Vehicle updates

[ChalkLine]

Do they give the STANAG 4569 protection levels?

[mmartin798]

The armor class would greatly depend on the b-kit available. This paper outlining the plan through 2025 and beyond speaks in somewhat generic terms, but the implication is that a-cab is some mass producible base armor and mission specific b-kits of the best available at the time are added in the field.

https://www.globalsecurity.org/milit...v-strategy.htm

[Desert Mariner]

Originally Posted by ChalkLine

Do they give the STANAG 4569 protection levels?

Not specifically. Again, I think this is due to it being a current, customizable system.

For the Plasan composite, they say it "provide lightweight, cost effective protection against all levels of ballistic threats, up to STANAG levels 5 and 6, as well as against fragmentation and spalls." More than likely, this composite includes Plasan's SMART (Super Multi-hit Armor Technology) armor is a ceramic, metal, with or without a third layer of fabric composite. The confined ceramic matrix segments are sized and shaped to offer optimum ballistic performance. This unique confined structure allows freedom for the armor designer to protect complex flat or curved shapes, offering optimal ballistic protection.

For the LMTVs, it refers back to LTAS compliance where the A-kit (aka A-cab) seems to provide at least STANAG 1 and the B-kits have varying levels of protection but I haven't found any details.

[Gelrir]

At least as of 2010 the actual armor performance was classified; this report ...

https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a518022.pdf

... does mention in one un-redacted drawing some 0.25" thick armor, backed with about an inch of spall liner. The armor is welded; I assume it's steel (rather than aluminum) ... though one un-chosen option was far too expensive and not available in sufficient quantities -- titanium perhaps? This is all for a "replacement" cab, rather than the bolt-on "additional/applique" armor packages.

Anyhow, 0.635 cm of steel is at least 8 points of armor (by TM 1-1 Third Edition). The spall liner doesn't do much to directly stop projectile penetration, but instead keeps chunks of broken armor from injuring the crew and damaging the vehicle.

An interesting conundrum: even the U.S. Defense Department had trouble making these armor kits fast enough during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Imagine the Army's problems if the Morrow Project is buying all the armor kits!

--
Michael B.

[Desert Mariner]

Originally Posted by Gelrir

Imagine the Army's problems if the Morrow Project is buying all the armor kits!

...or maybe MI is the parent of the manufacturer and is pulling a one for you, two for me.....

Thanks for the input Michael. Guess I'll finish getting the other stats and descriptions put together and then come back and attempt to put a reasonable armor rating together. If anyone has any further input on armor, please don't hesitate.

My main desire for using these vehicles is the ~80% parts commonality in a mix of 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles covering everything from troop/cargo movement to C&C, wreckers, line-haul, tankers, mobile shops, recon/assault and even MLRS; some of which feature enhanced armor (MRAP) systems.

Dave

[Gelrir]

As of February of 2018 the actual materials and thicknesses, etc. of the Protection Kits are still classified as Secret.

--
Michael

[cosmicfish]

Originally Posted by Gelrir

As of February of 2018 the actual materials and thicknesses, etc. of the Protection Kits are still classified as Secret.

--
Michael

Which opens the door for the Project to order (or run off) a version designed to their own specifications, heavier, lighter, or unofficially the same. Pick a number that seems reasonable and go with it.

[Gelrir]

Eastern Surplus (www.easternsurplus.net) sells various LMTV/FMTV models as surplus. There's a side-opening trailer available; as long as the info is around, here goes a conversion to metric.

https://www.easternsurplus.net/Vehic...p-Side-Trailer

M1082 Drop Side Trailer, 2-1/2 Ton

• Fitted with super single tires (35 R 20) and central tire inflation system, anti-lock brakes, parking brake tail lights, etc. . Bows and a nylon top are provided to cover the cargo.
• Interior bed dimensions: 3.78 m long x 2.3 m wide. Deck height, when unloaded 1.5 m. The side walls of the bed are 0.5 m tall.
• Overall trailer dimensions: 5.32 m long x 2.4 m wide x 2 m tall (with sides folded up)
• Curb weight empty: 2.96 tons
• Gross vehicle weight: 5.23 tons (as with most military trucks, this is the off-road allowed weight)

And yes, if the Project can out-order and out-spend the U.S. government, there's no reason for them to stick with a "stock USGI" design.

--
Michael B.