The Abrams X is a technology demonstrator and a private venture by General Dynamics Land Systems. The main idea behind this demonstrator is to maintain or improve the current Abrams protection levels while reducing the vehicle's weight.
The Abrams X MBT therefore offers reduced weight. Instead of a manned turret, the vehicle is fitted with an unmanned combat module and the entire crew (reduced to three men) sits in the front in an armored capsule. This of course means its gun is automatically loaded from a bustle-mounted ammo rack. While the protection values of the vehicle are unknown, they are intended to be similar to the current generation Abrams. Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with a Trophy hard-kill APS and can be fitted with various sensor upgrades as well as UAV/loitering ammunition launchers, AI control modules, and more.
The tank is powered by a hybrid variant of the Cummins ACE diesel engine paired with a SAPA ACT transmission. This way the vehicle can (for a short while) switch to a fully electric drive, which can be an advantage as the electric engines are very quiet and accelerate extremely well. The turret is armed with a lightweight 120mm XM360 gun, similar in performance to the M256. It is, however, considerably lighter.
Additionally, the tank is armed with a remote-controlled Kongsberg Protector RS6 weapons station armed with 30mm M230LF autocannon (called XM914 in American service). The autocannon fires new universal anti-infantry XM1211 HEP air-burst ammunition (High Explosive Proximity - not to be confused with High Explosive Plastic, which is an American term for HESH). Additionally, this weapons station can be fitted with a Javelin launcher.
The turret is fitted with advanced optics, including two Safran PASEO panoramic camera sets (one for the gunner, one for the commander), both of which include a full HD camera, a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, and an automatic tracking system.
The demonstrator was unveiled in October of 2022 during the AUSA expo in Washington DC as a vision of what a future generation Abrams could look like. There are currently no plans to adopt or mass-produce this vehicle but it does offer a glimpse into what could come in the 2030s after the SEP v4 Abrams. The design would also be slightly different. Instead of soldiers sitting in the turret at the top of the tank, they would be in the hull. Creators said the tank could operate with a three-person team, one fewer than usual. The Abrams X has enhanced armor to protect it against bombs dropped by drones. The cost of an AbramsX tank can vary depending on various factors. The base price typically ranges from $6 million to $8 million, but this is the starting point. Additional features and customization options can significantly increase the final cost. Upgrades such as advanced weaponry, armor enhancements, and communication systems contribute to the price. Considering the ongoing maintenance and operational costs associated with owning an Abrams X tank is also important. That's all for today, don't forget to like and subscribe.
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