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You've seen it tear across the screen in Fast and Furious 8, a blur of speed and power. The Ripsaw, a vehicle that seems ripped straight from a futuristic battlefield, has captured imaginations with its incredible capabilities. But could this be the future of military tanks, or is it destined to remain a Hollywood star?
The Ripsaw is undeniably impressive. Imagine a tank, but smaller, nimbler, and much faster. It can hit a blistering 60 mph, climb inclines that would make a mountain goat think twice, and navigate terrain that would leave most vehicles hopelessly stuck.
The US Army saw this potential back in 2010, intrigued by the Ripsaw's speed and agility in a world where conflicts were increasingly focused on urban warfare and rapid response. Could this be the answer to countering evolving threats from countries like China and Russia?
However, after years of testing, the Ripsaw still hasn't found a permanent home in the US Army's arsenal. Why? Well, like a Hollywood action hero, the Ripsaw has some flaws hidden beneath its flashy exterior.
One major issue is its size. The Ripsaw is designed for a crew of two, making it less versatile than larger tanks. While it can be remotely controlled, the US military is wary of relying too heavily on unmanned vehicles, especially given the vulnerability of current technology to electronic warfare.
Then there's the armor, or rather, the lack thereof. The Ripsaw offers virtually no protection for its crew. While it can be equipped with weapons like the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, it's simply no match for the firepower of a modern tank. Facing off against a Russian Sprut, for example, would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
The US Army has explored various roles for the Ripsaw, from a tank killer to a battlefield ambulance. But its lack of protection and limited capacity make it a risky choice in a firefight and impractical for medical evacuation.
So, is the Ripsaw destined to be just a pretty face? For now, it seems that way. While its speed and agility are impressive, the lack of armor and firepower make it a liability in a real combat situation.
Perhaps, with advancements in technology, the Ripsaw's weaknesses can be addressed. Until then, it will likely remain a fascinating what-if, a glimpse of a possible future for military vehicles, but one that's not quite ready for the real world. Just like in the movies, sometimes the most exciting vehicles are better suited for the screen than the battlefield.
"The Ripsaw has yet to be formally rejected by the US military, but it has also failed to find a place in its inventory." - The Infographics Show
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