The world of armored warfare is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging every year. The Euro Satori 2022 event, held on June 13 in Paris, saw Steinmetal present a main battle tank that is destined to be a game-changer for battlefields in the future: the KF-51 Panther. Similarly, the AUSA exhibition held on October 12, 2022, in Washington D.C saw General Dynamics Land Systems (GLDS) reveal its new generation of main battle tank, the AbramsX. Both MBTs are the latest members of their own tracked vehicle family, and in this article, we will compare the KF-51 Panther and the AbramsX.
Video: The KF-51 Panther
The KF-51 Panther pioneers a completely new MBT concept that was developed from the ground up utilizing the most current technology, setting new standards in lethality, protection, networking, reconnaissance, and mobility. The Panther is armed with a Rein-Metal Future Gun System (FGS) and optimized sensor-to-shooter links. This FGS is equipped with a 130-millimeter smoothbore gun and a fully automated ammunition handling system delivering superior firepower against all current and future mechanized targets. The FGS on the KF-51 can fire kinetic energy rounds, programmable air burst ammunition, as well as corresponding practice rounds. Furthermore, with additional armament choices such as the 12.7-millimeter coaxial machine gun and HERO 120 loitering munition, the Panther offers precise firepower for long-range strikes and against numerous targets.
Video: AbramsX
On the other hand, the AbramsX MBT is outfitted with a new XM360 120-millimeter cannon as its primary weapon. However, the XM360, like the smoothbore gun on the KF-51, was designed as FGS. It can fire new mid-range munitions, advanced multi-purpose explosives, and advanced knowledge explosives or Advanced Kinetic Energy. The cannon incorporates a Pepper Pot style muzzle break at the muzzle to help reduce recoil, while the entire gun system uses composite materials and titanium to reduce gun system weight and total vehicle weight. Besides that, the AbramsX is also fitted with a coaxial machine gun and, at the top of the turret, an XM914 30-millimeter chain gun is installed. The XM914 is outfitted with a remotely controlled gun system that allows the crew to fire from within the hull while using a thermal imaging system to aim at night and through smoke.
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| The new 130mm APFSDS beside the NATO standard 120mm APFSDS ammunition |
In terms of protection, the KF-51 Panther has an incredible integrated survivability concept. It features on and off-platform sensors combined with active reactive and passive protection, as well as a dedicated top attack protection system or TAPS. The TAPS deflects attacks from above, while the rosy smoke obscurion devices keep the KF-51 from enemy sight. In addition to the Panthers digital NATO generic vehicle architecture (NGVA), which allows it to develop extra sensors for detecting launch signatures and can be operated in a contested electromagnetic environment.
The AbramsX includes a redesigned armor package on the hull and turret for excellent protection. It also has an active protection system (APS) that can intercept anti-tank guided missiles and other modern contemporary projectiles by deploying and triggering a small warhead at a safe distance from the shielded platform to defeat the dangers using a shockwave effect. Moreover, the Abrams X's most remarkable capability is its aperture camera systems or DOS on the turret. It has several armored Electro Optical on the Tank's Hull providing the crew with 360-degree sight for a significant gain of situational awareness. The Abrams X also has radar sensors, which are pointed upward towards the rear of the tank, making the AbramsX capable of detecting and neutralizing threats from above, making it a highly effective combat vehicle in any modern battlefield.
Video: Active Protection System (APS)
Finally, it is worth mentioning that both the KF-51 Panther and the AbramsX are equipped with advanced networking capabilities that allow them to communicate and share data with other vehicles and weapon systems on the battlefield. This feature makes them part of a larger network of combat assets that can coordinate and support each other in real-time, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
In conclusion, both the KF-51 Panther and the AbramsX are highly advanced and capable main battle tanks that represent the latest technological advancements in the field. While the KF-51 Panther pioneers a completely new MBT concept and sets new standards in lethality, protection, networking, reconnaissance, and mobility, the Abrams X is designed as a concept of the latest generation MBT of the Abrams, with advanced features such as the aperture camera system, advanced silent watch, and hybrid electric drive.
Despite their differences, both tanks are designed to confront all new threats in the modern combat zone and provide superior firepower, protection, and mobility. As the world continues to evolve, it is certain that we will see even more advanced and capable tanks in the future. However, for now, the KF-51 Panther and the AbramsX are among the most advanced and capable tanks on the battlefield, and they are destined to be game-changers for many years to come.