Originally posted by Yeager
The M1 series is close to 30 years old from initial prototype.
You can bet some of the more current russion supplied anti-tank weapons performance against the M1A2 will go a long way in the performace specs for the upcoming MBT.
The russians have done some damned great things with armored combat vehicles. The greatest contribution to tank warfare was and still is the T34, IMHO. Always admired that design.
Well, all the T-80,84(this one is Ukrainian from Khar'kov tractor factory) ,90 designs are based on a T-72 with modifications like "modern" gas turbine engine (unreliable), modern targeting systems (makes it possible to even shoot helicopters and slow planes from main gun), etc. And T-72 was a simplified more technologicaly-friendly version of T-64.
Did I already tell a beautiful story of a T-72 turret construction?
Originally posted by Yeager
As much as the russian position regarding Iraq disappoints me, I am relieved to be reminded of their actual position in world affairs.
Got to keep on eye on those basturdz. They will invariably support whoever and whatever seeks to attack/destroy western civilization. Never trust a ruskie. NEVER!
Depends on what to call a "western civilization". If it means merchantile society with severe material segregation, and a market economics with monopolies developed "ad absurdum" - we don't like it. There is a fundamental difference of Orthodox and Protestant culture, and it's impossible to overcome it, even 70 years of Soviet power didn't help.
The problem is very serious and complicated. We oppose this war because we don't want the "brave new world" where one country decides if you have a right to live or not.
Our president said yesterday: "We have to chill down. We are not interested in America loosing this war". We have 90% of our financial actives in USD....
I said many times here that it's really strange that our government doesn't support the invasion. Looks like it was only the result of a good analisys. Russian position is clear: we understand that Hussein is dangerous and needs to be disarmed. But there are no such reasons that excuse the military action against a souverign country.
In fact we have much more common with West then with Arab world. But it's in our blood: the people should defend against the agressor. Agressors must be punished.
