The Best That Never Was 2 (Prototypes)

[Targan]

An entirely unsurprising outcome.

[Raellus]

I think the Booker cancelation was wise. Although not mentioned, survivability in a world where even Third World insurgents have ready access to militarized drones would have been a major issue with any light tank platform. It kinda seems like AFV's in general are not long for this new world.

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[kato13]

"I just want to say one word to you. Just one word: Lasers."

I think there is going to be an ebb and flow on this where for a decade AFVs are really vulnerable to AI drones, but Lasers will even the field in a bit. I expect Israel to lead the way on making this affordable.

[Vespers War]

One of the concerns I have with laser weapons is the energy storage needed to support their operation is going to be bulky enough that your anti-drone laser vehicle is likely to be something on the scale of a Stryker that can't carry other weapons or mounted infantry. I expect a lot of countries to focus on advanced autocannon ammunition instead. Either proximity fuses or the timed fuses that are set as the round is being fired based on that round's muzzle velocity and the range to target would be effective against drones when used with 30-40mm rounds. This would give existing IFVs at least some anti-drone capability and let them still function as IFVs, which would give most Western infantry platoons 3-4 anti-drone cannon across their mounts. Each one may not be as effective, but that's mitigated by the increased base of fire plus you avoid the single point of failure issue, spend a lot less on R&D (albeit by spending more on ammo), simplify logistics by having fewer variants, and have anti-drone vehicles that are organic to the unit and can do other things too.

[Raellus]

I have doubts that any APS system is going to be able to neutralize the AI-powered drone swarms that are on the horizon...

Can EMP be directed/channeled In other words, could it be used to counter drones without doing damage to the platform or allied AFV components

This is an interesting topic, but we're kind of drifting away from the OP. Perhaps we move it to the drones thread

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[ToughOmbres]

The Booker Cancellation

I think the Booker cancelation was wise. Although not mentioned, survivability in a world where even Third World insurgents have ready access to militarized drones would have been a major issue with any light tank platform. It kinda seems like AFV's in general are not long for this new world.

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It was probably inevitable given current budget climate and mission constraints. The Booker was an odd duck, not truly light at 40 tons and the U.S. Army hasn't done much with tank-like "Tank Destroyers" in many years (The M901 ITV notwithstanding.)

The Stryker, Abrams and Bradley (now long past the legacy vehicles phase)-carry on.

On the plus side wonder if many posts will get them as museum pieces and/or Gate Guardians