AbramsX: The U.S. Army’s Great Tank Gamble

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Key Points: The AbramsX, a next-generation main battle tank from General Dynamics, is poised to redefine modern armored warfare. With a 10-ton weight reduction, hybrid-electric drive for increased fuel efficiency, and an unmanned turret, it incorporates advanced technologies like AI-enabled command systems and loitering munitions.

-The 120mm XM360 gun, “silent watch” capability, and enhanced survivability measures aim to counter drone and missile threats seen in the Ukraine conflict.

-However, concerns about the vulnerability of lithium battery packs and the necessity of heavy armor in future conflicts warrant further evaluation.

-The AbramsX could solidify U.S. dominance but requires careful integration into evolving military needs.

The AbramsX: Next Gen Battlefield King Or Expensive Mistake?

The M1 Abrams main battle tank series has been the mainstay of US Armored Forces for more than 44 years. 

In the two Gulf Wars, it developed a reputation as the King of the Battlefield. 

Simply put, with much better range, effectiveness, and superior thermal imaging systems that allowed US crews to engage and destroy Iraqi T-72 Russian-built tanks at ranges before the Iraqis could even see the Abrams tanks.

The upgraded M1A1 Abrams boasted Chobham armor, an upgraded 120mm gun, and superior mobility. The Abrams has been upgraded so much that it has become a totally different tank. 

The current M1A2E3, which will be in production until 2027, has several upgrades, including improved lethality, survivability, reliability, and fuel efficiency.

Our potential adversaries currently have no match for it with their main battle tanks. However, as we’ve seen in the Ukraine-Russia war, tanks and armored vehicles have been feasted on by drone attacks. 

Here Comes the AbramsX Tank 

General Dynamics Land Systems has designed a next-generation main battle tank for the future. The AbramsX is the latest upgrade with many next-generation enhancements, as the new variant is lighter, faster, and more expeditionary than its current namesakes. 

The AbramsX weighs 60 tons, 10 tons lighter than current Abrams tanks. General Dynamics has made several changes to the Abrams, including an unmanned turret, the ability to launch drones simultaneously on the move, fire course-correcting ammunition, field a new, lighter 120mm main gun, the XM360, operate 360-degree thermal sites, AI-enabled command and control capability, and new generations of sensor data processing and integration.

However, the most innovative and controversial enhancement is the hybrid electric drive propulsion system, which, according to GDLS, can enhance fuel efficiency by up to 50 percent and ensure greater survivability with lower thermal and acoustic signatures.

However, critics point out the perils of using the hybrid electric drive, which will require large lithium battery packs and present problems that don’t exist with the current Abrams. The battery packs would be placed on the bottom of the hull and are vulnerable to exploding if hit by shrapnel from an exploding mine or IED.

Is that enough to disqualify investing so heavily with the hybrid electric drive?

This system uses the “silent watch,” meaning the vehicles can operate at a forward location without emitting any thermal or acoustic signature that could compromise their position. “Silent watch” allows the sensors and electronics to operate without turning on the tank’s engine. 

GDLS officials are naturally tight-lipped about proprietary innovations, but they are also confident that they can cut 10 tons off the tank’s weight without losing its survivability. This could mean they’ve improved the tank’s armor, upgrading its current Chobham armor. 

The AbramsX also utilizes four launchers on the rear of the tank that fire Switchblade 300 munitions. These “kamikaze” or “suicide” drones are loitering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) controlle by crew members in the vehicle’s hull.  

The Switchblade also functions as a camera so that the tank can see what is up ahead. When the drone is targeted, the crew can see right up to the target via the camera.

The Washington Post reported, “An artificial system on board could be used to spot dangers in the distance…[potentially] the software could alert soldiers that an enemy tank is a few miles away and has roughly 90 percent confidence it’s a threat. The tank can also communicate with unmanned aerial vehicles to scout dangers ahead.”

The AI software incorporates an IP protocol called “Katalyst” Next Generation Electronic Architecture, or NGEA, a modular open architecture developed independently by GDLS. It uses AI for object detection and recognition, automatic target prioritization, and navigation help, including path planning and obstacle avoidance.

The war in Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerability of armor from drones and missiles launched straight down on tanks’ roofs, where the armor is much thinner. GDLS is working on a defense system that will use three radars and launchers to give the crew 360-degree protection. 

With the three-man crew in the hull, the turret is not manned and has the 120mm main gun and a 30mm that replaces the .50 caliber machine gun. That has elicited responses from the troops, both good and bad.

Another good part of the design is that the gunner and commander can scan the battlefield independently without rotating the turret. 

Is This New Tank Worth It? 

The AbramsX is an intriguing design and would be another significant upgrade for the Abrams armor series. But more information must be forthcoming on the viability and survivability of the large battery packs they’ll be required to carry. 

Many in the Pentagon worry that a potential war with China may not require heavy armor. Perhaps, but it will depend on where that would take place.

The AbramsX design may require more input from the Army regarding its needs in 2030 and beyond, but it is very worthy of serving US armored formations well in the near future. It should continue being the tank that keeps the US at the pinnacle of main battle tanks.

About the Author:

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 1945, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.