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| AbramsX at AUSA 2022 |
General Dynamics Land Systems is giving a preview of what the next-generation Main Battle Tank (MBT) may look like and its capabilities with its Abrams-X technology demonstrator at the AUSA (Booth 800) exhibition. The future design replaces the manned turret and places the entire crew of three (reduced by one crewman) forward in the hull, made possible by incorporating an automatic loader for the XM-360 derived 120mm main gun with a ported muzzle brake.
Observation and targeting rely on two 360-degree panoramic roof-mounted sights, which include multi-sensor next-generation day, thermal, and laser ranging. The demonstrator takes advantage of digital networking and integration of platform sensors and data interlacing to offer crewmen access to panoramic situational awareness, including helmet-mounted displays.
The KATALYST Next Generation Electronic Architecture (NGEA) acts as the digital backbone of the platform and is designed as an open architecture that can more easily accept upgrades and the incorporation of new systems and technologies into the platform as they become available. It also allows the platform to act as a key node on a networked battlefield and integrate with manned and unmanned, both ground and air assets.
The tank’s lethality is upgraded with the mounting of a 30mm chain gun remote weapon station on the turret roof instead of the traditional .50 heavy machine gun. The XM914 30mm enhances the ability to engage a range of soft and light armored targets and offers both a more effective response to anti-tank teams and a counter-UAS capability using Programable Airbust ammunition.
Video: AbramsX - the Next Gen MBT
ABRAMS-X uses a modular configuration that can incorporate situational-awareness enhancements, threat-detection/warning, counter-measures, active-protection, and other sub-systems. The approach permits the application of various capabilities, including the adoption of future technologies with relative ease.
Another major change in ABRAMS-X is the adoption of a hybrid power pack that employs an advanced Cummings diesel engine as the primary power source with the addition of electric batteries in a parallel configuration. The electric supply powers the tank in low demand periods like stationary operation, in silent watch, and offers exportable power, while diesel drives the tank with electric available to augment power needs at high demand periods. The vehicle, as configured, meets current range demands with 50 percent less fuel, but the design could be altered to increase this range. The new power approach also contributes to reducing the overall tank weight, reversing a trend in MBTs that potentially impacts their suitability where transportation infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, is less developed.
According to Tim Reese, Director General Dynamics AUSA US Business Development, "Our objective in presenting our technology demonstrators is to provide the Army with a true physical hardware representation that they can see, touch, and evaluate representing capabilities that can be provided today." ABRAMS-X represents what is possible today that could be incorporated into a possible follow-on to the latest current M1A3 SEP V3 and V4 updates. With its combination of upgraded technology and enhanced situational awareness, the Abrams-X MBT has the potential to change the way modern warfare is fought.