Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: BAE XM1302 MPF, Part 1

The alternate proposal for the MPF program was the BAE XM1302. Again, I walk around the vehicle with the MPF product manager LTC George, and pepper him with unexpected questions in order to shed a little more light on this platform as well. Vehicle filmed at Warren, MI, courtesy of PEO GCS. Given it isn't a US Service vehicle, I was allowed bring my camera inside, so watch part 2 for the important bits...
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[@nomar5spaulding]

I'm only 4 minutes into this, and I'm already enjoying Lt. Col. George's ability to basically say, "I'm going to answer that question with words that don't mean very much." He is quite excellent. I genuinely enjoy it.

[@pickititllneverheal9016]

He's got a future in politics.

[@AsbestosMuffins]

that or chieftan points out some common part and he answers with a non-committal

[@TheGaymo]

He strongly reminds me of a briefing I saw a Col. Lucas give in a late 1970's documentary of the Vietnam war.

[@hoilst265]

"Don't say anything classified...don't say anything classified...don't say anything classified..."

[@grahamfloyd3451]

@@hoilst265 its less that and more say "Don't say anything BAE will sue the government for..."

[@theapostatejack8648]

I have to agree. I can't help but feel that the M8 lineage has been underappreciated.

[@shatbad2960]

Never forget your M8's....

[@nekophht]

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride...

[@paemt6220]

I was at United Defense in 2003 when they pulled the M8 out of storage and updated it to the Thunderbolt. They did it in very little time(7 months) and it performed very well compared to the MGS.

[@Xzibit9]

thank politics and corruption

[@paulsteaven]

The Thai Army appreciates it tho

[@ironteacup2569]

happy to see a LTC with knowlage that most officers wont ever bother to know

[@Blueboy0316]

Moran is a LTC?

[@armorist_8712]

@@Blueboy0316 Boy, what the hell boy, did you watch the video?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

We both are.

[@Blueboy0316]

@TheChieftainsHatch understood sir. I did not realize you were still in, Guard?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

@@Blueboy0316 Yep

[@junsengjs]

The powerpack being able to be rolled out on the rear hatch for maintenance and repair is a pretty good idea to bring back.

[@berryreading4809]

With only the use of an impact wrench! No extra vehicles or triangle of death rear winch rigging required! (Atleast until the extension/retraction system inevitably gets jammed up by someone or something never possibly imaginable... Soldiers always find a way! 🫡)🤣👍

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

yea this needs to be standardized!

[@lwilton]

@@berryreading4809 Or the vehicle is parked nose up or nose down about 30 degrees.

[@junsengjs]

@@berryreading4809 The hoses/cables connecting the hull to the powerpack being easily accessable at the rear is a great thing as well, easy to check the connectors for leaks and choked hoses. I can foresee the rails and parts of the extension/retraction of the powerpack being religiously lubricated and cleaned by maintenance boys to prevent it from getting stuck.

[@berryreading4809]

@@junsengjs I'm sure it's a robust well engineered system... But did they account for the soldiers leaving wrenches and breaker bars in absurd places then trying to force it shut with whatever type of drive system the impact wrench is to be attached to? "Oh looks like it's got a pressure override! That's why it's not going in all the way! 🤔 I know let's find a way to bypass that, then use a larger impact wrench! 💡🫡" Engineers are never as inventive as misguided soldiers 🤣 Although I do agree this system is pretty awesome and inspiring, especially if it's relatively easy to quickly disconnect the final drives... If that's the case I'm sure they'd be pulled for typical visual inspections and basic maintenance that could be done without removal... No really lanky skinny mechanic or flexible inspection camera fishing required 😉👍

[@FB-qp8eo]

I love the slight hesitation in Ltc George's answers, because it means he is not just listing off a prepared speech, but is making sure he is correct and discreet in his answers. Very professional from both stars of the show.

[@Rob_F8F]

In many previous guided tours, it was an NCO who did the guiding, so there were a lot of "Sirs" preceding and ending sentences addressed to the Chieftain. As both men are LTCs, the lack of "Sirs" in LTC George's speech is noticeable.

[@A.J.K87]

He even called him Nick at the end there.

[@piritskenyer]

It also occurs to me that these two men have the same eyeline near enough, so that's also a tall man right there.

[@phil20_20]

I think it was a nice, sensitive touch by the Army liaison office. 😂

[@DB-yj3qc]

I thought Chieftain was promoted to full bird ... COL.

[@bower31]

Also just the norm for officers in general, the formalities are a bit lax in the O club

[@obsidianjane4413]

The M8 just can never catch a break...

[@shanekhiu9884]

I'll be back in a decade 😅

[@seasons1745]

He’s inevitable

[@philchristmas4071]

I love it when the demonstrator can actually answer the Chieftains questions. You should atleast have the respect to learn the machine before the Chieftain shows up. This guy was well prepared.

[@sir_vix]

LTC George has a voice made for a career in sports commentary.

[@pickititllneverheal9016]

He's good at those short political style none answers. Lol

[@mattschade1745]

I think this thing will be another YF-23 situation, where a lot people like the machine that lost the competition more than the one that won it.

[@goddepersonno3782]

LTC George has a similar attitude to the ATF guy who was project manager there, which is not about producing a single good prototype that everyone likes, but making sure that no matter what option the pentagon chooses the end user will be happy with it which sounds like a "no brainer" but sometimes the situation can end up that way with poor requirements and undulating project management

[@janwitts2688]

I'm glad this footage is being recorded for posterity... things change quickly

[@Twirlyhead]

Good to see that real tanks are catching up with scaled plastic kits with those rubber band tracks.

[@Soulessdeeds]

I was a Bradley mechanic for 15 yrs. And god only knows how many times I have pulled packs from Abrams M113's to of course Bradley's and yes M88's. And honestly the Bradley and the M88 were my favorite when it came to pulling packs and putting them back in. Just felt allot easier on the whole compared to say the Abrams. The Abrams could be a royal pain in the ass if the tank wasn't on flat ground. When your in the field you do what you gotta do with what you got. But with the Bradley and M88's I rarely had issues with these (except the Bradley's exhaust clamp aka the B*tch clamp lol). And with these new tanks having the power packs slide out like that. If I was still in the Army I would be absolutely cheering. The back armor/engine bay door serves 2 roles. Protection and powerpack stand. Honestly a well thought out design. I hope this kind of thinking is pushed forward with future tank designs. Anything that makes vehicle maintenance easier makes units as a whole far stronger and able to meet challenges on the battlefield.

[@MrJoeGarner]

I hear ya bud, I was an Artillery systems Mechanic for 9.5 years, everything came out the top of vehicele. M577, M110, M109, M88 done them all.

[@MrCantStopTheRobot]

I don't think it will be a trend going forward... I love to spend a day in an antiques warehouse or museum, examine the little ergonomic or convenience factors of everything, from consumer appliances to cars, to armored vehicles. From the 1950's to 2020's, the clever & handy features come and go completely at random. Same with build quality... there was a LOT of trash churned out in the 50's, and we only say "they don't make 'em like they used to" because the cheap stuff obviously didn't survive outside of perservations.

[@junsengjs]

@@MrCantStopTheRobot It really depends. Not needing a crane to conduct major maintenance or repair that needs the powerpack out is a pretty big bonus on the maintenance side of business. Not only would it cut down turnover time it'll also allow for more field repair possibilities.

[@matthiuskoenig3378]

There was a similar 'no cranes needed' system for the m18 hellcat, such a useful and praised feature has already come and gone.

[@markfryer9880]

I was just thinking about if the engine pack could be slid in and out while still connected to the various couplings but then I shot myself down thinking about the exhaust system, the coolant system, the hydraulic system, none of which would work any better with longer contorted hoses or piping. Back to the drawing board.

[@glenndean6]

Note that those bolts are not ERA mounts (no ERA tiles or kits for this vehicle). They are actually holding the armor to the base structure. Looking forward to Pt 2 and your conclusions!

[@andrewsuryali8540]

They're mounts for applique armor. The original M8 was meant to have the ability to be up-armored in the field to up to 120% its drop weight. There are no ERA tiles, yes, but the original Buford armor kit will still fit this vehicle.

[@tomhenry897]

Protype

[@Riceball01]

Nobody bolts amor to a frame on armored vehicles anymore. That went out around the early '40s or so with most nations moving to carst or welded armor. By the Cold War no new designes were using bolted on armor unless it was additional applique armor. It was found that bolted armor had a tendency for their bolts to sheer off when hit hard enough and go counting around inside the hull. So even if the armor wasn't penetrated by a shell, the hit could still be enough to kill the crew.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

@@andrewsuryali8540 On matter like this, if @glenndean6 is saying that they aren’t, I’m going to go with his answers. I know his real-world position, and he is in a position to know.

[@steveturner3999]

This is still a very neat looking system. I’m still curious as to what besides the track difference made the M10 Booker the Army’s choice. Thanks for the in-depth look Chieftain.

[@ulissedazante5748]

My educated guess goes toward the commonality of the whole turret with the Abrams. Both capable vehicles, but way less expensive to train on existing or 'tweaked' M1 simulators than a separate training facility for not so many crews, after all.

[@glenndean6]

@@ulissedazante5748 Good guess, but you would be wrong. Commonality with Abrams and ease of training were not evaluated factors in the competition. The competitors were largely evaluated on demonstrated vehicle performance in testing (shoot/move/protect, transportability, reliability) and price.

[@Michael-wo6ld]

Well, given that the M10 weighs quite a bit more, I'd have to assume that it's probably much better protected or something, and since it still fits within the weight limit it would be more suitable for the requirements.

[@Seth9809]

I think it was the parts commonality and maybe being slightly more like an Abrams for training. I heard its heavier, so more armor or electronics?

[@glenndean6]

@@Michael-wo6ld Slightly better protected, but most of the weight comes from the fact that it is a larger vehicle to accomodate a four man crew with manual loading, with much more space (relatively) for the other crew members.

[@alm5992]

All the bolts and colour make this look like a riveted World War 2 British tank.

[@ErwinPommel]

This was a fun one. It's very cool that the Army lets you do this.

[@N_Wheeler]

4:42 LTC George walks around the gun tube, not under it.

[@loganholmberg2295]

Thumbs up to Lieutenant Colonel George. He was pretty funny. 😂😂

[@FairlyUnknown]

After Part 2 it would be cool to hear your own personal opinions between the two vehicles and which one, or neither, you think was the right choice and why. Both seem like they would be capable.

[@cl4998]

Agreed

[@andresmartinezramos7513]

Fantastic blooper indeed

[@raynscloud8072]

Watching LTC George's face when you walked under the gun tube was something. LOL

[@LewisB3217]

Is that a no no? I noticed how LTC George walks around it

[@raynscloud8072]

@@LewisB3217 Very much so (think hammer and tent peg, if someone in the turret toggles to MRS In and grabs the power control handles), but it's an easy habit to lose. Just like you should always presume a weapon is loaded, you should always presume someone is in the turret and doesn't know you are there. It just shows how long it's been since Chieftain's been around them everyday.

[@ozzy7763]

This looks so much better then what they went with !

[@tacticalmanatee]

This is awesome. The autoloader design is certainly different, can't wait to see inside.

[@emilchan5379]

The asymmetrical turret because of the autoloader makes this look pretty cool imo. Otherwise it seems like a pretty good vehicle so far. Wonder why the Booker was chosen over this. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@candleman2123]

Whoooo! George returns! It's simple and intangible as a measurable, but there is something I deeply respect about someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about something, while maintaining professionalism. Something I think we all also enjoy about Chieftain. I know this is a limited thing but glad to see George return to tue channel.

[@silviemcquade2034]

Can't wait for next episode. Rubber tracks can be changed easily, and I have watched video of them repairing a section of rubber track. AS 21 Redback with similar Soucy tracks was designed from the start. Redback is a favourite to win land 400 phase 3. Land 400 testing showed Lynx has similar vibration issues as Ajax, and troops preferred smoother ride, more room and less breakdowns of the Redback IFV. Redback has MPFV style pneumatic suspension with BAE style Soucy rubber tracks and road wheels. I think the BAE gun mantle looks similar to a M10 TD. Adding loitering munitions and aps including top attack protection and remote weapons station is needed.

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

The stormtrooper helmet is appropriate as if you painted it white it does look like something you'd see in the Empire or Republic clone wars

[@justforever96]

I like how so many people in the military don't come off as leathery roughneck combat troopers, but seem like they would be at home in as IT guys. It highlights the huge variety of skills and types that are actually needful to get all the things done. Especially in the modern military where do many jobs are more systems managers and technicians than guys who will be going out and advancing under fire. And i see no reason to think a man of this sort will be more likely to flinch or fail under stress than any other.

[@Malphazar]

WHAT ABOUT TRACK TENSION?! is it hydraulic? a screw jack? rubber bands? I NEED TO KNOW!!!

[@AmerigoMagellan]

Good Gravy!! That's the most bolts I have ever seen on a tank!

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Yeah. Minefields. Good point. It's supposed to be easy air transport tho. Swings and roundabouts man. Nice work. Thanks Chieftain.

[@ironwolfF1]

Actually, one company has created a repair kit for continuous band tracks that'll let evac the vehicle under it's own power. Granted, it's only a temporary fix, but it's better than twiddling your thumbs.

[@tomppeli.]

I find the evasion type of answering questions quite fatiguing, but it's understandable why it is done. An enjoyable video in any case!

[@phil20_20]

How about a more consumer friendly name for the main battle tank, "Enhanced Mobility and Overmatch Tracked Engagement Vehicle"?

[@colinlove5062]

Interesting video, I’ve been hearing a lot about the M10 Booker but nice rundown. Cool to see another video from the Detroit Arsenal. I do wonder if General Dynamics Land Systems being just a couple blocks up the street had something to do with their choice. Although contractors with large on going long term contracts like Boeing or General Dynamics for better or worse tend to have an edge when a new project is tendered. I used to drive by it everyday and knew about the history of the Arsenal but at the time wasn’t aware what was going on these days. There’s a lot of cool random history associated with the place beyond building a quarter of the all the 89,500 tanks produced in the US during WW2. The first Detroit style pizza’s were baked in unused oil pans from the arsenal, the oil pan thing is true not 100% the came from the arsenal but the place is near by. It’s architect Albert Kahn designed everything from much of Detroit’s skyline to the Stalingrad Tractor Factory, Henry Fords Model T Plant & University of Michigan Campus as well as just about everything in between in the Motor City until his death in ‘42. I kinda just assumed since Abrams production was moved down to the Toledo area in ‘96 the Arsenal was a under used plant that general dynamics was holding onto. I think it’s damn well appropriate that DEVCOM’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center & Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) are headquartered are there.

[@iatsd]

Listening to him, we can be assured that LtCol George has a strong future ahead of him. But what will he choose? Real Estate or Used Car Sales?

[@Coconut-219]

Not too familiar with the split turret autoloader design specifics, so I'm looking forwards to pt2!

[@F.R.E.E.D.O.M.R.I.N.G.S.]

"Lt. Colonel, im looking at the smarter people then me"😂..your pretty darn smart Lt. Colonel, appreciate your knowledge and service sir!❤

[@AbramsGunner]

Blooper reel! Great video.. I miss my tank. Thank you!

[@DanielLopez-up6os]

Seeing prototypes is probably the best.

[@MajesticDemonLord]

As a Civilian, but well-versed in the art of corporate speak (and the ability to say a lot without saying anything) - I'm thoroughly at home with the numerous non-answers and diplomatic answers given. Despite that, thoroughly loved the video.

[@centurion1945]

I am curious as too what the LTC's nickname for the vehicle was, seems like it wasn't particularly endearing

[@AshlandMan]

Great video as usual. I just saw your appearance in an older Afghanistan Documentary, "Hooligans At War". I heard the voice and then had to pause in you. Complete accident, but nice surprise.

[@russwoodward8251]

The exposed bolt heads must be due to the prototype nature of this system. Simply spray this thing with 20 mm at an angle and there will be bolt heads flying in every direction. Great review. BAE makes the best stuff. Thank you!

[@dannyturkian9083]

Thank you for making this video

Very interesting once again. Looking forward to part two

[@WildBillCox13]

Thanks for posting. Linked this to my ex M60 driver and still close friend. He'll love it. Personal reaction? Shot traps in all the right places. Narrow crew access/egress. Most interesting.

[@battlefieldbartender5671]

Great video Chieftan! Thank you.

[@BobSmith-dk8nw]

Thanks Nick. .

[@MililaniJag]

M10 GMC TDs Great Great Grandson! Great vid! Cheers!

[@andrewlee3014]

2:58-3:12 Hello Mr. Chieftain 👋, if you don't mind, can I ask a few questions about the ammo storage system on this vehicle? 1) Are those ammo racks (located in the front hull) protected by blow off panels (I've heard rumors that they are blow-off panels)??? And if so, how thick are those blow-off panel doors??? I've heard rumors that those panels are made of 1 inch thick aluminum (grade 5083???) plates??? 2) And also, the M8 Buford, CCVL, and this vehicle has a metal bulkhead wall that separates the turret crew compartment from the turret autoloader & ammo compartment. How thick is this bulkhead metal wall??? I've heard rumors that the thickness of the bulkhead wall was very thin??? Just really curious, because I am just doing some amateur research on some weird tank autoloader, and ammo storage systems throughout history.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

1) No idea what they are made of, but they are a separate compartment. 2) CCVL wall was very thin. I don't know about M8. This MPF variant was thick enough I think it would do the job

[@andrewlee3014]

@@TheChieftainsHatch Thank you for the information sir. Not quite what I was looking for, but it was still helpful :)

[@lewiswestfall2687]

Thanks Nick

[@SmedleyDouwright]

Dancing LTC is a bonus.

[@chrisblack6258]

Can't wait for the part 2

[@Niitroxyde]

"3 man cre... 3 person crew." *insert DiCaprio "right there" meme*

[@mylesdobinson1534]

Australia used am MTU pack in our up-armoured, upgraded M113 as4. After initial trials they had to debate it as it was stripping tracks.

[@chrisblack6258]

What is a MTU engine and what's special about it? I looked it up online but I'm still confused

[@rdfox76]

@@chrisblack6258 MTU is the name of the company that makes it.

[@fabiogalletti8616]

@@rdfox76 german based - in the business of special engines since before WWI. Maybach sound familiar? They are those. Engined panzers. Then Leo1 and 2, and more or less everything that roll or float since.

[@barelyasurvivor1257]

Another great video TY

[@ssgtmole8610]

Even though we in the peanut gallery want to know if Chieftan will fit, Chieftan wants to know "Can I rack out in it/on it/near it." 😴☺👍

[@xxxlonewolf49]

For a desk guy, he seemed pretty nice

[@TornadoADV]

The M8 platform, eternally second place.

[@Pocahonkers]

Wait, are these actually wire cutters? Why are there 3 of them on this thing?

[@johntorelli7111]

I hope somebody can answer this because I was wondering the same thing. What's with all the wire cutters?

[@emilchan5379]

@@johntorelli7111 It is for passing through thick vegetation or areas with fallen electric cables. You wouldn't want heavy tree branches damaging parts of the vehicle, or having your tank commander get strangled or decapitated just because he stuck his head out of the turret and got caught in a vine.

[@karlriley1314]

Does it have a "LITTLE JOE"? Needs one if it doesn't have one.

[@fusionxray8971]

The most gorgeous armored vehicle I have ever seen and will always be my favorite. If only they would have used a more traditional track system I feel it would have been adopted, Airborne have less firepower available with the MPF and have to secure an airfield before it can even be deployed. I feel like procurement blundered on this one.

[@madkabal]

BAE's program was also poorly run. Way Behind GDLS.

[@cheyannei5983]

It seems a lack of ergonomics and crew systems killed it. At the end of the day, there's a very life or death task the crew has to carry out. If the vehicle does not properly facilitate it, then *all* of the espoused benefits could be true and it would be a terrible vehicle. I also wanted this one to win for the same reasons, but it seems BAE just didn't invest enough manpower into the project. This is a finished pre-production prototype, mind, this is what BAE would have delivered in the absence of criticism. That would make the blunder BAE's.

[@axelrajr]

kinda a shame it didnt get chosen. can see some real advantages to the way they did the engine.

[@RedXlV]

@aperpetualguardsmanwithafl2942 They weren't able to submit in time because of COVID lockdowns. That seems like a really bad reason to select the inferior tank for service. The BAE tank is significantly lighter than the GDLS design.

[@jacqueshickley]

Question: What is your thoughts on the South African built Rooikat. Sorry for posting it on a video that has absolutely nothing to do with my question, but I recently worked through the your whole Q & A section, SWAMBO and SWAMBOLite was away for a while and I thought it best to ask on your latest video. Although SWAMBO doesn't get it, I find your sense of humour hilarious. Thanks again for the great content.

[@gyorgysanta145]

Interesting to see that this prototype has the new IntelliSense Ballistic Meteorological Sensor which is also on the SEP v4 but the winning M10 Booker has the old J-TEC sensor.

[@BracaPhoto]

Why am I hearing the word HOLISTIC from every industry all of a sudden ?? New White collar BUZZWORD -- My Fidelity guy wants to give me a HOLISTIC approach to investing -- Army is using a HOLISTIC approach to picking out Canons -- He also quickly corrected himself when he said 3 Man crew 🤩 became 3 PERSON real quick This man is GOING PLACES -- Be safe TEAM

[@Tomek1001]

Nice dance at the end :D

[@alt5494]

A impressive vehicle wondering what was the negatives.

[@cl4998]

Me too

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Im so sorry but the echo on Nick's audio buggered this up a bit. I'm am sure you would change it if you could.

[@edl617]

Three person crew. My kid said most of the tankers she knew when she was a 31M were around 5’8”

[@gOtze1337]

Wasnt there a Prototype for the Marine Corps that was supposed to replace the LVTP-7 that used an MTU Engine?

[@deadmeat8754]

Looks like BAE gambled on very novel technologies for a US army system. This would explain the production delays (although the ridiculous C19 labor stoppages were a big factor) and the selection committee's cautious approach with their prototype candidate. It is possible that BAE felt the juggernaut GDLS was likely to be preferred and decided to use the competition to proof technologies they will use on future systems. What a shame, because, as The Chieftain noted, nobody having knowledge and experience with the M8/XM1302 has ever stated it was a bad candidate, or platform.

[@thomasbernecky2078]

you gotta love that new tank smell?

[@tasman006]

Still I liked this tank it looks better than the Booker. But I'm assuming the Booker was picked because the engine is in the front a has better crew survivablility. Though I'm also assuming the BAE prototypes depresion of the main 105mm gun would be better from the front of the tank over the Booker. Still it is an impressive light tank.

[@Not_Octopus]

"we're open to it in the future." Means they already have it.

[@paratrooper629]

Please clarify.... BAE version could still be procured in the future? Thanks

[@wot1fan885]

The engine thing is so cool. The whole thing is really cool . Wish we could get it in wot but its too new .

[@stevenbrown8857]

I winced at the correction from three man crew to three person crew 🙄

[@drmarkintexas-400]

🏆🤗🙏🇺🇲🎖️ Thank you for sharing

[@k4000]

I like the rivet aesthetic

[@woeisme2584]

thems are bolts my friend

[@cmck472]

The RETRO look...

[@alexanderhartmann7950]

Thanks for 4k. :-)

[@ramdynebix]

Look at the size of those shackles!

[@s.marcus3669]

It will be interesting to see if BAE can find an export customer for this turkey, er, um, "vehicle" since the US Army picked the M-whatever the number is now called the "Booker"....

[@anthonylee6322]

That's lite Colonel

[@Brokencedar]

I love our MPF even though I can barely fit in it. Of course I'm an old fat guy. I still try to jam myself in the driver's position every so often. Can't wait.until.we get the GD version!

[@Seth9809]

Didn't he say the video on the M8 submittion for MPF, was filmed months ago?

[@georgewashington938]

to me, both of them seem to be too big and heavy. I wonder if the new 50 mm autocannon would have been sufficient and allow for a smaller vehicle. Anti-armor missiles could provide some ability to deal with surprise arrival of opponent tanks. Forty tons seems like a lot of weight for a vehicle targeted to support Airborne / rapid response light infantry

[@cheyannei5983]

The project brief was a 105mm because it can still kill pre-1990 T-72's using the vast quantity of ammo in stockpile. There is no ammo for that autocannon in every NATO country's stockpile.

[@SparkHelium]

These new vehicles have only grown larger and heavier. The OMFV program is meant to complement and eventually replace the Bradley. There is a OMFV prototype (Griffin II) with the XM913 50mm autocannon and the US Army has looked at upgrading the Bradley's turret to 50mm. Along with this new IFV program is the MPF program that was recently finalized as the M10 Booker with 105mm cannon. So why not just one system? Well the Army has a lot of money and there are different capabilities with a 50mm autocannon and 105mm gun. 50mm is going to have the ability to fire rapidly and suppress better vs 105mm. It will carry less ammo than 30mm or 40mm, but will penetrate barrier better and have larger airburst rounds. 105mm will have better standoff ability and will destroy structures and barricades better than 50mm. Each of these systems will have their own advantages and disadvantages. As a fun detour, take a look at the Chinese ZBD-04. It has a 100mm cannon, 30mm autocannon, and 4x HJ-8 ATGMS attached on the exterior. Seems like a good all around concept on paper.

[@ozzy7763]

I always have bought they should have put a Bradley turret on a Sheridan chassis.

[@recce8619]

8:15 tell a British solider to “go do your thing” will probably involve seeing what you can take off to boil water in. 😋

[@cmck472]

And what you can take off with a multitool

[@Phantom-38]

I feel like the worse vehicle won, if for no other reason than the power pack being rolled out to make PMCSing the vehicles a lot easier

[@kaloyanradkov8962]

true BAE!

[@dwightehowell8179]

I've watched this twice but nothing shows that...Not sure what is going on.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Shows what? Have you seen both parts?

[@mwsr2521]

Neat, what was wrong with the MGS/Stricker, Why is this better?

[@harmdallmeyer6449]

MGS is not very reliable.

[@Ws_minion]

"3 man uhh uhh 3 person crew..." 🙄😒 Thanks for clarifying, Im sure someone somewhere was absolute bouncing off their seat at that one...

[@killzoneisa]

Yeah.

[@Coconut-219]

"target saturation"

[@wookie-zh7go]

IKR that's obviously what's going to put them off being a tanker...

[@CreepyUncleStupid]

LTC George seems like a character from Red Green

[@MB-nn3jw]

As a layman, it’s awesome when everyone uses acronyms constantly without any explanation for WTF they’re talking about. PS: not everyone watching is a former tanker but may be interested to know what it actually is.

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

Fair enough, but as a civvie, I didn't have any trouble. Granted I have been in this hobby for about a decade now. Thing is its weird for someone recently interested in tanks to jump straight into something like this ahaha. But a convo between a tanker and a military project manager, you can expect a lot of acronyms, they are all over the military. It would be unnatural for them to hold a conversation avoiding acronyms. If you have questions on specific ones, feel free to ask in the comments, plenty of people don't mind answering.

[@williamromine5715]

​@@neurofiedyamato8763I'm an old fart(81), and am interested in armour. However, I don't know what this thing is. I first thought it was a tank, but they kept referring to Bradleys. That confused me, since it doesn't appear to carry infantry. It's too small to be a main battle tank. Finally, apparently it wasn't adopted by the military, but I don't know why. Maybe I am too dumb for the Chief's channel, but I have felt that before.

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

@@williamromine5715 Hmm well I didn't necessarily mean age. You could be 81 years old but not previously into tanks and so many acronyms would still be new to you. But you are correct, it is a tank. A light tank(at least originally) to be specific. The XM1302 is based on the M8 AGS(armored gun system) developed from the 80s to 90s. It was one of the two finalist for the 'MPF' program, or Mobile Protected Firepower. They chose the competitor instead, no reason have been announced publicly so it is all speculation at this point. The army isn't seeking a 'tank' but something more akin to a assault gun/infantry support vehicle. They have insisted on not calling it a tank. Regardless, its mostly pedantic and not important as long you keep in mind its purpose. The mention of the Bradley is because it was asked if both vehicles would have parts commonality. If I recall, it was about roadwheels. Additionally, the MPF is part of another larger program known as the NGCV or Next Generation Combat Vehicle. The NGCV program is trying to procure three new vehicles. The MPF, OMFV(Optionally manned fighting vehicle), and AMPV(Armored Multi-purpose vehicle). OMFV will replace the Bradley as a infantry fighting vehicle. While the AMPV is using a turretless Bradley to act as a armored personnel carrier. As you can see its hard to avoid acronyms because the army love unnecessarily long names.

[@williamromine5715]

@@neurofiedyamato8763 thank you for your answer. It's never too late to learn things. Because of you, this old fart learned something new today.

[@SecuR0M]

@@williamromine5715 It's a light tank like the Walker Bulldog or Sheridan. They were talking about Bradleys probably because it uses parts from it.

[@jon9021]

Every time I see this vehicle, I see Dr Evil saying: “come mini me!”

[@tankdriver65861]

That’s some kind of X300 gearbox from Allison, same as warrior MCV-80 (kind of)

[@MasterAlighieri]

how fast he corrected "three man crew" to "three person crew"

[@wot1fan885]

Can you tell me the names of your boots ?? This may have been asked before but they look interesting.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Tanker Boots

[@billlhooo6485]

did this thing have like 12 prototype throughout the program.

[@glenndean6]

Yes, each competitor delivered 12 prototypes.

[@evanulven8249]

Needs more ERA blocks.