The M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System is an advanced and versatile armored vehicle designed to support infantry and tank units in modern combat operations. Equipped with a 105mm cannon, it provides significant firepower on the battlefield. In this article, we will delve into the M1128 Stryker, examining its capabilities, design, and performance in detail.

It is a heavily armored vehicle that can withstand heavy enemy fire. It is equipped with advanced armor plating, making it highly resistant to small arms fire, shrapnel, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Furthermore, the vehicle features a state-of-the-art fire control system, enabling it to accurately engage enemy targets at long range.

U.S. soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, drive an M1128 Stryker mobile gun system during training, April 27, 2012, at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafenwoehr, Germany. (Photo by Markus Rauchenberger)
U.S. soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, drive an M1128 Stryker mobile gun system during training, April 27, 2012, at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Grafenwoehr, Germany. (Photo by Markus Rauchenberger)

The M1128 Stryker’s centerpiece armament is its 105mm cannon. This powerful weapon can fire a variety of rounds, including high-explosive and armor-piercing shells. The cannon is operated by a highly trained gunner with access to advanced targeting systems, such as thermal imaging and laser rangefinding. This allows the M1128 Stryker to accurately engage enemy targets, even in the most challenging combat environments.

The M1128 Stryker is built on a proven chassis that provides high mobility and stability on the battlefield. It is equipped with a powerful diesel engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour on roadways and 40 miles per hour off-road. The M1128 Stryker is also highly maneuverable, allowing it to quickly respond to changing battlefield conditions.

In terms of performance, the M1128 Stryker has proven to be a highly effective combat vehicle. It has been used in various operations, including peacekeeping missions and counterinsurgency operations, consistently demonstrating its ability to provide decisive firepower in support of ground troops. The vehicle’s advanced armor and fire control systems have effectively protected both the crew and the vehicle, even in the most hostile combat environments.

The M1128 Stryker requires regular maintenance and support to remain in top operating condition. This includes routine inspections, maintenance, and repair or replacement of parts as necessary. The manufacturer provides extensive support and training for the M1128 Stryker, including technical manuals, spare parts, and training courses for operators and maintenance personnel.

Spc. Mason Yukiwo of Predator Troop, LongKnife Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment loads a high-explosive anti-tank round into the M1128 Mobile Gun System during gunnery at Fort Hood, Texas.
Spc. Mason Yukiwo of Predator Troop, LongKnife Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment loads a high-explosive anti-tank round into the M1128 Mobile Gun System during gunnery at Fort Hood, Texas/Dvids

Apart from the support provided by the manufacturer, the M1128 Stryker also benefits from a highly active user community that offers additional resources and assistance to vehicle owners. This community provides a plethora of information on the best practices for operating and maintaining the M1128 Stryker. It also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with other users.

The Advantages of the M1128 Stryker over other Armored Vehicles

The M1128 Stryker offers several distinct advantages over other armored vehicles, making it a highly sought-after option for military and law enforcement organizations. Some of the key advantages of the M1128 Stryker include:

  1. Advanced Armor Protection; The M1128 Stryker features advanced armor protection, including advanced composite materials and innovative design features, to ensure that the crew and the vehicle are protected from enemy fire. This armor protection provides a high level of safety and security, even in the most hostile combat environments.
  2. High Mobility and Stability; The M1128 Stryker is designed for high mobility and stability, allowing it to quickly and easily maneuver in tight spaces and on challenging terrain. This mobility and stability make it an ideal vehicle for a wide range of military and law enforcement operations, from peacekeeping missions to full-scale combat operations.
  3. Proven Performance on the Battlefield; The M1128 Stryker has a proven track record of success on the battlefield, having been used in a variety of operations around the world. This proven performance demonstrates the vehicle’s ability to provide decisive firepower and support to ground troops, even in the most challenging environments.
  4. User-Friendly Design; The M1128 Stryker is designed with the operator in mind, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface that make it easy to operate and maintain. This user-friendly design allows even novice operators to quickly get up to speed and start using the vehicle effectively.
An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier with 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, fires a .50-caliber M2 machine gun mounted on an M1128 Stryker armored fighting vehicle during annual training (AT), July 25, 2018, at Orchard Combat Training Center near Boise, Idaho. (Oregon Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier with 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, fires a .50-caliber M2 machine gun mounted on an M1128 Stryker armored fighting vehicle during annual training (AT), July 25, 2018, at Orchard Combat Training Center near Boise, Idaho. (Oregon Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Potential Applications for the M1128 Stryker

The M1128 Stryker has a wide range of potential applications, making it a versatile and highly sought-after vehicle for military and law enforcement organizations. Some of the key applications for the M1128 Stryker include:

  • Peacekeeping Missions; The M1128 Stryker is an ideal vehicle for peacekeeping missions, where its high mobility and stability make it ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces and on challenging terrain. Its advanced armor protection also provides a high level of safety and security for the crew, even in the most volatile environments.
  • Combat Operations; The M1128 Stryker’s proven performance on the battlefield makes it an ideal vehicle for combat operations. Its powerful 105mm cannon and advanced fire control systems allow it to quickly engage enemy targets at long range, while its advanced armor protection ensures that the crew and the vehicle are protected from enemy fire.
  • Law Enforcement Operations; The M1128 Stryker is also well-suited for law enforcement operations, where its high mobility and stability make it ideal for pursuit and containment operations. Its advanced armor protection also provides a high level of safety and security for law enforcement personnel, even in high-risk situations.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) send a round down range firing a M1128 Mobile Gun System during a live fire exercise as part of Exercise "Dragoon Ready" at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 17, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger)
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) send a round down range firing a M1128 Mobile Gun System during a live fire exercise as part of Exercise “Dragoon Ready” at the 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 17, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger)

M1128 Stryker Technical Specs

The M1128 Stryker is a highly advanced armored vehicle that features a range of advanced technical specs and capabilities. Some of the key technical specs of the M1128 Stryker include:

Engine

The M1128 Stryker is powered by a 8.3-liter Caterpillar diesel engine that delivers up to 400 horsepower. This powerful engine provides the vehicle with exceptional acceleration and speed, even on challenging terrain.

Suspension System

The M1128 Stryker features an advanced suspension system that provides high mobility and stability on a wide range of terrains. The suspension system is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride for the crew, even in the most challenging environments.

Fire Control Systems

The M1128 Stryker is equipped with advanced fire control systems that provide rapid and accurate targeting information to the crew. These systems allow the vehicle to quickly engage enemy targets at long range, providing decisive firepower and support to ground troops.

Communication Systems

The M1128 Stryker is equipped with advanced communication systems that provide secure and reliable communication between the crew and other units in the field. These communication systems ensure that the crew is always able to communicate effectively, even in the most challenging environments.

Armament

The M1128 Stryker is armed with a powerful 105mm cannon that provides effective firepower against a wide range of targets. The vehicle is also equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a .50 caliber machine gun, providing the crew with additional firepower as needed.

U.S. Army soldiers of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment perform maintenance checks on an M1128 Stryker armored vehicle during a decisive action training environment exercise, Saber Junction 2012, in Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 13, 2012.
U.S. Army soldiers of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment perform maintenance checks on an M1128 Stryker armored vehicle during a decisive action training environment exercise, Saber Junction 2012, in Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 13, 2012.

Retirement

The M1128 Stryker was a highly valued armored vehicle that served the military with distinction for many years. However, after years of service, the M1128 Stryker was retired in 2022. The retirement of this iconic vehicle marked the end of an era for the military, but it also opened the door for the next generation of armored vehicles to take its place.

The M1128 Stryker was well known for its advanced features, cutting-edge technology, and versatile armament, which made it an ideal choice for a wide range of military operations and missions. Despite its retirement, its legacy remains, as the M1128 Stryker will always be remembered as a pioneering armored vehicle that served its country well and paved the way for future generations of military vehicles.

The retirement of the M1128 Stryker in 2022 was the result of a comprehensive review and evaluation of the military’s armored vehicle fleet. This review assessed the performance, capability, and cost-effectiveness of each vehicle, and determined which vehicles were best suited to meet the needs of the military in the future. The retirement of the M1128 Stryker was a necessary step in ensuring that the military has the best possible armored vehicle fleet to meet its needs in the years to come.

Conclusion

The M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System is a highly advanced and versatile armored vehicle, designed to provide decisive firepower on the modern battlefield. With its powerful 105mm cannon, advanced armor, and state-of-the-art fire control systems, the M1128 Stryker is an essential asset for any military force that requires the ability to quickly respond to changing conditions and engage enemy targets at long range. Whether operating in peacekeeping missions or in combat operations, the M1128 Stryker is a reliable and effective combat vehicle that is sure to provide its crew with the protection and firepower they need to succeed.

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