It seems that many weapon platforms, especialy light tanks and IFVs, tend to be limited by the C-130. They have to fit in it, in terms of both weight and size. This leads to platforms like the Stryker, and also the upcoming FCS. Both platforms have been severly compromised due to this restriction. Why don't we built a bigger Hercules? A payload limit of 37 tonnes sounds like a weight in which armour vehicle designers would have more to work with, as compared to 19 tonnes. What am I talking about? The A400M. Sure, its in another class, but heck, as long as the job gets done...I like the sound of a sub-40 tonne main battle tank already.
on 2nd thought, if a A400M can only be stuffed with 1 sub-40 tonne tank, it would be a bit operationally unwise to do that, and perhaps ultimately pointless. but that does not mean that a sub-40 tonne tank is pointless. far from it...
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