LAV-75; Stingray; M8 AGS

[Raellus]

I've read that the M1128 MGS carries 18 rounds of ammo for its 105mm gun. That really doesn't seem like a whole lot. I'm pretty sure on that episode of Lock 'n Load that I mentioned, they said 8 rounds in a magazine between the commander and gunner but I may have misheard. I'm sure all concerned would prefer to carry more rather than less ammo and would do what they could to make this happen.

[Legbreaker]

Consider that it usually only takes one hit from a large cal cannon to destroy the target. Consider also that 20 shots is likely to last a long time on the modern battlefield since it first shot hits are now the norm.
Just a few decades ago, the "bracketing" method developed by the British in WWII was really the only way to go - you fired long, you fired short, then once you'd assessed the range correctly, fired your kill shot (hopefully).
Ranging machineguns first introduced in the Centurion (I think) made the job a bit quicker and easier, followed by coincidence rangefinders, etc, etc....

[ChalkLine]

Still, 18 shots is not a lot on a wheeled gun system that is intended to move fast and cover a lot of ground. If it was a tracked infantry support weapon I could see it being useful as they tend to be placed on haulers for road marches.

Of course, who in T2K has ever fired off 18 main gun rounds?

[Legbreaker]

For that matter, who in T2K has ever fired off 18 single rifle shots in the one engagement?
Not many is my guess...

[Raellus]

True, fellows, but consider the matter of resupply. 18 rounds in one engagement is indeed a veritable cornucopia of heavy-duty firepower. 18 rounds stretched over 3-4 engagements, though... not so much.

When operating far out in front of logistical trail, cut off by an enemy envelopment, or, say, after the TDM takes multiple links out of the supply chain, 18 rounds is going to go pretty fast. I bet the vehicle crews and the unit commanders are going to be wishing for more ammo carrying capacity in their light tanks/AGSs.

[ChalkLine]

Originally Posted by Raellus

True, fellows, but consider the matter of resupply. 18 rounds in one engagement is indeed a veritable cornucopia of heavy-duty firepower. 18 rounds stretched over 3-4 engagements, though... not so much.

When operating far out in front of logistical trail, cut off by an enemy envelopment, or, say, after the TDM takes multiple links out of the supply chain, 18 rounds is going to go pretty fast. I bet the vehicle crews and the unit commanders are going to be wishing for more ammo carrying capacity in their light tanks/AGSs.

No worries mate, we'll store the extra ammo on the outside of the hull

[Legbreaker]

Originally Posted by Raellus

I bet the vehicle crews and the unit commanders are going to be wishing for more ammo carrying capacity in their light tanks/AGSs.

Very true. Shame the majority of vehicles are designed in peace time with the assumption that there actually will be a supply chain...

:S