Will Mechs REPLACE Tanks?

Why Doesn't Our Military Build Mechs?

Introduction to Mechs

• The speaker reflects on the game Titanfall 2, where mechs are depicted as powerful machines, prompting curiosity about their absence in real military applications.

• Describes mechs as towering humanoid war machines that overpower tanks and instill fear in enemies due to their size and capabilities.

Characteristics of MechWarriors

• Defines mechwarriors through various fictional representations, including exoskeletons from "Alien" and Jaegers from "Pacific Rim," emphasizing their humanoid form, armor, weaponry, and human pilots.

• Argues that while humans are biological machines excelling in combat due to intelligence, the question remains whether the human form is optimal for warfare.

Advantages of Human Form

• Highlights that humans are slower than many animals but possess unique advantages such as bipedalism which allows manipulation of tools and weapons effectively.

• Suggests that a mech could replicate human dexterity by using hands and opposable thumbs to adapt its weaponry based on battlefield needs.

Versatility in Combat

• Discusses how mechs could quickly switch weapons without needing specialized vehicles or artillery, enhancing adaptability during combat scenarios.

• Explains tactical advantages like using additional armor for protection while advancing through enemy lines before discarding it for mobility.

Construction Capabilities

• Proposes that mechs could also assist in building fortifications similar to soldiers creating trenches when not engaged in combat.

• Emphasizes the ability of mechs to navigate diverse terrains—climbing cliffs or maneuvering through jungles—offering strategic advantages over traditional tanks.

Tactical Maneuverability

• Notes how a mech's height can facilitate troop transport and provide elevated positions for better visibility against enemies.

• Mentions the 'peek-a-boom' tactic where a mech can engage enemies while minimizing exposure by utilizing cover effectively.

Psychological Warfare

• Discusses how the intimidating presence of a giant humanoid mech could demoralize enemy troops similarly to historical examples like the King Tiger tank during WWII.

• Concludes with observations on energy efficiency related to bipedal movement compared to wheeled vehicles but hints at challenges ahead regarding practical implementation.

The Viability of Mechs in Modern Warfare

Limitations of Mechs Compared to Traditional Military Vehicles

• Large, slow, heavy ground-based machines like mechs are less viable in modern warfare due to the fast-paced nature and global reach of combat, where air power is dominant.

• Investing in a mech is less strategic than allocating resources towards tanks, planes, or naval power; the complexity and maintenance needs of mechs further diminish their practicality.

• A mech's design makes it more vulnerable; if one joint fails, it can become unstable and ineffective compared to a tank that remains operational even with damage.

• Tanks have fewer weak points due to their armored design, while mechs expose critical joints and components that can be easily targeted and damaged.

• The flat surfaces on a mech reduce effective armor thickness and increase vulnerability; achieving comparable armor protection would require excessive weight.

Structural Challenges of Mech Design

• The square-cube law indicates that as size increases, volume grows faster than surface area, making larger mechs structurally unsound without significant redesign for support.

• Scaling up a human-sized mech leads to disproportionate increases in weight versus strength; larger mechs would be weaker relative to their mass.

• Increased size results in greater ground pressure on soft terrain, leading to instability issues for mechs compared to tanks which distribute weight more effectively.

• Mobility decreases with size; larger mechs face challenges such as reduced energy efficiency and slower movement capabilities due to increased weight.

• Ground pressure impacts stability; walking on soft ground becomes problematic for large mechs similar to how snowshoes help distribute weight.

Tactical Disadvantages of Mech Combat

• Standing mechs present large targets with high centers of gravity, making them less stable than low-profile tanks during combat situations.

• Firing from an elevated position introduces recoil management issues; tanks benefit from lower centers of gravity allowing better control during firing sequences.

• Cost-effectiveness favors multiple cheaper tanks over a single expensive mech since several tanks can deliver more firepower collectively than one mech can manage alone.

• High centers of gravity make mechs susceptible to being knocked over by enemy fire or landmines compared to sturdier tank designs.

Mech Pilot Dynamics and Challenges

The Role of the Crew in Mechs

• The design of mechs limits crew placement primarily to the torso, complicating operations as a single pilot must manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Unlike tanks, which require separate operators for driving and firing due to their complexity, mechs could theoretically operate with one pilot if human movements are effectively translated into mech actions.

Human-Machine Interaction

• Effective control of mech limbs requires realistic feedback; without it, pilots risk damaging unintended targets.

• Recent advancements in robotics demonstrate that direct brain connections can provide two-way feedback, mimicking natural sensations of touch and pressure.

Advanced Sensory Capabilities

• Robotic hands could potentially offer superior sensory detection compared to humans, including heat and texture recognition.

• Enhanced proprioception sensors would allow mechs to handle delicate objects while also exerting force against tougher targets.

Aiming and Firing Mechanisms

• Helmet-mounted targeting systems could streamline aiming processes for pilots by allowing them to target simply by looking at an object.

• Technologies like Battle View 360 are being tested for military applications, enhancing situational awareness through external sensor integration.

Ammunition Reloading Challenges

• Reloading mechanisms in mechs present unique challenges; manual reloading is impractical due to arm positioning while autoloaders introduce reliability concerns.

Mobility vs. Efficiency

• Bipedal mechs face energy efficiency issues compared to wheeled vehicles; lifting heavy legs incurs significant fuel costs.

• While bipedal movement allows access to varied terrains, it compromises speed and stability compared to tracked vehicles.

Comfort and Operational Viability

• The physical discomfort experienced by mech pilots during high-speed maneuvers raises questions about long-duration missions compared to tank crews' experiences.

• Ensuring crew functionality upon arrival at battlefields is critical; complex designs may hinder production speed and operational readiness.

Military Applications of Mechs: A Critical Analysis

The Importance of Speed in Military Acquisition

• "One of the things that makes acquisition go faster is by picking things that don’t require as much design." This highlights the priority on speed over innovation in military procurement.

• The speaker emphasizes, “I’m not interested in developing, I’m interested in delivering,” indicating a focus on operational readiness rather than advanced technology.

• Delivering cost-effective options is prioritized over extensive research and development, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Logistical Challenges of Mech Production

• The complexity of producing mechs increases due to the variety of components needed, requiring multiple types of factories and raising logistical challenges.

• Historical context is provided with WWII examples where specific factories became targets; similar vulnerabilities could exist for mech production facilities.

Vulnerabilities and Practicality Concerns

• Transporting mechs poses significant challenges due to their size and weight, necessitating specialized vehicles for movement.

• The discussion includes practical issues such as towing difficulties; unlike tanks, mechs lack mobility when disabled, complicating recovery efforts.

• Acknowledgment that even powerful machines like mechs have vulnerabilities; for instance, an AT-AT was taken down by simple tow cables. This suggests that despite their appeal, mechs may not be a viable military option.

Alternative Solutions

• The speaker proposes considering smaller power suits or exo-suits as potential alternatives to traditional mech designs for military applications.