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The M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System (MGS) was designed to provide direct fire support for infantry units. The MGS is one of 10 variants of the Stryker series of wheeled armored vehicles. The M1128 was specially designed for low-intensity combats and takes some of the main battle tank roles. Deliveries of first pre-production vehicles commenced in 2002 and vehicle entered service with the US Army in 2007. Eventually it turned out that this fire support vehicle had a number of shortcomings. It was procured in relatively small numbers. In 2013 there were 27 of these fire support vehicle per Stryker brigade.
The M1128 Mobile Gun System is fitted with a General Dynamics Land Systems (formerly Teledyne Vehicle Systems) Low-Profile Turret. The same turret was previously used on the Expeditionary Tank. This fire support vehicle is armed with a M68A1E4 105 mm rifled tank gun. It is a modified version of the tank gun, used on the M1 Abrams and M60 series main battle tanks. This gun is fitted with an autoloader. Original autoloader had jamming problems, so in 2005 it was redesigned. The gun is fully-stabilized, so the vehicle can fire accurately while on the move. The Mobile Gun System fires high-explosive, anti-tank and canister rounds. Despite its anti-tank capability the Stryker MGS is intended to support infantry rather than to fight tanks. Its 105 mm gun poses little threat to modern main battle tanks, unless the tank is attacked from the flanks or rear. Only 18 rounds for the main gun are carried by the vehicle. Overall there are a number of problems with this vehicle, that are mainly related to its turret.
Secondary armament consists of 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns.
Armor of the Mobile Gun System protects against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Interior is lined with Kevlar spall liner. Vehicle can be fitted with add-on composite armor, which provides protection against 14.5 mm rounds, and add-on slat armor which protects against RPG rockets. The MGS is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
This fire support vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
The M1128 MGS uses a Stryker 8x8 armored personnel carrier chassis. Vehicle is powered by Caterpillar 3126 diesel engine, developing 350 horsepower. Engine and transmission of the MGS can be removed and reinstalled in less than an hour. Vehicle is not amphibious. The M1128 can be airlifted by C-130 Hercules and larger military transport aircraft. The M1128 MGS rolls out from the C-130 aircraft in combat-ready status.
