The Best That Never Was 2 (Prototypes)

[pmulcahy11b]

Originally Posted by swaghauler

I think I found this launcher's origin. It is a "real" launcher but NOT a complete one. The reason there's no CLU (the black box which energizes the missiles) or any cable running from one (like the cable running down the side of the second launcher shown in the field with the two soldiers) is because one is not normally attached to this launch rail. The rail shown made an appearance on the US Navy's Cyclone Class Patrol Ships and the rail launcher is a "plug and play" assembly that connects to the ship's command and control systems (and therefore needs no external power/launch system). I'm guessing the pickup is a delivery vehicle taking it to a ship or test site.

The Swedes use a ground-mount Hellfire launcher as a shore defense weapon.

[The Dark]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

The Swedes use a ground-mount Hellfire launcher as a shore defense weapon.

The Swedish launcher looks different. It has a tripod, a U-shaped swivel mount, and a crossbeam at the top that the Hellfire is suspended from. The launcher on the back of the truck doesn't have anything to the outside of the missile, where the Swedish launcher would.

[swaghauler]

Originally Posted by The Dark

The Swedish launcher looks different. It has a tripod, a U-shaped swivel mount, and a crossbeam at the top that the Hellfire is suspended from. The launcher on the back of the truck doesn't have anything to the outside of the missile, where the Swedish launcher would.

I question whether the rig I saw on the USS Firebolt(?) is anything more than a testing rig. While it is clearly shown mounted amidships with the missiles slung on it, I cannot imagine such a rig going to sea with the missiles hanging exposed to the weather. Even the Griffin Missile Launchers and Stinger Missiles USS Firebolt carries are mounted in enclosed boxes resembling the boxes that Penguin Missiles come it (but smaller, of course).

[ArmySGT.]

Pop goes the Wiesel 2 with a 30mm remote turret.

[shrike6]

I always find Hellfire concept vehicles interesting but then again that goes back to the old M2A3 Bradley Hellfire and the like in the Twilight Vehicle Guides.

http://heartlandmuseum.com/album/alb..._photos_7.html

[StainlessSteelCynic]

I know this is not a "Best that never was" vehicle but speaking of SPAA vehicles based on the M113, I always liked the Italian SIDAM 25.

However to stay on topic and also with the theme of SPAA, there's always the ZSU-37-2 nicknamed "Yenisei".
Developed at the same time as the ZSU-23-4 but determined to be better suited for defence of tank units and SPAAM units but never entered service despite being considered acceptable (and also desirable) for service.



Some good images on the following page although the text appears to be a bad machine translation: -
http://survincity.com/2010/12/zsu-37...he-shilka-one/

And there's this discussion on wiki that reveals more details about the design/development and failure to enter service: -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:ZSU-37

[cawest]

I was watching the Expendables 3. the armored train was kind of cool. that might be something to add.

[swaghauler]

Originally Posted by ArmySGT.

Pop goes the Wiesel 2 with a 30mm remote turret.
Attachment 4032

I like that for a Recon Vehicle.