Interesting Site: Wheeled vs. Tracked AFV (US)

[Backis]

JaM said:
In everything, they are more versatile.Wheels are too limiting,you cant add too heavy armor without stressing suspension etc...In every aspect are tracked vehicles better in combat than wheeled.

Just as I thought then, you don't know what you're talking about...

Wheeled suspensions have advantages as well as drawbacks.

So.

Lets compare it to the Stryker in the mission causing most casualties; Convoy escort.

Your "in all ways superior" M113;

1: Has a protection level that is NOT superior compared to the Stryker against the threat faced in Iraq, its is MORE vulnerable to heavy IED's and mines, as vulnerable to RPG (I'll allow for quick slat armour deployment) and small arms (some poor shmuck is always sticking their head out).

2: Is so slow that it cant keep up with logistics trucks forcing them either to be unescorted or slow down, thereby either letting insurgents strike at will or grant them more time preparing ambushes, and after striking an easier time disengaging and evading reaction forces.

3; Forces more actual logistics transports it have to, but cannot effectively, escort since it uses more fuel.

4; Hogs a lot when accelerating and decelerating, making for a jolting ride, tiring passengers and crew giving less combat effectiveness when reaching the target area.

Yea, "in all ways" superior...

What is needed for escort duty in Iraq are; More Strykers. More M1117 armoured cars. More trigger-pullers. Better Humint.

Not 1960's era aluminium "box-on-tracks" M113's...