I recently read some info on plans for an ASLAV MLU.
The list of options included -
Automotive upgrades, to reverse the degadation caused by increased weight (added protection) and hard use.
Upgraded armour
An integrated defensive suite including ESM and hard kill components.
Increased boyancy to return the river and lake crossing amphib capability lost with the weight increases.
A fully intergrated vehicle monitoring and control system.
and
The possibility of manufacturing replacement hulls to a new design.
All of this would provide the most advanced and capable CFV in the world but with only an estemated 5 to seven years service life before replacement with the selected LAND 400 solution.
Why?
Would it not be smarter, less risky and more economical to put the ASLAV fleet though a more limited reset program so they will be able to last their original planned service life while also acquiring a small number of new build Advanced ASLAV's for our front line commitments until the availablity of the LAND 400 CAV solution?
If we are talking new power train, new hull, new armour, an intergrated defensive suite and a completely intergrated vehicle control system, with only the turret and main armament being retained; isn't this basically a new vehicle anyway? Why not just replace the current fleet early with new build vehicles of this enhanced design? |