The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of Us Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
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Dirty Little Secrets
Stryker Upgrades
by James Dunnigan
April 19, 2005
Discussion Board on this DLS topic
The Stryker wheeled armored vehicles in Iraq have suffered 58 RPG attacks so
far, but only two of them resulted in a fatality, or the destruction of the
vehicle. While generally liked by their users, there have been some complaints.
As a result of this, the Stryker vehicles are going to receive a number of
upgrades, based on feedback from the troops. These changes include some
additional light armor protection (from fragments) for troops who have to stand
up in hatches. The RWS (Remote Weapons Station, the remotely controlled .50
caliber machine-gun) will get a better video display (higher resolution, color),
as well as autofocus, and a built in laser range finder. Separately, the RWS
will later be upgraded to enable it to fire on the move. For tire problems,
vehicles will be fitted with a tire pressure inflation system. Such systems have
been around since the 1960s, but they are costly. Automatic fire extinguishers
will also be installed near the tires, to take care of tire fires. There will
also be new, more efficient, seat belts as well. These changes will arrive with
the new Strykers delivered to the fifth and sixth Stryker brigades (being
organized now). Older Stryker vehicles will be upgraded when they receive
overhauls.
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