Army announces greatest inventions of 2011

[Virus]

U.S. Army officials announced the winners of its greatest inventions competition Sept. 19. 2012.

http://www.army.mil/article/87543/



I'd say I agree with the list for the most part, 120mm APMI (if it worked properly), and the PLUMMS (I wouldn't call it highly portable, just....portable and still needs improvement), the SPCS (IF they had just used a better designed already proven system), and the M2A1....nothing to say about that it is just an awesome improvement. Other than that, an interesting list of things that have been implemented in the last year. Btw I think this is my first news post? Also I'm not sure why they classify it as "their" inventions? Unless the ideas for these improvements + inventions came from within the Army, and then to the contracting companies?

[sickdog]

I like the quick change barrel for the M2A1

[Virus]

I like the quick change barrel for the M2A1

Yes, I think that would be the main selling point for me, but also the ability to add on the muzzlebreak/flash hider that we had, I think it was B.E. Meyers that was on a couple of our M2A1's, and it was nice. Also safety, a minor bit for me but still nice addition.

[sickdog]

I hated the head space and timing exercise

[Abolith]

http://www.army.mil/article/87543/



I'd say I agree with the list for the most part, 120mm APMI (if it worked properly), and the PLUMMS (I wouldn't call it highly portable, just....portable and still needs improvement), the SPCS (IF they had just used a better designed already proven system), and the M2A1....nothing to say about that it is just an awesome improvement. Other than that, an interesting list of things that have been implemented in the last year. Btw I think this is my first news post? Also I'm not sure why they classify it as "their" inventions? Unless the ideas for these improvements + inventions came from within the Army, and then to the contracting companies?

Stuff doesn't always get developed by contractors, The army has one of the Biggest R&D programs in the world. Hell it's much bigger than the NAVY's and that is really big.

[Ratamacue]

I hated the head space and timing exercise

When I was part of a mounted unit, we trained everyone on how to do it, and it never bothered me after doing it a couple times. Was easy enough to take 10 seconds to check it every time we were rolling out. That said, it would be nice to get quick change barrels. Maybe in 20 years when the Marine Corps can find a place in its budget for them.

[sickdog]

when I was in a mounted unit we used M85's until we got the M1's that had M2's. The M85's had quick change barrels so we hand to take a step back in evolution to setting head space and timing. there have actually be kits to convert the M2 to quick change since the mid 80's, I don't know why it has taken so long

[HK in AK]

I hated the head space and timing exercise

Beat me to it........Love the idea of fixed head space....

[flanker7]

I like the quick change barrel for the M2A1

Rest of the world's armies had this for years though

[23EightySix]

I was expecting a new, super uber PT belt.

[KEEPER0311]

When I was part of a mounted unit, we trained everyone on how to do it, and it never bothered me after doing it a couple times. Was easy enough to take 10 seconds to check it every time we were rolling out. That said, it would be nice to get quick change barrels. Maybe in 20 years when the Marine Corps can find a place in its budget for them.

We'll just have to snatch some of the .50's from the Army. My obligatory inter-service mudslinging being said. That's a pretty sweet addition to that beastly lady.

[Virus]

I was expecting a new, super uber PT belt.

This is actually still under development imho, full reflective uniforms for the future. I'm surprised they mention the 120mm PGM round, yet don't mention the 81mm PUMA that is also in development. Albeit not as far and has not been tested in Afghanistan to my knowledge.