derived track is for front line use, while the M113s will remain for rear area work where they absolutely excel.
Sparky just seems to think that simply because the M113 perfectly fits the M113 shaped hole, that is also fits every other hole out there. Sparky is a moron.
Tiamat
I've seen the future...
In summary, Sparky should be more like Bill.
Bill isn't an expert, but knows that one size does not fit all.
Bill knows that while some truths in regards to warfare are eternal, technology in most regards does indeed march on.
Bill also knows that that the M113, while a very useful vehicle in the support role, is nowhere near as effective in the frontline role.
Bill especially knows the M113 was never called the Gavin.
Bill is smart.
BE LIKE BILL. 😝
Bill isn't an expert, but knows that one size does not fit all.
Bill knows that while some truths in regards to warfare are eternal, technology in most regards does indeed march on.
Bill also knows that that the M113, while a very useful vehicle in the support role, is nowhere near as effective in the frontline role.
Bill especially knows the M113 was never called the Gavin.
Bill is smart.
BE LIKE BILL. 😝
Well, 2 things.
1) The M113 was never called the Gavin.
2) It actually wouldn't have been a bad name for it if Sparky hadn't poisoned the well. Many of the parameters for the M113 were set out of a desire to make it as close to airmobile as possible.
I will also note that the AIFV variants of the M113 chassis have proven themselves very capable indeed. The problem for the M113 in the frontline role ironically isn't its limited protection, NO IFV or APC (apart from perhaps the Israeli Namor) has sufficient protection for that to justify a front line role. It is the lack of firepower (let's face it, Ma Deuce is awesome, but 1 M2 on a track isn't gonna cut it).
1) The M113 was never called the Gavin.
2) It actually wouldn't have been a bad name for it if Sparky hadn't poisoned the well. Many of the parameters for the M113 were set out of a desire to make it as close to airmobile as possible.
I will also note that the AIFV variants of the M113 chassis have proven themselves very capable indeed. The problem for the M113 in the frontline role ironically isn't its limited protection, NO IFV or APC (apart from perhaps the Israeli Namor) has sufficient protection for that to justify a front line role. It is the lack of firepower (let's face it, Ma Deuce is awesome, but 1 M2 on a track isn't gonna cut it).
Tiamat
I've seen the future...
Fun Fact: AAI's RDF/LT (Rapid Deployment Force/Light Tank) vehicle utilizes the base chassis of the M113, but changes the engine, suspension and drive train along with the profile into....this:
Fun Fact: AAI's RDF/LT (Rapid Deployment Force/Light Tank) vehicle utilizes the base chassis of the M113, but changes the engine, suspension and drive train along with the profile into....this:
So...not a 113 at all then!
Tiamat
I've seen the future...
So, I have a favor to ask of you all....would anyone know someone who might be willing or interested in doing vehicle and weapon illustrations for this? I have some ideas, especially in regards to the fictional vehicles mentioned thus far in this story that I want to get down as pictures or illustrations with unit markings, kind of like the ones found in the Osprey Publishing books, or the vehicle handbooks from the Twilight 2000 RPG, but I'm a terrible artist. 🙁 Feel free to PM me if you wish.
Aaron Fox
Well-known member
I'm sorry but my attempts at drawing are... very lackluster...