Mobile Gun System brings the heat in Iraq

[unhappycamper]

Mobile Gun System brings the heat in Iraq
By Matthew Cox - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 5, 2008 5:43:45 EST

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — The Stryker Mobile Gun System’s automatic loader clinks and clanks as it feeds a high-explosive shell into the breech.

A few seconds later, the menacing cannon fires with a thunderous crack, sending a 105mm round downrange, where it blows a big hole in a dirt berm.

The new direct-fire weapon arrived in Iraq for the first time when the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, deployed 10 months ago. The MGS is one of 10 variants of the Stryker series of wheeled and armored vehicle.

The soldiers who spoke with Army Times generally approved of the new vehicle’s battlefield performance, despite difficulties caused by design flaws. The most immediate shortcoming was the vehicle’s lack of air conditioning, an omission that — until a solution was fielded — had crewmen patrolling while hooked up to intravenous fluids to counter triple-digit temperatures under the summer sun.

Nevertheless, “the MGS is a fine vehicle and has proven itself here multiple times,” said 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, Command Sgt. Major Richard Leirdahl.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/army_new_MGS_080204w/



uhc comment: Meet the Mobile Gun System -->



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Gun_System

I've been looking for the cost but am not getting clear results.