Depending how it changes in BR, it may not be that useless. If it’s only moved to like 10.3, it’s still relevant and can stop early missiles and increases survivability in-general. We all have our lucky moments where ARAT-I absorbs some interesting missile hits for example and BRAT-I covers the entire front and side arcs of the vehicle practically.
In Karkas’s case, it may help stop TOW-2A/Spike-LR detonations on certain angles and definitely help stop earlier missiles. If it doesn’t receive 3UBR11 APFSDS-T rounds, it’s definitely not going above 9.3-9.7 and is still relevant since it can get down-tiered.
Seems like Karkas ERA (4S24) is going to be more commonplace since the obr. 2023 variant has the lugs. Also, I did not know that those were mounting lugs for it, I appreciate it 🤙
(ngl its mostly a guess, since every example of a BMP-3 with karkas both in service and for demonstration/testing has had no smokes or rear turret mounted ones)
My real guess is that the lugs are for this (shocker ik)
Makes sense to me 🤷♂️ I appreciate the insight. I haven’t really looked into the BMP-3 and it’s Karkas ERA kit before since I’ve never seen it beyond prototype usage but since it’s becoming a little more mainstream it’s interesting to see these changes.
M551A1 TTS Sheridan would be nice. The U.S. Army’s last air-droppable light tank until the M10 Booker came along. While the Army had the M1128 MGS, the Sheridan was the last official light tank until recently. The thermals and LRF would help the vehicle actually perform ranged attacks with its HEAT rounds. Last served in the Gulf War.
Thanks 👍 that’s what I thought it was but I’m not familiar with Karkas and Kaktus.
Also, do you happen to have those sources that discuss the 2A72 and 3UBR11 APFSDS-T? I can’t remember if it fires it or not. I remember there was something in regards to its recoil system but I had heard something different as well. Been a while since we last discussed it.
Edit: Found I think what was discussed before, due to the low weight of the round and the long-barrel recoil mechanism of the 2A72, it could have feeding problems but not necessarily unable to use.
A pretty rare Indian SPH prototype
APC-70-105 SPH
Based on APC-70 (reverse-engineered from captured M113) with a turret mounting the L13A1 105 mm gun (derived from FV433 Abbot)
Finland’s upgraded BMP-2MD, a serious modernization that would bring a nasty autocannon vehicle with enhanced thermal sights for the Gunner and Driver, and LRF to the tree. Several modifications were completed on the vehicle along with it later receiving new Slovakian 30mm guns. The question of where it should go depends on if it gets working Berberys-R Thermal Netting and the type of ammunition it gets. If it were to get standard 3UBR8 APDS, maybe like BR 8.0-8.3. If it gets like MECAR M929 APFSDS-T rounds for say, BR 9.0-9.3.
Note: The MECAR round suggested above would be a placeholder since Finland doesn’t use it. I selected it since it’s a western designed round for the 2A42. Ammunition is a balancing factor in the game…for better or for worse…
A well-equipped vehicle, the BOV 8x8 is Patria AMV XP 8x8 that houses a Slovakian-designed TURRA 30 turret. This turret has a modified, high-quality 2A42 autocannon built locally by Slovakia, dubbed the GTS-30/N, that is chambered in 30x173mm NATO standard. This give the BOV 8x8 full access to all 30x173mm NATO rounds (including APFSDS-T rounds) while retaining the 2A42’s high rate of fire to devastating effect. Not to mention, it also has 2x ready-to-fire Spike-LR missiles and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. The vehicle features the latest battlefield C2I and has an efficient fire control system with the latest thermals and eye-safe LRF. With its capabilities, it easily sits at BR 10.3-10.7.
Opinion: Honestly a completely solid design from Slovakia. Slovakia has always had an in depth defense industry but lacks funding to purchase its unique/high-quality developments like the famous T-72M2 Moderna, the T-72M1A, 155mm SpGH Zuzana, STROP II, etc. Seeing this be added to the ranks of the Slovakian military is a huge win as it adds a much needed firepower and carrying capability. Very effective (and good looking) vehicle.
