Following General Dynamics’ unveiling of its next-generation AbramsX technology demonstrator at AUSA 2022;

Tristan Sauer, Land Domain Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data analytics company, offers his view:

“The AbramsX technology demonstrator will undoubtedly gain significant traction amongst US Army procurement officials as its unique features enable several key improvements and capabilities. The integration of an AI-enabled unmanned turret with an autoloader streamlines operations by reducing the vehicle crew down from four to three while reducing platform weight and providing more room for additional subsystems.

“The AbramsX features a hybrid-electric power supply which replaces the fuel-hungry turbine engine with a diesel ACE engine, reducing fuel consumption by 50%. The electrified power supply also enables ‘silent watch’ and ‘silent mobility’ operations in contested environments. AbramsX is also more digitized than its predecessors, as all systems are integrated via the KATALYST Next Generation Electronics Architecture (NGEA) which will greatly facilitate hardware and software upgrades throughout the platform’s life cycle. This creates opportunities for industry partners to develop and market innovative capabilities for the future MBT market.

“The AbramsX also features several novel technologies which are being integrated throughout the US Army’s vehicle fleets. These include Active Protection Systems to intercept hostile missiles, Augmented Reality heads-up displays for improved situational awareness, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities to enable vehicle crews to operate and coordinate groups of unmanned systems. However, the integration of multiple advanced and emerging technologies risks increasing per-unit costs too far to warrant widespread adoption.

“Nevertheless, those advanced features reflect the rapidly evolving nature of modern ground combat, and General Dynamics has demonstrated flexibility and strategic forethought in developing the AbramsX. As the Army begins to implement the SEPv4 upgrade for its current M1A2 Abrams fleet, the AbramsX may provide the next logical step in the platform’s evolution.”