A quick thought on the Scout Helicopter Program.

 Just a quick thought on the US Army's Scout Helicopter Competition.

EADS and Sikorsky have practically driven Boeing and Bell out of contention.

Why do I say that?

Because both helicopters offer something that neither OH-58II or the AH-6 can offer.

Utility.

The Sikorsky offers technological innovation and drastic improvements in speed and performance.

The EADS offering gives you a proven, affordable platform that you already have a supply chain established for and the potential for a low price.

The ball is in the Army's court but it would appear from this outsiders view that they can whittle this comp down to two helos before the contest even begins.

EFV to live?

A little birdy has informed me that the US Marine Corps has been offered a simplified version of the EFV by General Dynamics.

It will have a simplified suspension and utilize water jets in place of the complex drive used to propel it through the water.

The best bits are to be retained...meaning everything else but that water drive system.  Estimated costs are yet to be determined but this is supposedly the reason for a couple of happenings...first the program offices of three different programs being combined and second the seeming feet dragging that we're seeing with the AAV upgrade and the ACV programs.

Interesting.

You can bet that a note is going to be fired off to the program office this morning to try and get some confirmation on any of this stuff!

But I told ya...when I hear it, you will too!

NOTE:
I posted this story then quickly took it down last night.  The reason.  I thought it would be better to give the Program Office a chance to respond.  They didn't so now its up.  Also note that I'm also reaching out to General Dynamics to see if they're willing to verify this story.  Every manufacturer is keeping their cards close to the vest.  I understand it, but it still annoys.  Whats even more annoying is when the government starts playing those reindeer games.

S-97 Raider Brochure.

RAIDER Brochure

S-97 Raider. Wow!

Have you kept up with the Sikorsky S-97?

Did you know they have a website?  Check it out here.

Did you notice that this recon/attack helo is also shown carrying 6 troops?

If the USAF was smart they'd be jumping on this bandwagon for not only the Special Ops mission set but also the mission of patrolling our nuke missile sites.

A true multi-role helicopter that's not as big as a bus, can perform the attack mission and can also carry an assault section.

I'm in love.

An entire division of Infantry and Tanks is coming your way. What would you do?

Yeah.


A division of Infantry and Tanks heading your way.


You have about a company (-) of troops you're leading.


Do you bug out?


No one.  I repeat NO ONE would talk shit if you did.  This is a classic no win situation.  A Kobayashi Mauru...on steroids.


But Colonel Ripley had family jewels the size of wrecking balls and he didn't run.


He held his ground and won the day.

MARINES WIN BATTLES.

Colonel Ripley won his.  Read about it here.

Armed Aerial Scout 72X+

EADS North America unveiled its Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ (AAS-72X+) April 2, 2012 at the annual Army Aviation Association of America convention. The AAS-72X+ will offer the Army greater power, range, endurance and payload capacity when operating in 6,000 foot altitude and 95 degree environments, commonly known as “6K/95 high/hot” conditions. EADS North America image

Royal Marines Practicing Cliff Climbing Techniques

A Royal Marine of Zulu Company, 45 Commando is pictured practicing cliff climbing techniques during a training exercise.

The Royal Marines' 3 Commando Brigade is the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry on permanent readiness to deploy across the globe, and is a core component of the UK's Joint Rapid Reaction Force. Together the Royal Navy's amphibious ships and the Brigade represent a highly mobile, self-sustained and versatile organisation, with a strategic power projection capability that is unique among the British armed services. The Royal Marines are the cold weather experts of the Services.
Photographer: LA(PHOT) Andy Laidlaw

Looks like Bridgeport.

How will the Army be relevant in the Pacific?

That's the question of the day.

How will the US Army be relevant when everyone's attention is turning to the Pacific?

The answer is found in history and in Japanese planning.

Its to occupy islands in the area with Air Defense Artillery and Infantry Brigades.

As things currently stand the Stryker Brigades will be relegated to what they have always been...irrelevance.  Sidenote:  You don't form units around vehicles...its been a mistake that the Army's been making since reinventing its Infantry Squads to fit the Bradley.  The US Army will have to re-embrace the Light Infantry concept and get boots back on the ground.  It will take an institutional change in mindset but its doable.  Brigade sized units scattered around the Pacific on select islands would be an automatic force multiplier.  Toss in some robust Air Defense Artillery and you have road blocks and containment units to help cage the Chinese Dragon.


Best of all this matches not only US planning but also that of our Japanese and Australian allies.  I would bet body parts that I highly value that Singapore would be happy with any training opportunities..as would the Philippines and even Vietnam.

Quick and easy the US Army is in the game in the Pacific...has a role in combating N. Korean nukes (if it deploys the appropriate gear for anti-missile defense) and has the chips in the game to help it survive those dastardly budget wars.

Marine Aviation doing what it does best. Supporting the Marine on the ground.

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Kyle Harrison, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and a San Diego native, keeps an eye on the terrain over southwest Afghanistan March 28. Two VMM-365 crews dropped off approximately 40 Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, as well as several Afghan National Army soldiers, in Helmand province to support combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 5:54 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Andrew Lopez, a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and a Port Jervis, N.Y., native, prepares to disembark an MV-22B Osprey in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28. The 2/6 Marines, sailors and Afghan National Army soldiers flew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 in support of combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 6:02 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Vaneerd, a Three Lakes, Wis., native and hospital corpsman with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, gives military working dog, "Bone," an ear rub before taking off in an MV-22B Osprey, March 28. Approximately 40 Marines, sailors and Afghan National Army soldiers flew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 to a patrol site in Helmand province, Afghanistan., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 6:08 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 cut through the sky over Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 28. The Osprey crews flew approximately 40 Marines and sailors with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, as well as several Afghan National Army soldiers, to a patrol point in support of combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 6:53 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Sgt. Kyle Harrison, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and a San Diego native, stands guard as Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, disembark an MV-22B Osprey in southwest Afghanistan March 28. Two Osprey crews flew approximately 40 Marines and sailors with 2/6, as well as several Afghan National Army soldiers, in support of combat operations., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 8:43 AM

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Military working dog, "Bone," leads the way as Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, disembark an MV-22B Osprey in southwest Afghanistan March 28. Sgt. Kyle Harrison, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and a San Diego native, keeps a watchful eye on the horizon while the 2/6 Marines spread out in the unstable region., Cpl. Lisa M. Tourtelot, 3/28/2012 8:43 AM

Tavor to be sold in the US? I'm buying one!

The Firearms Blog is reporting that this weapon is coming to the US.

Awesome.

I THOUGHT I was done buying guns...but if the Tavor is coming to America then I have to make room for it and its little brother!