Dominant Logistics
Combat Engineering Systems
Combat engineering is not a typical topic of logistics discussions but these units play a vital role in the overall logistics picture. Simply put, combat engineers define the battlespace - they build or remove obstacles, mine fields, bridges, roads, etc. so that combat, and ultimately logistics, systems can safely operate. Because of this, it is critical that these personnel are given the tools to get the jobs done in as rapid and safe a manner as is possible.
The Cub
The Cub is a system that can be likened to a smaller version of the M1-based Grizzly. This vehicle is intended to be an all purpose combat engineering system to tackle all of the major tasks that typically have to be dealt with on a battlefield. It is based upon an M1 Abrams chassis and includes a mine-clearing plow blade and a hoe for clearing larger berms and obstacles. While the Grizzly is an awesome concept, it isn't particularly practical or useable in the modern era of warfare.
For starters, a system intended to fill these roles needs to be amphibious and air-droppable. If it can't enter the battlefield before the combat systems, it is of little to no use to the force. Second, being based on the M1, it is a fuel hog just like the Abrams itself. While it may be able to run with the Abrams, it has to stop with it to refuel as well. Finally, like the Abrams, it is too heavy for use in many situations. This would not be so much of an issue accept that the engineers are the ones preparing the way for the Abrams force - they don't have the luxury of prepared roadways and bridges to transit.
A similar style of vehicle could be built on the M113A3 chassis that rectifies these problems as well as others. This should be a two-man vehicle with a systems operator and a vehicle commander. The commander will ride in a cupola towards the rear and operate a 30mm machine gun for screening fires, two racks that carry assorted disposable grenades for various missions, and the controls for a high-output smoke generator that will be integrated into the vehicle. The commander will also operate an extendable boom for placing bangalore torpedoes out the front of the vehicle through a trap door in the upper center of the front of the vehicle. This boom can also be accessed from the rear of the vehicle allowing engineers on foot to deploy the bangalores while covered behind the vehicle. The vehicle will use a hydro-pneumatic suspension like the M9 Armored Combat Earthmover to tilt the vehicle forward for more effective blade use.
The front blade should consist of five sections. The center piece will be a pivot covered by a sharpened blade for cutting through tree roots and wire. This piece will ride on a boom at a fixed distance from the vehicle body that can be raised and lowered as needed. The midsections attach to the center piece and ride on extendable booms. When retracted (for cutting and mine clearing) the blade will form a "V" that is track width while extending the boom allows for greater than track width and a straight blade. Fold out sections can be added to the blade for greater than track width in the "V" arrangement or for extending the discharge area for grading operations. Blade sections are interchangeable between normal blade and mine-clearing rakes. Vehicle should have a storage space on the vehicle for spare or alternative blade sections. Adjusting the tilt of the blade is performed by adjustments in the hydro-pneumatic suspension.
On a pivot mounted toward the front of the vehicle will be a modest size backhoe that will also function as a mini-crane for lifting certain items like vehicle powerpacks as well as spare front blade sections. When stowed, this will extend along the right side of the vehicle but it can be deployed to clear earth or debris from in front of the blade or it can be used to dig holes alongside of the vehicle. It would also be possible to exchange the shovel of the backhoe with other types of devices if a need arose such as a hydraulic saw or a jackhammer.
As mentioned previously, the vehicle should incorporate a dedicated smoke generator to provide concealment to the engineering operations. Vehicle smoke generators are okay for some roles, but a dedicated concealment system needs to be amongst the first vehicles heading into combat when that role is necessary. The Cub should also be equipped to tow the MICLIC trailer. For amphibious capabilities, the Cub should have fold-out sides that include an inflatable bladder to support the vehicle in the water and waterjets for power. All of the systems included in the Cub need to be able to survive air drop operations as well.
The M9 ACE
The existing ACE is a fairly good concept although it needs a couple of items to really fill out the roles it is intended to fill. The ACE needs to include a vehicle commander in a cupola with the same equipment as in the Cub (GMG and disposable grenade racks). Instead of the bangalore torpedo system, the ACE should be outfitted with a 155mm heavy mortar in an assault gun configuration. The system should be a dual-feed gun with a computer-controlled fire control and propellant system it maximize accuracy. Each magazine should hold eight rounds allowing for a mix of FAE and demolition rounds or a larger quantity of either. The magazines should be accessible from the outside rear of the vehicle. And as with the Cub, the ACE should be equipped for towing and firing the MICLIC.
The ACE also needs to be made amphibious again. While it was initially equipped for this function, the Army dropped amphibious operations for the vehicle from its operational requirements. This requirement needs to be returned and the ACE should be equipped with the same inflatable bladder system used on the Cub.
The Engineer Squad Vehicle
There will always be roles within the engineering mission that require men on the ground performing tasks. An ideal vehicle is already available to support these folks in the form of a stretched M113A3 that is purpose-built for supporting engineer squads. This vehicle can transport and support a full squad with ample room remaining for additional gear and supplies. The vehicle is also equipped to tow MICLIC trailers.
The ESV can carry additional stores for use in conjunction with the Cub and ACE as well. For example, the ESV includes storage specifically for bangalore torpedo sections that can be moved forward and deployed using the Cub as cover. The ESV can also carry additional 155mm rounds for engineering purposes to be used on the ACE. The vehicle is already available and air-droppable; add the inflatable side bladders and it will be fully amphibious as well to move forward with the Cub and ACE.
Bridging and Road Systems
Once an area has been breached or cleared, oftentimes roads or bridges need to be assembled to allow for other vehicles to pass the area. Here, we need to design systems compatible with the Tracked Support Vehicle. Using an amphibious TSV, we can move floating bridge sections into position while engineers ride on the bladders to fasten the sections together without using boats. And since the bed of the TSV is 8' by 12', we simply build the sections to be 8' long and 12' wide to offer ample room for vehicle travel. There should be plenty of room to add a second section on a hinge and simply unfold the section during deployment.
I've often wondered if a road mat section could be developed like those floor mats you see made from strips of cut-up old tires. These mats are durable but also flexible, allowing for a considerable length of the mat to be rolled up. Make the roll slightly narrower than 12' and it could be placed on a bar on the back of a TSV. When you're ready to lay the mat, turn the bar 90 degrees and unroll the mat into place. Replace the Cub's blade sections with rollers and you can compress the mat and ground quite nicely.
A modest strength, rapidly deployable bridge could be made by placing a fold out bridge on a TSV pallet. The bridge would sit on a turntable on the pallet with two fold-out sections and attachable legs. It could be deployed from the vehicle or the TSV could simply dismount the pallet for a semi-permanent install. A single pallet could form an 8' by 20' bridge with additional pallets added for longer or wider arrangements.
References
http://www.oocities.org/lightmechsappers
http://www.oocities.org/armysappersforward/sappertanks.htm
http://www.edwardwillett.com/Columns/hobartfunnies.htm
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/docs/960400-esv.htm
http://www.uniteddefense.com/www.m113.com/mtve.html