M1 Abrams-X MBT
On 08 October 2022, General Dynamics Land Systems of the United States released a video of its next-generation tank "Abrams X" (Abrams X) technology demonstration vehicle. The General Dynamics Abrams X MBT is a long awaited experimental replacement prototype for the M1A2 MBT shown to the public in 2022, It is known for having half the fuel consumption of the M1A2 and having a diesel-electric engine system instead of a turbine engine. The Abrams X technology demonstrator is 10 tons lighter than the serial versions of the tank. This will improve the maneuverability and maneuverability of the machine. Abrams X also received an uninhabited turret. Abrams X is equipped with an automatic loader, so there will be one less crew member on board. The hybrid power plant Abrams X will reduce fuel consumption by 50 percent.
According to the developer, the design of the tank included all the useful developments included in the Abrams updates at the moment, up to the M1A3 SEP V3 and V4 versions. In it, a crew of three (one in an abbreviated version) is located in front of the welded hull. An automatic loader was placed in the turret, which independently reloads the main 120-mm gun and ejects the spent cartridge case. For aiming, two devices on the roof are used, they have a 360-degree view and combine a day vision device, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder.
At the same time, the crew has access to modern digital equipment. With the help of computerized systems, the received external data is “stitched”, forming a complete panorama displayed on internal screens. This information is available to all crew members. According to General Dynamics Land Systems, the digital platform was created as an open system that can be changed in accordance with the current need to upgrade and add any features. At the same time, the functionality of the platform is very wide and allows constant interaction with autonomous vehicles (unmanned systems) both on the ground and in the air. In fact, this turns Abrams-X into a hub for controlling offensive and reconnaissance robotic means.
Combat and defensive systems also received a number of modifications. Instead of the standard 50 mm machine gun, an automated 30 mm cannon, controlled by an on-board system, was placed on the roof. It can fire, including specialized ammunition, both at ground targets and drones. In addition, GDLS installed a situational system for notification and detection of threats, improved active protection and other "assistants". The entire platform was made modular, so if necessary, it can be upgraded with new weapon systems.
Similar to EMBT, the RS-6 remote control weapon station on the top of the Abrams-X turret is equipped with an XM914 30mm automatic gun derived from the M230 chain cannon, using 30×113mm ammunition. As a modular platform, the RS-6 remote weapon station can also be equipped with RGM-148 "Javelin" anti-tank missiles or MK-19 series 40mm grenade launchers. However, unlike the ARX-30 automatic weapon station on the EMBT, which focuses on air defense, the RS-6 is used as a supplement to the main gun, in order to improve its adaptability in complex environments such as cities and towns.
One of the innovations is a hybrid power plant. The tank itself is powered by electric motors, and electricity is provided by a generator based on an advanced Cummings diesel engine. In addition, the Abrams-X is equipped with a rechargeable battery that it can switch to during periods of reduced power consumption, such as when idle. Compared to the current model, fuel consumption has decreased by 50% while maintaining the range, the mass has also decreased, which will allow the tank to be used on terrain poorly adapted for the movement of vehicles.
GDLS emphasized that although hybrid power can improve the environmental impact of vehicles, the main reason for choosing it is due to tactical requirements. The hybrid power system improves fuel efficiency and massively reduces logistics supply requirements. A smaller, more streamlined logistics supply footprint makes troops less vulnerable to enemy detection, keeping more soldiers on the front line and supply lines away from enemy fire. Tactically, the hybrid system also allows for "silent observation," in which the engine is not running. While soldiers use sensors and weapons, the tank does not emit the usual heat signature or noise and has some mobility, meaning it can move silently. It not only improves the lethality and survivability, but also greatly expands the combat range.
AbramsX uses new armor materials and a lighter frame structure, reducing the weight by a full 10 tons. The new diesel-electric hybrid system increases the tank's fuel efficiency by 50% and is one of its most impactful innovations.
The practical experience of the Russo-Ukrainian War showed that the main battle tank is still irreplaceable as the backbone of the ground assault force, but on the other hand, the combat environment and potential threats have also undergone drastic changes. Therefore, after the German Rheinmetall (Rheinmetall) and the German-French Defense Systems Group (KNDS) launched the KF-51 Panther, Leclerc-XLR and EMBT new main battle tank prototypes at the Euro-Satory 2022 European defense exhibition, General Dynamics of the United States Land Systems (GDLS General Dynamics Land Systems) also unveiled its latest Abrams-X technology demonstration vehicle.
The technical characteristics displayed by Abrams-X confirm the difference in the thinking of the next generation of main battle tanks between the United States and European allies. Although, for main battle tanks, "shooting, defending, and running" are still the eternal "three core" concerns, the specific connotations are quietly changing. However, Russia, the European Union, and the United States are all significantly different in terms of specific understanding, and the experience in them is worthy of our analysis and reference.
For most people, the first impression of a main battle tank is the majestic main gun. It seems that only "thick mouth, long pipe" is the fundamental guarantee of firepower. However, the caliber and diameter ratio of the main gun are related to the overall design of the tank and cannot be modified casually. Moreover, in today's battlefield environment, increasing the caliber and extending the ratio of diameter to diameter are not the most suitable means of upgrading firepower. At present, the most helpful direction to improve firepower performance should be the improvement of ammunition.
The main gun of Abrams-X did not increase the caliber, but chose the XM360E1 120mm/L48 tank gun. This gun is an improved version of the XM360 main gun of the new generation of US light tank Griffin-II. It adopts a lightweight design. The outer layer of the barrel is made of carbon fiber and glass fiber, which reduces the weight of the barrel while increasing the usable bore. It also effectively improves the density of vertical targets. Because the composite material has less temperature strain, and the lighter weight can optimize the working conditions of the stable system.
Most importantly, the new artillery is equipped with an ADL ammunition data link. When using the M1147 programmable fuze multi-purpose ammunition, it can switch between trigger, delay, and fixed-distance detonation functions. A single ammunition can break obstacles and strike It has multiple functions such as low-altitude aircraft, killing and exposing personnel, destroying field fortifications and urban buildings. In terms of anti-tank capabilities, the XM943 STAFF multi-purpose ammunition is equipped with a self-forging warhead (EFP) and adopts the flying-grazing top attack mode. The XM1111 multi-purpose indirect ammunition is equipped with a tandem armor-piercing warhead and adopts a dive top attack mode. This means that Abrams-X has the ability to launch an attack first outside the direct range of enemy tank armor-piercing projectiles.
At the same time, the crew has access to modern digital equipment. With the help of computerized systems, the received external data is “stitched”, forming a complete panorama displayed on internal screens. This information is available to all crew members. According to General Dynamics Land Systems, the digital platform was created as an open system that can be changed in accordance with the current need to upgrade and add any features. At the same time, the functionality of the platform is very wide and allows constant interaction with autonomous vehicles (unmanned systems) both on the ground and in the air. In fact, this turns Abrams-X into a hub for controlling offensive and reconnaissance robotic means.
As a corresponding support for auxiliary decision-making, Abrams-X has installed optical cameras around the car body to provide omnidirectional situational awareness. At the same time, millimeter-wave radio frequency arrays are installed on the lower edges of the four corners of the turret to provide target indication for the Trophy active protection system.
The protection design of main battle tanks currently in service in various countries is based on the main frontal protection zone ±30° heading angle to resist the enemy's kinetic energy projectile attack. In terms of side protection, only small-caliber artillery kinetic energy ammunition against infantry vehicles and armor-piercing ammunition of various individual anti-tank weapons are required. The top protection requires that the member cabin can be immune to the self-forged warhead attack of common artillery and rocket terminal sensitive shells.
The protective performance of today's advanced main battle tanks is in a very Schrödinger state. For example, models such as Strv-122, M1A2C, T-90M, and 99A cannot penetrate each other's main protection zone at the normal combat distance. However, in terms of the protection level of the side, rear and even the top, it is difficult to resist the direct hit of mainstream anti-tank missiles and large-caliber artillery.
Therefore, for the protection of the next generation of main battle tanks, the current mainstream view is to "lose the vehicle to protect the people" in the face of the main threat. For parts that are vulnerable to damage, it is generally considered to use modular design to achieve overall replacement in the state of field emergency repairs. Under this guiding ideology, a consensus has been formed on the use of unmanned turrets, and all members of the team will concentrate on the body for all-round key protection.
The Army needed to choose between building an entirely new tank or continuing along the lines of Abrams' improved design. The biggest advantage of buying AbramsX is that the U.S. Army can get a new tank within 10 years. For the U.S. Army, this is a very attractive option. First of all, considering the situation of the Russia-Ukraine war and the need to stimulate the development of the US defense industry, the Army does not have time to wait for the long development cycle of a new tank. Second, the Abrams tank is still the most powerful tank in the world, and developing along its design philosophy is a lower-risk route. Industry has prepared the most modern AbramsX tank prototype ever for the U.S. Army.
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