AbramsX (unmanned tank)

2022: Announcement

In early October 2022, General Dynamics unveiled the world's first unmanned tank, the AbramsX, to replace the M1 series tanks. At the same time, AbramsX is called the transition between the M1A2 tanks of versions SEPv3 and SEPv4 and a promising completely new machine. The U.S. Army plans to purchase 504 vehicles projected to be in service for at least 30 years, with the bulk of the procurement due to be completed by 2035.

AbramsX is designed to improve mobility, protection and direct fire capabilities for infantry brigade combat teams. The system has a new chassis design, but at the same time uses other GDLS programs to reduce risk, the developers said. The turret is also largely new in other materials than usual, but General Dynamics will retain an internal look, feel and controls similar to the Abrams' main battle tank.

AbramsX

The first vehicles will be delivered to the conveyor in the fall of 2022, and the first small-scale AbramsX will go into service by the end of 2023, said Major General Glenn Dean, head of the ground combat systems program of the ground forces.

General Dynamics will initially supply 26 vehicles, but the contract allows the Army to purchase another 70 vehicles in initial low-speed production for a total of $1.14 billion. The first unit will receive a 42-vehicle battalion of AbramsX systems by the fourth quarter of 2025. The U.S. Army plans to begin full-scale production in 2025.

The company says that a smaller crew will be required to maintain the tank: for the first time in an American tank there will be no loader, since this process will be fully automated. Of the weapons in AbramsX - a 120-mm gun and a 30-mm gun for combating drones and anti-tank guided missiles.^[1]

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