The AbramsX main tank from General Dynamics Land Systems, recently submittedis equipped with target data processing using artificial intelligence, command and advanced controls, manned and unmanned equipment capabilities, autonomous navigation and detection, and course correction ammunition. Just presented at the Annual Symposium of the Association of the Army of USA, the AbramsX demonstration vehicle represents an effort to integrate a number of innovative technologies and enhancements to propel the tank platform for decades into the future. Could there be an Abrams in 2050? Will the Army be able to develop a highly interconnected and lethal heavy armor platform? Only time will tell. These questions are certainly on the Army’s mind as it assesses its future force and looks to transition promising new technologies to the operating force.
In a special interview with the National Interest, Assistant Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo explained that critical experimentation and analysis are necessary to follow a certain path. However, he also stressed that Army leadership must prioritize continuous innovation and modernization. At the moment, there are too many evolving variables to make a specific determination, Camarillo stressed. Of course, senior Army commanders routinely avoid offering opinions or making any specific comments related to a particular industrial offering or platform, but Camarillo did address critical dynamics related to heavy armor, combat platforms, and innovation for the future force. .
“It is too early to say what the future of the Army’s main battle tank will be. But what I can say is that, you know, we’re looking down, you know, what are the investments that we have to make, you know, what is currently the art of the possible and I think, as [Army Futures Command] continue doing the experimentation through the [Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team]we are going to start extracting some lessons learned,” said Camarillo.
Some elements of the AbramsX may not be available for security reasons, but General Dynamics’ offering clearly reflects an effort to anticipate and address emerging Army requirements for future wars. Some details include a new generation of autonomy, command and control systems, data management and AI-enabled sensors, on-board energy management and a hemispheric Active Protection System to stop drones and downward-firing anti-armor weapons.
“We are very focused on making sure we have a superior strike capability against [drones], either one system or a series of several systems. When the Army makes that decision, we’re going to show what some of those capabilities are,” said Tim Reese, director of US business development for General Dynamics Land Systems. “The artificial intelligence It helps us reduce the cognitive load on the crew, making them more productive.”
The Army’s AbramsX Active Protection System is designed to fit any specific solution requested by the Army, meaning it is built with a technical infrastructure capable of integrating any explosive or sensor the Army needs.
“It has an integrated APS system, we’re not presuming the Army’s decision…rather we’re making sure we have all the hooks and the power, so that whatever payload or explosive they choose, or effectors they choose or radars they choose, be an application of theirs there not a complete redesign to enable it,” said Keith Barclay, director of US growth and strategy at General Dynamics Land Systems, in an interview with the National Interest.
About the Author: Kris Osborn is the defense editor of the National Interest. Previously, Osborn worked at the Pentagon as a highly qualified expert in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army-Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. Osborn has also worked as an on-air military stuntman and presenter on national network television. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel and The History Channel. He also has an MA in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.