For my newest suggestion, I am proposing the most up-to-date version of the M8 AGS ‘Buford’ originally developed by FMC. This is the prototype by BAE Systems called the “XM1302” developed for the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) Program.
History
After the Vietnam War, the United States was looking to replace the inventory of M551 Sheridan’s. The vehicle would have an extended but ‘relatively’ successful life without a successor in sight. Following a series of attempts, the Army was eventually able to propose the Armored Gun System Program in the late 1980’s. Out of the 4 main designs, it was FMC that won with their XM8, an updated version of their CCVL design.
As the story goes, the vehicle would be officially designated as “M8” and began in a small production batch until the cancellation of said production by the U.S. government in 1996. This left a long lasting gap, filled by a short-term solution until many years later. For the time being, the M8 would only occasionally appear, with various testings to configure the chassis in different ways and even replacing the XM35 105mm with a 120mm cannon.
In the early 2000’s, BAE Systems would acquire UDI (United Defense Industries) and the M8. After the merger, BAE began the works on bringing back the M8 to the military world. They would debut this new version in 2015 as the “Expeditionary Light Tank”. This early version of their updates to the M8 included newer electronics, rubber tracks, and updated fire-control systems while still retaining the engine/power pack, add-on armor package, and overall profile of the M8 AGS. Around this time, the U.S. began their interest again in a new program called the “Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) Program”. This new program aimed to fill the gap that the Army has left open for a long time. Some requirements included being able to be airlifted by a C-17, and having enough firepower to penetrate defensive fortifications.
Upon the announcement of the MPF Program, various companies would propose their designs to the Army. The two that made it past the initial selections was General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and BAE Systems. In 2018, both would be given contracts to build 12 prototypes for the competition. BAE would propose their newest and up-to-date version of their M8 under the MPF name. This newest version which as a prototype, was later designated as “XM1302”, featured more upgrades to bring the M8 up to current standards.
In 2019 at AUSA, BAE would show off the (M8) MPF Technology Demonstrator featuring the Saab Barracuda MCS, modern electronics, Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system, external cameras for the driver and commander, new engine, power pack, and improved fire-control systems. Many of the previous improvements from the Expeditionary Light Tank design were either expanded upon or retained in this model. The add-on armor package and APS was an additional choice if it wanted to be mounted.
While production and testing was very active, BAE would falter. Around 2020, the COVID pandemic put a dampener on production. When time came to submit the 12 prototypes, GDLS was successful in their submission whereas BAE was late. Then in early 2021, BAE was disqualified from the program and left GDLS and their Griffin II (XM10) as the sole choice for the MPF program.
After the failure, the Program Executive Office-Ground Combat Systems (PEO-GCS) felt the need to keep one of the BAE Systems MPF vehicle due to its unique technology as a research and historic example. As of 2023, the vehicle is now on display at the U.S Army Armor & Calvary Collection in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Specifications
- Weight: ~23 t – 27 t
- Crew: 3
- Size:
- Length: 8.97 m
- Width: 2.69 m
- Height: 2.54 m
- Armament:
- Main Weapon: 105mm M35 cannon
- Depression/Elevation: -10°/+20°
- Rounds:
- 28 Total
- 21 (Autoloader)
- 7 (Front Storage Compartment)
- 28 Total
- Ammo:
- M900A1 APFSDS-T
- M456A2 HEAT-T
- M393A2 HEP-T
- M416 WP-T
- Coaxial Weapon: 7.62mm M240 machine gun
- Tertiary Weapon: 12.7mm M2HB machine gun
- Maximum Speed: 72 km/h
- Engine: 586 hp MTU 6V199 TE21 V-6 (437 kW)
References
- Video - The Chieftain: Inside the Chieftain’s Hatch: BAE XM1302 MPF, Part 1
- Video - The Chieftain: Inside the Chieftain’s Hatch: BAE XM1302 MPF, Part 2
- Video - Janes: AUSA 2015 BAE Systems M8 Expeditionary Light Tank
- Video - Shepard Group: AUSA 2015: BAE light tank goes back to the future
- Video - The U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection: BAE Systems Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) Testbed Vehicle Arrives
- Video - DefenseNews: BAE Systems displays next-gen tank concept
- BAE Systems, GDLS behind on ‘light tank’ prototype deliveries to US Army
- The Army’s M-10 Booker (Formerly Known as Mobile Protected Firepower [MPF]) System
- BAE Systems submits proposal for the U.S. Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower program
- BAE Systems awarded development contract for Mobile Protected Firepower
- BAE Systems showcases upgraded ‘light tank’ with active protection systems
- Mobile Protected Firepower: An Opportunity
For the in-game representation, the XM1302 would act as a strong addition to the top tier American line-up. Offering advanced ammo, quick movement, consistent reload, improved thermals, and acting as a backup to a full line-up. This would be a relatively unique and interesting choice to add if given the full suite of equipment from the AUSA demonstrator. In the end, this is to give an alternative modern choice of Light Tank for the United States. If any information you see is incorrect or missing, please let me know! And thank you for your time.
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