The TRADOC System Manager for the AGS Comments on “The AGS in Low-Intensity Conflict”

The TRADOC System Manager for the AGS Comments on "The AGS in Low-Intensity Conflict" In response to Captain Womack's article on the XM8 Armored Gun System (AGS) in Low-Intensity Conflicts (Mar-Apr 94), I would like to clarify the philosophy behind the design of the AGS. The XMB AGS was designed to be significantly more lethal, sustainable, survivable, and maintainable than the M551 A 1 Sheridan. Our primary requirement influencing all of these designs was that of transportability. The AGS must be able to be deployed via USAF tactical and strategic lift aircraft (C130, C141, C17, C5A) using the same Low Velocity Air Drop and Roll-oniRoll-off equipment and techniques that are employed for the M551A1 Sheridan. This transportability requirement placed very severe constraints on the overall size, and more impor- tantly, the weight of the base AGS vehicle. Within this weighVsize constraint, it was just not possible to incorporate the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer. Other items that were considered for the but deleted because of weight were an auxiliary power unit, an integral bustle rack, and an individual vehicle tow bar. As currently configured, the AGS does incorporate a 12-round per minute autoloader, three levels of modular armor deSigned to meet a variety of threats, dual net communication capability, an external phone for the infantry, a digitized fire control computer storing ballistic solutions for the entire family of 105-mm tank ammunition, a 1553 data bus, and an engine that, in addition to being able to operate on a wide range of diesel-type fuels, can be rolled out of the hull for maintenance in under 10 minutes. Although the AGS. doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" we would like it to have, it will provide the Army's early entry forces with significant firepower and crew protection within a system package that is easily deployable, maintainable, and sustainable. Charles F. Moler Colonel, Armor TRADOC System Manager for the Armored Gun System Ft. Knox, Kentucky The first AGS has rolled out of the factory, one of six to be built for further testing by the Army. See back cover. - Ed. 47