Logistics Are the Key to the FCS (More so Under Indian Conditions)
The M1 Abrams, though inarguably one of the most capable and potent tanks ever produced, must cease operations for refueling at least once every 8 hours under normal operational conditions.
(What about Arjun?)
Its ammunition and other critical consumables could be readily depleted in a very short time during heavy combat. (
For Arjun can not be found!!)
Like all contemporary modern tanks, the M1 requires a long and vulnerable logistic support “tail” that severely
delimits its deployability and operability. In an era when power projection is critical, strong logistical dependency is not acceptable over the long run. (
This logistics requirement under Indian condition is a nightmare specially in obstacle ridden terrain and possibility of enmy interjection in between to seperate main force and logistics train)
The current goal is to reduce the logistic burden by at least 50%. Unfortunately, armored force maneuver
and the intensity level of its attack are frequently limited by the capabilities of logistic support infrastructures, rather than the inherent ability of the tank itself. (What’s new?... Wasn’t General Patton short of fuel while rapidly advancing in France? Or for that matter, Field Marshal Rommel in North Africa?). (
That may be true but it is not acceptable in short intense and sudden operations such as CSD)
A modern fast-maneuvering army must reduce its reliance on restrictive logistic support systems while consuming fewer limited resources. (
DODO can think of driving the tank with sugar cane juice as sugar cane is available in plenty on both sides of Western border)
On July 17, 1996, Major General Robert Scales, Deputy Chief of Staff for Doctrine at the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), expressed his conception in the Defense Daily newsletter, 17 that the Army’s operational revolution relies upon effective utilization of better technologies and techniques to support ground forces. The key issue at hand is to be able to “temporarily break from the logistics umbilical cord...” restoring the rapid maneuvering of dispersed formations so essential to full exploitation of armor firepower, shock, and mobility. According to General Scales, the Army will be able to create a dominant Force XXI by employing alternative sources of enenergy for mobility and propulsion, while reducing the traditional restricting dependency on rations, ammunition, and spare parts. This same underlying philosophy has played a paramount role in the derivation of our FCS concept.
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DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOU ?