The American M1A2 Abrams main battle tank has always been considered the gold standard. It’s got twisted steel and a lot of appeal. But now a new model has been unveiled that might take on existing Abrams variants. The concept Abrams X has emerged from General Dynamics Land Systems and will be one of the main attractions of the exhibition of the Association of the United States Army which will take place the week of October 10.
Abrams X: Wait till you see it
You can see the Abrams X tech demonstrator in the video above. It is painted in a grayish or matt silver color. The first thing that will catch your eye is the remote controlled 30mm chain gun that protrudes from the turret. The turret itself will be unmanned, requiring a smaller crew of three instead of four on board.
Less weight and less fuel requirement
The tank is lighter to improve speed and maneuverability. Improvements to the chassis and diesel-hybrid electric powertrain require 50 per cent less fuel than the current M1A2 gas turbine engine. The main gun is shown in the video and appears to be powerful. The fire control system may feature novel use of artificial intelligence and electro-optical sights.
New platform following decades of Abrams service
In a press release from General Dynamics it is said that the tank might have some silent mobility elements. The defense contractor claimed that the Abrams X will have better manned/unmanned teaming and survivability. The Abrams X is the next generation tank following the updated SEPv3 and SEPv4 models. The original variant of the Abrams reached the troops in 1981, so the Abrams X has been a long time coming.
modern electronic architecture
The Abrams X will allow for easier software and hardware upgrades thanks to its new generation KATALYST electronic architecture. This system is planned to be used on other NATO armored vehicles. KATALYST offers better sensors, computing power, ethernet and data exchange. KATALYST is able to “grow” with new technologies as they are developed in the years to come, as advances can be more easily added to the Abrams X. Sensors located at the front of the tank hull can be used for video transmission 360 degree. This will increase situational awareness.
It is not clear how much this new tank will cost, but it is certain that the Abrams X might be more expensive. But it’s time to do something new following decades of updating the same platform.
Keep the tank in mind
With the war in Ukraine, in which Russian tanks have been fighting anti-tank missiles, some military analysts are wondering if tank warfare is obsolete. One aspect of the Russian armor problem is that Vladimir Putin’s forces do not have enough dismounted infantry to support their tanks. These soldiers can search for enemy anti-tank missile launchers following they are fired to protect the missiles from following tanks. US Army doctrine provides for adequate dismounted infantry to be included in a tank battle.
A complement to other armored vehicles
Therefore, the Abrams X will be an important addition to add firepower to the Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, a light tank is on the way to complement the Abrams X. The Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower concept ensures that this light tank will have additional armor panels and protection once morest anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices. Ammo racks will be heavily guarded to ensure crew survivability, so that anti-tank missiles do not come into contact with tank ammunition, something Russian tanks have suffered from.
The Abrams X has a bright future
The Abrams X program is exciting and should give a boost to supporters of US armored warfare who still believe the main battle tank is relevant. Reducing fuel consumption is the key. The main gun should be even more accurate. Since the US military is struggling to recruit new soldiers, downsizing the crew will save on manpower needs. Situational awareness and survivability will improve. The lower weight will make it easier to transport to the front. The Abrams X will deliver a more lethal force and will one day become the standout system in the Army’s quest to maintain battlefield dominance.
