The Army may still have to determine the specifics of some of its future vehicles. The concrete plan for the “heavy armored” tank type and the emerging concept for its “Optionally Manned Tank” program is still in development. However, there seems to be a consensus that the Abrams tank will not likely go away anytime soon… at least not in the next few years.
In recent years, the Abrams have received so many paradigm-shifting upgrades that the platform is essentially an entirely new weapons system compared to what was created years ago.
The current v3 Abrams and the fledgling v4 variant are equipped with a new generation of Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) thermal sights, ammunition data links, onboard computing, networking, and electricity generation, along with the ability to operate systems drones and shoot new highly efficient advanced multipurpose ammunition.
This v3 and v4 Abrams complement each other, so to speak, with the Army’s “Optionally Manned Tank” program.” (Optionally Manned Tank), a development effort that is now exploring future tank concepts or “tank-like” platforms and is expected to enter a new phase this year, senior Army weapons development officials have stated.
The Abrams X arrives.
Manned-unmanned teaming, bolstered by autonomy and AI-based computing and networking, are likely core concepts being woven into the thinking for the Army’s OMT and its updated Abrams, as they likely will work in tandem with each other as part of the new Combined Arms Maneuver applications.
These are probably why General Dynamics Land Systems has just introduced its new variant of the Abrams X main battle tank, a new main battle tank built with another generation of improvements.
GDLS presented its Abrams X last fall at the Association of the United States Army’s 2022 Annual Symposium as a bid or vehicle to be considered by the Army.
How could the Abrams X take advantage of innovations in armored vehicles and tanks?
The developers of the GDLS have explained several key elements to it, such as an unmanned turret, the ability to launch drones, fire course correction munitions, operate 360-degree thermal emplacements, command and control capability with evolving AI, and new features—generations of sensor data processing and integration.
The Abrams X is a 60-ton vehicle designed to be slightly faster, more mobile, and more expeditionary than the current Abrams., something that could vastly improve your ability to cross bridges, enter strategically vital corridors, and perhaps keep up with maneuvering infantry and lighter-moving vehicles.
The lighter weight offer also appears to respond to ongoing Army concerns about the weight of the Abrams tank, referring to the extent that its 70-ton weight could somewhat limit the platform’s mobility and deployability.
Although the 70-ton Abrams tanks still look extremely relevant and critical, a 60-ton Abrams like the “X” would introduce some key advantages to next-generation combat formations.
How was it possible to reduce weight by 60 tonnes without reducing the protection and survival capabilities that are crucial to the Abrams tank?
All the details may not be known for proprietary or security reasons. Still, the developers of the GDLS talk about their emphasis on “innovation,” that is, efforts to carry out state-of-the-art research and studies to discover new impact technologies and areas of “revolutionary” or “disruptive” discoveries.
Perhaps it is about lighter composite materials already being integrated into several key strength points.
Perhaps the sensors have higher resolution, range, and accuracy than the Abrams v4?
Perhaps most of all, the Abrams X is being designed with the ability to launch and operate moving “attack” drones in combat, something that naturally greatly expands the lethality, advanced surveillance, and identification and data distribution of networked, multi-domain, and AI-enabled targets.
The Abrams X is also hybrid-electric, expanding the operational capability in several ways. By increasing fuel efficiency, a hybrid-electric propulsion system reduces the need for a heavy logistics wake carrying huge amounts of fuel, which can slow the advance of forces and put logistics forces at risk of attack and, most vulnerable, sustaining.
In addition, the ability to control unmanned systems satisfies an operational requirement of interest or emerging anticipated by the Army: designing a robotic “ammunition” transport platform capable of delivering supplies, ammunition, and fuel to high-risk forward locations without placing endangered crews.
Hybrid electric propulsion also enables “silent surveillance,” meaning the vehicles can operate forward without emitting a thermal or acoustic signal that could give away their position to the enemy. Essentially, silent monitoring allows sensors and electronics to work without generating an acoustic or thermal signature from a motor.
Moreover, General Dynamics Land Systems is collaborating with third parties to develop a “hemispherical” Active Protection System for the tank, which will be able to detect, track, intercept, and destroy incoming RPGs and anti-tank guided missiles.
A sensor, computer processor, and fire control system make up an APS system, and together they detect an incoming projectile and send into action an “interceptor” designed to intercept and destroy it. Remarkably, the GDLS APS can deflect anti-armor fire coming from above the tank.
Although the hemispherical APS has always been a permanent target for armored vehicles, the events in Ukraine undoubtedly influenced or informed the APS of the GDLS.
The GDLS developers claim that all of these innovations are taking place largely through the use of an IP protocol they call “Katalyst,” a technical setup designed to use open standards that allow or accommodate the incorporation and integration of new technologies as they emerge.
With “Katalyst,” GDLS and Army developers can use software upgrades to improve detection resolutions, target accuracy, and onboard command and control systems. ”Katalyst can also support ”interfaces” using common and interoperable standards to support information exchange within the vehicle and between other actors across multiple domains.
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