The Best That Never Was 2 (Prototypes)

[unkated]

Originally Posted by ArmySGT.

XM800T with conventional Hispano Suiza 20mm and M60D

In the bottom picture of the XM800T (see above), is that an IR Spotlight on the right of the turret?

Uncle Ted

[StainlessSteelCynic]

The XM800 project was developed for the reconnaissance role but from what little info I could find specifically about the XM800T, it also had the ability to designate targets for other vehicles/aircraft so I think it's probably the surveillance/target designator sight.

[unkated]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteelCynic

The XM800 project was developed for the reconnaissance role but from what little info I could find specifically about the XM800T, it also had the ability to designate targets for other vehicles/aircraft so I think it's probably the surveillance/target designator sight.

Hmm I though that was developed in the late 80s; the XM800T was developed in the mid-1970s. Did we have that capability then?

Uncle Ted

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Originally Posted by unkated

Hmm I though that was developed in the late 80s; the XM800T was developed in the mid-1970s. Did we have that capability then?

Uncle Ted

In regards to Precision Guidance, The knowledge itself is quite old, both the Germans and USA were using precision guided weapons in the later years of WW2 and although these were radio-controlled, the technology advanced quite quickly with the US developing an infra-red homing missile for anti-ship use in 1945.
Laser guided weapons were developed in the 1960s with the US making use of them and other PGMs from 1972 (specifically during the Vietnam War).

[ArmySGT.]

Originally Posted by unkated

In the bottom picture of the XM800T (see above), is that an IR Spotlight on the right of the turret?

Uncle Ted

I don't really know... From the appearance I can only guess......

Appears to me to be either a thermal imager or a low light tv system.

[dragoon500ly]

Supposed to have been a low light tv...

[nuke11]

Originally Posted by ArmySGT.

I don't really know... From the appearance I can only guess......

Appears to me to be either a thermal imager or a low light tv system.

That is the day/night sight. It was developed by Delco Electronics Division of General Motors. It has high and low power day channels and high and low power night channels.

[unkated]

I found most of the data from a Blog describing the XM800T's development...

The M-139 was a licensed copy of the French HS.820 20mm autocannon, used in aircraft and AAA. When Oerlikon bought Hispano-Suiza, they replaced their current 20mm design with it. The US used it only for a/c, where it was equipped with 2x 75-rd magazines. (This weapon, while excellent, saw little US use, as we developed the rotary M61 cannon and put that on aircraft.)

Anyway, see the attached...

[Draq]

Xm-734. One of the developmental evolutions of the m113 leading to the Bradley. I find it fascinating.

[Draq]

Also m113s were tested with lav-25 turrets.

[Draq]

And as far as small arms, I have certain marine and special forces units equipped with Robinson m-96 rifles (greatly improved stoner-63s). More reliable, less sensitive, simple 7.62x39 conversion, and all the classic features that made the SEALS fall in love with it.