https://fixupx.com/Chieftain_armor/status/2011453864458047791
Do we know what it’s got mounted in the loaders position?
It’s got an M2 / 240 + FGM-148 on the CROWS.
Belt feed makes me think M230LF, but I’m not sure, as the Abrams-X’s installation looked a little different.
Seems to be an unmanned turret given the lack of periscopes/hatches. Slightly strange that the turret is still so large and presumably quite heavy for being a (presumably) unmanned design.
It’s also riding strangely low on it’s suspension.
Also strange to see the ATGM on top.
Not so much, as the CROWS-J was already developed for the Stryker. And there is growth potential with the Javelin’s CLU, being intended to be able to be swapped out for the NGSRI (Next Generation Short Range interceptor).
And there is the potential to further extend compatibility to the CLT(Common Launch Tube), which would provide access to most of the powered Air Launched Effector (e.g. AGM-176) Developments. It also gives commonality with H-AT teams in the interim so it’s basically free logistically.
They maintained the original Abram look :D. And it has CROWS-J i think which is awesome
Would turret ring still be a problem?
Somewhat, but the Glacis has been re-sloped quite a bit as can be seen in the third image.
I’m assuming unmanned turret here, in which case: Who’s going to reload the Javelin?
I’m aware of it being used on different platforms, but in those cases they are accessible by the crew. If there is an autoloading mechanism for the Javelin, then that might be a bit of a waste of interior volume given the presence of the 120mm?
Javelins are often found on vehicles which otherwise would not have a (or have limited) means of defeating armoured threats, the Abrams clearly has this need satisfied with the 120 already.
Ah. Atleast it would fix the lower hull since i think all crew would be sitting there and would be the most armored. Also do you you what the senor is on the top? Looks like a senor for APS
I also wonder if they stripped out the composite armour from the turret as a means of weight saving.
I think there is an opening. That round thjng on top in the last image just behind the CROWS-J
From what I hear they are using a m1a1 turret as a place holder for testing purposes so the turret might change when the production variant comes along.
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So no iconic abram look :(
Yeah, that’s what I thought and predicted based on the earlier posted photo’s.
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Don’t know, could be anyone, but it’s the same with any other external weapon system like the CROWS, it’s probably not going to be done until in defilade or cover if the crew is buttoned up, same with pintle mounted guns on existing M1s.
The Javelin works out to 4km, which until the MRM(s) comes online isn’t something the Abrams can do, yet even with M829A4. So is a significant extension to the the effective Range of the M1
Yep plus it’s also missing its integrated aps on top of that. They definitely just wanted to test the new hull having all the crew in it.
It’s the CWS(Cross-Wind Sensor) basically a mini weather station (windspeed, direction, temperature, humidity etc.) to help input data into the FCS to improve accuracy.
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The difference is that CROWS gets several hundreds of rounds off on target before a reload is required.
Javelin gets one.
Yes, I’m aware of the benefits in engagement range, I do however wonder if they really require 4000 metres worth of range on a consistent basis.
I suspect that as with the direction the MGCS program seems to be headed to, they might want to defer this capability to a separate platform so as to keep weight/volume to a minimum on main-calibre armed vehicles.
I’m also curious to their reasoning of utilizing an externally mounted system as opposed to a barrel-launched system, presumably an autoloader would be capable of incorporating barrel-launched options.
Let’s put it this way: If there were significant weight limitations and volume limitations and I had to pick between an Active Protection System, Javelin or remote weapons station that’s capable of intercepting drones (on an MBT), I’d cut the Javelin.
Not that often, but it wouldn’t theoretically be too hard to come up with a -148 variant with a, Two way datalink, or further extended range, ala TOW-2B AREO. Also later Variants may have a longer range and could leverage the superior thermals on the M1.
Almost certainly expedience, and kitbashing together systems from off the shelf components in the interim while other programs mature, or further reduce technical risk.
Also it’s likely that the design configuration was frozen for the initial production before options like the PERCH were trialed.
I’d much assume that said configuration is a timeline driven small production run to test new features.
There might be other systems that provide Soft-kill Anti-Drone capabilities, like the AN/VLQ-12 CREW DUKE is pretty old at this point so it may not be seen as too high a priority.
Also some level of Hard Kill could be provided by the Mk. 19 40mm using the M1001 HVCC Canister ammo, or M230LF using the M1211 30mm HE-VT.
Also here’s a better image of the roof configuration, and a spec sheet for the radar, too.
