ASSAULT 1995

Updates for Assault. Weapon systems and vehicles that were in production or near production in 1990-

1999. The upgrades to the FIRE CHARTS are in each country section in the main menu.

NATO

UNITED STATES

M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams.

The M1A1 entered service in the mid-1980s. The M1 was rearmed with the Rheinmetall 120mm

smoothbore cannon and additional armor was added. The M1A2 Abrams equipped with the Rheinmetall

120mm smoothbore gun and the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV). The M1A2 fires

APDU, MPAT, MPHE, and Canister. The MPAT and MPHE rounds allow the M1A2 to engage helicopters

with the main gun. The M1A2 incorporated depleted uranium into the armor. The CITV gives the

commander and gunner to search for targets independently and with a new fire control system,

increases the M1A2‘s ability to get off the all-important first round. As a note, during Desert Storm, the

9 Abrams destroyed in battle were all by other Abrams. Seven in friendly fire incidents and two disabled

vehicles that had to be abandoned. Interestingly, only the APDU rounds penetrated on flank shots.

M2A2 and M2A3 Bradley.

Yes I know that the ‘A3 did not enter service until 2000 but the technology was there and if the Soviet

Union had not imploded in 1990 there is a good possibility that the ‘A3 upgrades would have pushed

through. Most of the ‘A3 improvements were electronic upgrades, including the addition of a CITV

system. The M2A2 had added improved armor and Kevlar spall liners to the interior to protect crew and

dismounts and spaced laminate armor to the rear and side skirts. Gone are the firing ports, (and as side

note I always found them impractical though the M231 was really neat for clearing trenches) and the

silly useless flotation skirt. The Bradley never was particularly amphibious and while (again on a personal

note) units trained in erecting the swim vane, they conducted very limited swim exercises, there were

several incidences where BFVs were lost in swimming exercises. Bradleys did achieve 25mm kills on Iraqi

T-72s at 500 meters during Desert Storm.

M6 Linebacker.

This is probably what the Sgt York should have been. The Linebacker replaced the two TOW launcher for

a four Stinger launcher and kept the 25mm Bushmaster. The chassis and turret were kept from M2A2s.

For some strange reason, in the 2000s, the Army decided that they did not need close air defense

because the U.S. Air Force could achieve total air superiority in any environment and converted all

Linebackers back to M2 Bradleys. Personally I would rather have a Linebacker in the area just in case.

M1097 Avenger.

The Humvee mounted Avenger SAM begin entering service with the U. S. Army in 1990. A significant improvement over the MIM 72 Chapperal (phased out by 1998), the Avenger uses the FIM 92 Stinger like the M6 Linebacker. The Avenger begin replacing the M163 Vulcan in U. S. service and unlike the M6, it continues in production. The Avengers and the Linebackers were the Vulcans and Chapperals of the 1990s.

M-7 B-FIST and M981 FIST-V.

The M-7 B-FIST replaced the M981 FIST in US service in the 2000s. It replaced the TOW launcher with

targeting location equipment. The M-7 integrates the Bradley ISU with G/VLLD. The M-7 also uses a

hybrid GPS/inertial/dead reckoning navigation system for improved accuracy. The OP dismounts for the

B-FIST carry sophisticated equipment for use away from the M-7. The M113 based FIST-V is an all visual

aspects identical to the M-901 ITV. In place of the TOW launcher the FIST-V has a sophisticated G/VLLD

(Ground/Vehicular Laser Locater Designator) and GPS system for pinpointing target locations. FIST-V

crews are in direct contact with Fire Direction Centers (FDC) and significantly speed up the process of

call for fire. A FIST-V would be assigned to each maneuver company and the parent Brigade COLTs

(Combat Observation and Lasing Teams) would use them also.

M109A6.

The M109 155mm SPH entered production in 1962 and is in service with virtually every western and NATO country. Numerous upgrades have kept the M109 modern. The American version, M109A6 Paladin, is a devastating weapon and can dominate the battlefield with a variety of munitions.

M110.

The M110 203mm SPH entered service about the same time as the M109, in 1962. In its current version, the M110A2, it provides NATO with a long range gun with decent firepower. In most NATO units it was being phased out by the MLRS by the mid-90s. There is virtually no protection for the crew and the M110 would suffer from counter-battery or direct fire.

M270 MLRS.

The M270 Multiple Rocket Launch System began entering service in 1983. It was a joint venture by the U. S., U. K., FRG and France. It has since been adopted by most NATO countries like the M109 was. The automotive components are based on the M2 Bradley. The MLRS has a 42km range and can fire a variety of un-guided munitions (In 2006 guided munitions were introduced but that's another story). The Dual Purpose ICM rocket is probably the single most devastating artillery munition in the NATO inventory.

M-128, M58 MICLIC and M104 AVLB.

The M-128 minelayer is towed behind the M2A2 Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV also used to tow the M-58 MICLIC). The M104 AVLB Wolverine Heavy AVLB was actually developed in the mid-1990s but did not enter service until 2003. I think that without the collapse of the Soviet Union the M104, like the M2A2, would have entered service in the mid to late 90s. The M104 provided U.S. engineers with a vehicle capable of handling the Abrams weight and speed.

AH64D Apache Longbow.

Developed in the early to mid-90s, the Longbow gave the Apache the ability to engage enemy armor without having to leave cover thanks to the mast mounted Longbow radar. Awesome. Not all AH64Ds carry the Longbow, but all can carry the Hellfire 2.

CH47, CH53 and MH60.

I decided to give NATO some heavy lift capability in the CH47 and CH53. I thought the MH60 with some added stealth capability would add an interesting touch to any Ranger or Special Forces scenarios.

F-16 and A-10.

In deciding to develop a close air support alternative for Assault, I chose the A-10 and the F-16 as the most likely CAS aircraft that would be available to a Forward Air Controller. I tried to apply the KISS principle in developing these rules and I did not want CAS to overwhelm the game.

FRANCE

AMX-56 Leclerc.

The French AMX56 was a late entry into the modern AFV field only entering service in 1992. A

considerable improvement over the AMX 30, the Leclerc utilizes a GIAT 120mm smoothbore capable of

firing the same ammunition as the M1A2 and the Leopard 2. The Leclerc, unlike the Abrams and Leopard

2, uses a 22 round auto-loader capable of 12 shots per minute. The Leclerc also has CITV capability. The

Leclerc’s armor is of French design; they rejected the British Chobham armor as being “too specialized”.

AMX30B2.

The AMX30 was developed in the mid-1950s and served well into the 1990s, being replaced by the AMX-56. The AMX30 was fast for a medium tank of its era and had a 105mm main gun with a 20mm coaxial. The AMX30B2 was an upgraded version with a laser rangefinder and LLLTV (Low Light Level TeleVision). Most AMX30s were upgraded to B2 standards.

AMX-10P.

First introduced in 1973, the French AMX 10P is an all-purpose IFV. Normally armed with a GIAT 20mm

cannon effective out to 1500 meters, the AMX 10P can also be adapted to carry Milan/Hot ATGMs,

towing vehicle for the 120mm mortar and a 105mm or 90mm gun for fire support.

VAB.

The VAB is a French all-purpose wheeled APC. Developed in 4x4 and 6x6 versions, the 4x4 was most widespread in the French Army. It was used in anti-tank roles, with a Milan MCT turret or a Mephisto HOT ATGM. It is also used as an engineering vehicle and for towing mortars.

AMX-10RC.

The AMX-10RC entered service in 1978 as a replacement for the Panhard EBR. The vehicle is equipped with a 105mm cannon firing standard NATO ammo. The weapon system is stabilized and equipped with a computerized fire control system with laser rangefinder and thermals.

ERC 90.

This wheeled recon vehicle (called an armored car) was developed in the mid-70s. It was adopted by the French Army in 1984. The original turret was manually operated and did not have thermal sights. The 1990s model, ERC 90 F4 Sagaie, features a powered SAMM 90mm TTB 190 turret.

VBL.

Developed as a scout car for the light recon/ATGM carrier role, the VBL entered French Army service in 1990. The VBL came in two versions, ATGM version with a Milan launcher and a basic scout version with 12.7mm mg.

VHM.

The VHM is the French version of the Swedish Haaglunds Bandvagn 206S armored personnel carrier. The VHM is for use by alpine units and can carry 12 troops. It is armored and all four tracks are powered. The VHM is transportable by CH-53 and CH-47.

AML.

The Panhard AML entered French service in 1961. Lightly armored and amphibious, the AML is equipped with a 90mm gun that fires HE and HEAT. The upgraded AML has a Lynx 90 turret with powered traverse, laser rangefinder and night vision equipment.

AVLB and AEV.

The French AEV (armored earth-moving vehicle) an AVLB (armored vehicle launcher, bridge) both use the AMX30 chassis as a base vehicle. In 1992, the AVLB was actually only in service with Saudi Arabia; the French actually used an AMX13 based vehicle; I am assuming that the French realized that they would need a heavier class bridging unit for the AMX-56.

Tracked Roland.

Euro-missile Roland was actually by both the French and German Armies. The French mounted this very effective SAM on an AMX30 chassis. It can operate in either optical or radar mode and has an effective range of between 500-6300m (2-25 hexes)

GCT 155mm SPH.

Developed in France in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the GCT 155mm howitzer has an auto-loader capable of firing 8 rounds per minute. The GCT can fire HE, smoke, and FASCAM AT mines

SA341, SA330, Tigre.

The three French Helicopters I have chosen to model are the SA341 Gazelle, SA330 Puma and the TIGRE. The Tigre was developed by EUROCOPTER in the early 1990s but did not enter service until 2003. The delay was a direct result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It probably would have entered service in the mid-90s so that is why I have included it. The SA341 Gazelle has been around since the mid-1960s. ATGM armed Gazelles performed quite well against Israeli armor in 1982. The SA330 Puma also has been in service since the mid-1960s and is used by the French and Spanish Armies. It is a medium sized troop transport.

F1A.

The Dassault Mirage F1 entered French service in 1974; the F1A version is used as a dedicated ground attack aircraft. It is also used by Spain.

United Kingdom

Challenger 2.

It’s called an extensive redesign of the Challenger 1 but with less than 5% interchangeable components,

it seems more like a brand new monster. It continues the British policy of 120mm rifled bore cannon to

maximize the range of the HESH anti-tank round. The tank commander has a SAGEM CITV system and

the tank is up-armored with Chobham 2nd generation armor (sometimes referred to as Dorchester

Armor) making the Challenger 2 still the best protected tank in the world.

Chieftain Stillbrew.

The Chieftain Stillbrew is basically an up-armored Chieftain. The Stillbrew has the TOGS (Thermal

Observation and Gunnery Sight), TLS (Tank Laser Sight), computerized fire control system and a

stabilized main gun.

MCV 80 Warrior.

No change here. Upgrading of the MCV80s doesn’t occur until the mid to late 2000s.The British

apparently still maintain that this is an APC for carrying troops to the battlefield and providing fire

support once the ground pounders disembark.

MCV80 Milan (FV510).

Finally, an MCV 80 (sort of) with ATGM capability. Not a bad transport for the Milan, it reminds me of

the old M-150, the single TOW launcher on the M113. Given the Milan’s limited range as compared to

the HOT or the TOW, I just wonder why.

Stormer.

The Stormer is the UK SAM missile carrier using the Starstreak HVM that replaced the Javelin. The Stormer-Starstreak entered UK service in 1986.

AS90 155mm SPH.

This fine howitzer began entering UK service in 1993, replacing all the Abbots and some M-109s. It was developed as a private venture in the early 1980s on a gamble by Vickers that the tri-national SP70 would fail (and it did). Interestingly, the AS90 gun was eventually developed to fit Royal Navy ships in the 2000s, to standardize caliber and ammunition requirements. It can go from fully locked down to action in less than a minute.

MCV 80 FIST-V (FV514).

This is a good vehicle. Actually armed only with a 7.62mm mg, the FV514 carries a “fake” 30mm cannon

to deceive enemy gunners into thinking there is nothing unique about this vehicle. The FV514 FIST-V

carries the MSTAR system and performs the same forward observation functions as the U.S. M981 FIST.

AVRE2 and Challenger AVLB.

The AVRE2 was developed in the late 1980s from Chieftain components and entered UK service in 1991. The AVRE2 can use mine plows and the Giant Viper MICLIC. The Chieftain AVLB can launch a 24m bridge in 3-5 minutes.

BAe AV8B Harrier II.

Truly a unique creation, the V/STOL Harrier adds a different dimension to the air phase. The Harrier has

the ability to hover like a helicopter and provide on-call CAS.

ITALY

The C1 Ariete.

The Italian entry was even later then the French AMX 56. The Ariete entered production in 1995. The

Ariete has an Oto Melara 120mm smoothbore firing APFSDS and HEAT rounds. The armor is composite

similar to the Abrams and the Challenger.

VCC 80 Dardo.

The Dardo begin entering service with the Italian Army in 1998, replacing the M113 and AIFVs. It is a

heavily armored and armed IFV. Armament includes an Oerlikon 25mm cannon and 2 7.62 mgs in the

turret. The Dardo can also carry 2 SPIKE ATGMs and is Bradley fast.

B1 Centauro.

The Centauro entered production in 1991 as a tank destroyer that retained the firepower of the Leopard

1 but with significantly increased strategic mobility. The Centauro should be utilized as a heavy

firepower cavalry vehicle in the European sense of reconnaissance. Whereas American Armored Cavalry

Regiments were intended to present the signature of a heavy Mech or Armor Division, the consensus

European style cavalry was for recon. The Centauro presents a little more firepower for the Italian

Cavalry units and does a good job at it.

Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)

Leopard 2A4.

Along with the Abrams, the Leopard 2 is a highly successful descendant of the failed MBT-70 program.

The L2A4 is armed with the Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore and fires the same ammunition as the

M1A2. As with the M1A2, the L2A4 is equipped with a CITV system and all digital fire control system.

Turret was improved using flat titanium/tungsten armor.

M1A3 Marder.

The original Marders entered service with the Bundeswehr in 1971. The M1A3 was in production from

1988-1998. The M1A3 was the most common version and retained the Rheinmetall 20mm cannon and a

Milan ATGM launcher. All Marders had been retrofitted with Milans by 1979. The M1A3 replaced the

gun ports with an extra layer of armor. The rear 7.62mm remote machine gun was removed.

Wiesel.

The tankette returns. The Bundeswehr saw a need for a lightweight air-transportable armored vehicle

for use by airborne infantry. The Wiesel armored weapons carrier was the result. Equipped with either a

TOW launcher or a Rheinmetall 20mm cannon, the Wiesel weighs less than a HUMVEE with the CH53

capable of carrying 2 at a time. The Wiesel entered service in 1989.

Canada

Wheeled APC.

The Canadians have produced some outstanding wheeled APCs and AFVs. Entering service in 1976 the AVGP (Grizzly) and its reconnaissance cousin, the Cougar (with a British Scorpion 76mm turret), vehicles provide the Canadians with vehicles that are maneuverable, well-armed and provide a decent degree of protection for crew and dismounts (These vehicles are based on the Swiss MOWAG Piranha series). The Cougars were intended for use in Canada only as a recon trainer but in the 1980s and 1990s it was used by units that were not equipped with the Leopard C1/C2 as a tank “substitute”. The Bison entered service in 1990 as a Canadian modification of the Swiss MOWAG Piranha II. Originally intended to provide Canadian reserve units with an APC, the Bison found favor with the regular army and was adopted for their use. The Bison also serves as a weapons mount for the 81mm mortar. The Coyote entered service in 1996 as a replacement for the M114 Lynx in the reconnaissance role. The Coyote is armed with the Bradley’s M242 25mm Bushmaster chain gun. The Coyote is not amphibious.

Leopard C2.

The Leopard C2 is the Canadian improvement to the Leopard 1A5. The C2 has improved fire control system, thermal sights and add on armor. The C2 modifications did not begin until 2000 but the program was developed in the 1990s.

ADATS.

The ADATS, Air Defense Anti-Tank System, entered Canadian service in 1989. ADATS was developed by

Swiss Oerlikon-Contraves as a dual purpose missile system capable of engaging armor and aircraft out to

10K. The missile is laser guided and also equipped with TV and FLIR. ADATS is mounted on a M113A2.

CH146.

The CH-146 Griffon entered Canadian service in 1995 and is Canada’s multi-role helicopter. Apparently,

the CH-146 is genuinely disliked by the Canadian military as is criticized for being underpowered and

unable to fulfill its wartime role.

Denmark.

Centurion Mk6.

The venerable Centurion served with the Danish Army until replaced by the Leopard 1. Centurions and

Leopards operated together in the late 80s and early 90s. The Centurions, though slow, were armed

with lethal the L7 105mm main gun used on early M1s and M60A3s.

Netherlands.

AIFV.

The AIFV started life in the 1960s as a private venture by FMC. Originally described as a Product Improved M113, the AIFV has become so much more than that. In service with the Dutch Army, it has been armed with a one man 25mm KBA turret or a Emerson TOW launcher as on the M-901. It also is used as a 120mm mortar tractor and by the Belgians as an APC sans turret.

Lynx.

Similar to the M-114, the Dutch version of the Lynx Command and Reconnaissance vehicle is equipped with the same Oerlikon-Contraves 25mm cannon as the AIFV. The cannon is mounted externally.

Belgium.

Pandur 1.

Developed in the 1980s, the Pandur I served in a recce role with the Belgian Army. Lightly armored and

fast, the Pandur could be armed with a .50cal turret, a 20mm auto-cannon and even a two man 90mm

gun turret.

JPZ-90.

The JPZ-90 was a 90mm gun armed tank destroyer originally developed for the FRG. The Belgians used

it in conjunction with Jeep mounted Milan ATGMs for a very short time. I have included these because I

think they’re neat and somewhat of an anachronism sweeping us back to the days of the Hetzer and JPZ

V.

Spain

M47. M48A5.

Leopard 2A4 M60A1.

The Spanish military had quite a collection of tanks in use in the 1980s and 1990s. The M47 here is actually the 105mm armed M47E2. The M48A5 and M60A1, along with the AMX30B2, were the mainstays of the Spanish army in the late 80s and early 90s. The Spanish begin accepting Leopard 2A4s in the mid-90s as upgrades to existing armor.

VEC.

The Pegaso VEC M-1 is the Spanish Army’s cavalry reconnaissance vehicle. It is armed with the 25mm

Bushmaster and is amphibious. The only complaint that I’ve located is that they are prone to

overturning.

VCIC (Pizzaro)

The VCIC (Vehicle Combat Infantry/Cavalry) Pizzaro is the Spanish version of the Austrian ASCOD.

According to Jane’s Tank Recognition Guide, the Pizzaro entered production in 1996 after four years of

development. The Pizzaro has a Mauser 30mm stabilized cannon equipped with thermal imaging and a

7.62mm coax. The armor is designed to defeat 30mm SCAP. There is a small amount of strategically

placed reactive armor and applique’ steel plates for additional protection. The Spanish version has

600hp engine with a 21 hp/t power to weight ratio giving excellent road, cross-country and reverse

speed.

BMR.

Entering service in 1979, the Pegaso BMR is the Spanish Army’s wheeled APC. Basic versions are armed

with a .50 cal mg. The BMR also serves as a mortar carrier and two anti-tank versions.

M107 175mm SPH.

This howitzer was developed in the 1950s for the U.S. Army. The M107 only fires HE ammunition and provides no protection for the crew.