New hybrid M1E3 Abrams promises enhanced mobility and protection
Work on the new generation of the Abrams tank is gaining momentum. The machine with the working designation M1A3 and – probably – the final name M1A3 is formally the next generation of the M1 Abrams tank. In practice – due to the planned scope of changes – it will be a completely new tank that, under the old name, will become the cornerstone of the American armoured forces.
The interdisciplinary team for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team (NGCV CFT) announced an agreement made in May between the US Army and General Dynamics Land Systems. It concerns the development of the preliminary design for the future M1E3 tank.
Work on the new tank is being conducted in parallel with work on the new XM30 infantry fighting vehicle (Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program) to replace the currently operated M2/M3 Bradley vehicles.
M1E3 Abrams - new tank for the US Army
According to ZBiAM service, the new Abrams are to be lighter than the current generation of main battle tanks and weigh under 54 tonnes (modern tanks usually exceed 65 tonnes).
Despite the lower weight, M1E3 offers higher protection and greater mobility than the currently operated tanks. This will be possible, among other things, thanks to the use of an innovative hybrid drive and the introduction of an automatic loader, which reduces the crew by one person, thus limiting the space that needs to be protected with armour.
Weight reduction will also be influenced by using an active defence system and artificial intelligence solutions to facilitate the crew's work. Some of these solutions were previously presented in the AbramsX demonstrator developed by GDLS.
New Abrams in 2030
At the current stage, it is unknown whether the machine will use existing components or be entirely newly designed. The tank's configuration is also unknown, including whether it will have a manned or unmanned turret (as in the Russian T-14 Armata tank).
The technical requirements and preliminary design of the new tank will be developed within the next 18 months. The schedule for the new Abrams project will be set by the end of the current year, and according to present forecasts, the first vehicles may enter service as early as 2030.
