Modular armour systems would allow the vehicle to be either high speed or well defended, depending on role. This means the Tankita would either be faster and more nimble than the Stormer, or can carry more armour with the same performance. The IFVL has already demonstrated a 400hp engine. The Stormer 30 uses a 275hp engine, like current M113A3 variants. The true Tankita would be based on M113 parts rather than a Scorpion/Spartan chasis, so we can probably expect better amphibious performance. The Stormer 30 is nearly a Tankita, and gives a good idea what such a vehicle might look like. Being better protected they are more suited to investigating areas that might hold RPG units. Tankitas may also have a role in lighter forces equipped with LRVs or HMMWVs. Such a platoon would perform reconnaissance but also act as mobile reinforcement force. Such a platoon would contain six Tankitas and a pair of M113s carrying dismount scouts. The second role is as the main vehicle of the Tankita platoon of a Medium Mechanized Infantry Battalion or MR-type battalion patched with light tracked armour. These would be supported by M8 equipped Tank Platoons and a mortar section. A Scout platoon would be of two Tankitas and four M113 vehicles carrying dismounts. One role is to form part of the Scout platoons of a LRSG Cavalry Company/Troop. This would be a complimentary system to the M8 light tank and unlike that vehicle would be helicopter transportable. The Tankita concept was to evolve into a 76mm armed vehicle based on M113 components. The idea of a modern M113 C&R Lynx-type vehicle was to become the Terrier. The STOAT vehicle based on the Wiesel would probably be too lightly armoured to face RPG equipped forces and the manufacturers of the Wiesel seem strangely uninterested in American sales. With hindsight I realize some of the ideas that I suggested may not be viable. This is a rather long article exploring the concept of compact armoured vehicles.
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