Army expects to field tougher, lighter next-generation Abrams tanks by early 2030s
2023/09/12

ADVERTISEMENT

The Army has announced plans for an improved main battle tank it expects will be battlefield-ready by early next decade.

Designing and building the new model — the M1E3 Abrams — “will focus on making the capability improvements needed to fight and win against future threats on the battlefield of 2040 and beyond,” according to an Army news release Wednesday.

“We appreciate that future battlefields pose new challenges to the tank as we study recent and ongoing conflicts,” Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, said in the release. “We must optimize the Abrams’ mobility and survivability to allow the tank to continue to close with and destroy the enemy as the apex predator on future battlefields.

ADVERTISEMENT

The current model is powered by a jet turbine and burns through fuel at a rate of about two gallons per mile, meaning it requires a convoy of fuel trucks. While an Abrams can power through most challenging terrain, fuel trucks sometimes can’t.

“The war in Ukraine has highlighted a critical need for integrated protections for Soldiers, built from within instead of adding on,” Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, said in the Army statement.

The U.S. is set to deliver 31 refurbished M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine this fall to help in the fight against invading Russian forces.

ADVERTISEMENT

President Joe Biden initially was unwilling to transfer Abrams tanks to Kyiv; the Pentagon said the roughly $10 million tanks are too complex and expensive for the Ukrainians to operate, maintain and repair.

The Army and manufacturers are planning a more survivable, lighter tank that will be more effective on the battlefield and easier to upgrade, according to Wednesday’s release.

“This modernization will enhance the efficacy and maneuverability of armored brigade combat teams in conflicts across the globe through a reduced sustainment footprint and increased operational and tactical mobility,” the release said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Years of testing, analysis, soldier feedback and maturing technology culminated in the decision to focus on the M1E3, the Army said.

The service will continue to produce M1A2 tanks at a reduced rate until production transitions to the M1E3, according to the release.

The first new tanks may be ready in the early 2030s.

“As longer-range threats increase in both lethality and survivability, the M1E3 Abrams will be able to defeat those threats,” the release said. “The Abrams Main Battle Tank remains the most lethal, protected tank in the world.”

ADVERTISEMENT

11-Year-Old Guitar Hero Maya Neelakantan Slays Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” on America’s Got Talent: Watch
2024/08/30
Unlock Your Future: Can This Hidden Gem Solve Your College Financial Woes?
2024/08/18
From Overwhelmed Homemaker to Financially Empowered: Discover Mary's Secret Portal to Flexibility and Income
2024/08/18
How Jane Unlocked Unseen Opportunities Through This Surprising Platform – Could This Be Your Game Changer?
2024/08/15
Unlock the Secret: How a Busy Mom Transformed Her Life with a Single Click!
2024/08/15
Active Breaks: Do not sit for more than two hours in front of a computer. Stand up.
2024/04/04
Back Pain: Pelvic Stability
2024/04/04
Advanced Lower Abdominal Workout: www.marcelapedrazapilates.com
2024/04/04
The Top Pilates Classes in Bogotá: Find Your Perfect Workout Today!
2024/04/04
May 30th, 2017: A Compilation of News Articles and Events from Around the World
2024/04/04
Pilates in Bogota with Marcela Pedraza: Strengthen Your Core and Improve Posture
2024/04/04
Headache Woes: Understanding and Managing the Pain
2024/04/04
BACK PAIN-BELLY SECURE FOR SPINE-THE HUNDRED
2024/04/04
BACK PAIN - THE BRIDGE: Safe Exercises for a Healthy Spine
2024/04/04
Advanced Abdominal - The Snake on www.marcelapedrazapilates.com
2024/04/04
BACK PAIN - CROSSING LOWER ABDOMINAL
2024/04/04
SHOULDER STAND - ADVANCED ABDOMINALS at www.pilatesmarcelapedraza.com
2024/04/04
BACK PAIN - RELIEF WITH BALL AND ABS www.pilatesmarcelapedraza.com
2024/04/04
Exercises to Relieve Anterior Knee Pain
2024/04/04
January 18, 2017: A Day to Remember
2024/04/04