Russian invasion of Ukraine discussion

[Averageman]

They're really giving those howitzers a workout:
Swapping out a howitzer’s barrel, which can be 20 feet long and weigh thousands of pounds, is beyond the capability of soldiers in the field and has become a priority for the Pentagon’s European Command, which has set up a repair facility in Poland."
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Prople don't like to do it in the field, but I have changed barrels in the field with a wrecker and two other guys to help.
I was changing tank barrels and inspecting them for a while. It's not that difficult, just watch your fingers.
The tricky part is the recoil systems.

[mack7.62]

I think the problem is how many spare barrels are available, pretty sure this has been a wake up call for many countries about what is really needed for sustained combat in the 21'st century. That extended range artillery is nice but it's going to wear out tubes faster.

[tn1911]

Why have so many Russian aircraft crashed since September?

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-723490

At least six Russian military aircraft have crashed since September due to what appear to be internal malfunctions.
There could be any number of reasons that these malfunctions occurred in Russian Air Force fighter planes, but taking a look at the recent high-profile crashes and the Russian military's history of crashes could shed some light on the matter.
The fact that this is also happening amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War could provide further insight into the workings of the Russian air force.

[Pacific5th]

I think the problem is how many spare barrels are available, pretty sure this has been a wake up call for many countries about what is really needed for sustained combat in the 21'st century. That extended range artillery is nice but it's going to wear out tubes faster.

Shouldn’t be that much of a wake up call. We burnt out some gun tubes in 03. 11th Marines shot so much Arty (all M198 155mm towed jobs) that they did change some gun tubes or replace the whole
Cannon. According to things I have read we were credited with 60% of the “target”
Kills from Kuwait to Baghdad. I do know for sure at several points 1rst Mar Div’s supply lines were carrying 90% shells and powder bags. One of the reasons I’m disappointed the Marines have given up so much 155mm Arty over the last few years.

[chuckman]

If you (royal "you") don't read it I suggest reading the Institute for the Study of War, which gives daily updates in an almost intel briefing kind of way:

https://www.understandingwar.org/bac...nt-november-27

[Averageman]

I think the problem is how many spare barrels are available, pretty sure this has been a wake up call for many countries about what is really needed for sustained combat in the 21'st century. That extended range artillery is nice but it's going to wear out tubes faster.

This is much more likely.
Also, I would imagine if you went in to the arsenal where the barrels for Tanks and Arty are being made the average age would be 50.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

If you (royal "you") don't read it I suggest reading the Institute for the Study of War, which gives daily updates in an almost intel briefing kind of way:

https://www.understandingwar.org/bac...nt-november-27

Great source, love the overhead imagery and explanation.

[1168]

Why have so many Russian aircraft crashed since September?

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-723490

Well, for starters, their pilot sustainment training is totally inadequate, and has been for many years, in part because they can’t or won’t afford the maintenance that flight hours bring. Its been this way for at least 30 years, which probably causes a lack of good instructors, as well, and impacts initial and improvement training.

[chuckman]

Well, for starters, their pilot sustainment training is totally inadequate, and has been for many years, in part because they can’t or won’t afford the maintenance that flight hours bring. Its been this way for at least 30 years, which probably causes a lack of good instructors, as well, and impacts initial and improvement training.

That plus old avionics plus airframe fatigue plus lack of PM....

It doesn't take an intel specialist to deduce the "why's" of the crappy state of aviation fleet.

[C-grunt]

My partner at work is a retired F15 crew chief from the Air Force. He said that years back they had a few Russian jets land at the airfield they were at. I cant remember where he was at the time. He said just from a quick glance walking by he could see the planes were in very poor shape and had obvious patch work and rigging going on.