The M1-E3 is designed as a bridge to keep the Abrams tank effective in the face of anticipated 2040 threats without continuously adding weight until the Army can design a new 5th generation tank.
The new M1-E3 will incorporate a number of improvements:
A weight reduction of approximately 10 tons from the current SEPv3.
A hybrid-electric diesel engine that will produce some 50 per cent improved fuel efficiency.
An unmanned turret similar to those in contemporary MBT designs is seen in both Europe and Russia. This could reduce crew size from 4 to 3 by incorporating an autoloader. The three crewmen will be seated in the hull.
An advanced set of armor protection developments designed to defeat drone-deployed munitions.
A command and control system that permits Integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
An AI-powered threat detection and fire control system.
Some thoughts on designing a new tank. And some more radical thoughts on armament.
I really need to work on updating and improving a much longer article that hit a brick wall at Military Review a couple times.
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NOTE: Image from article.
