An image of a prototype light tank for the US Army from BAE Systems appeared on the web

The American company BAE Systems, participating in the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program to create a lung tank for the US Army has finally demonstrated its prototype.

An image of a new version of the M8 Armored Gun System tank appeared on the Web, which BAE Systems allegedly puts up for a US Army tender. The images were allegedly taken at the company's proving ground in Michigan. Officially BAE Systems did not make any statements.

The new tank with a new redesigned turret with a modular reservation system and the installation of an active protection complex will be equipped with a 105-mm XM35 cannon with an automatic loader. Active protection - Elbit Systems Iron Fist APS and BAE 'RAVEN' DIRCM systems. Engine - diesel MTU, transmission - Allison 3040MX.

According to the commentators, this particular prototype will participate in the competition for a light tank for the US Army along with the Griffin II light tank developed by General Dynamics. Moreover, in February General Dynamics is significantly ahead of its competitor, having submitted all 12 prototypes for testing, while BAE Systems has not yet a single one. At least there were no messages on this topic.

In 2018, BAE Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) received contracts for prototyping, which were to begin testing in early January 2021. The winner will be determined at the end of this year.

Comments

[svp67]

So the applicant for the "Indian tender" has appeared

[xorek]

Quote: svp67

So the applicant for the "Indian tender" has appeared

Or maybe the other way around for domestic consumption, Sergei? There, in the us, blacks are violent and republicans are demanding independence and even the capitol was stormed
Light tanks will come in handy for suppressing protests in the United States ..
It's only the beginning !

[Andrei Nikolaevich]

I saw how they were storming Winter. (from the chronicle) But I really want to see the storming of the Capitol.)

[Albert1988]

Quote: Andrey Nikolaevich

But I really want to see the storming of the Capitol.)

Are you afraid that Soviet power will be established there, and we will continue to live under capitalism?

[Andrei Nikolaevich]

Not. I am afraid that they will also start collectivization)

[knn54]

Sergey, what a tender.
The weight is clearly not less than 25 tons, and there is no mention of the ability to overcome water obstacles.

[svp67]

Quote: knn54

The weight is clearly not less than 25 tons, and there is no mention of the ability to overcome water obstacles.

This fits into the terms of the "tender"

[Zaurbek]

There weight, something like that of the late T-55

[Murmur 55]

Yes, maybe, especially since General Dinemex has already exhibited 12 prototypes, and knowing the love of the Indians for DIVERSITY, I would not be surprised.

[ROSS_51]

Quote: Murmur 55

Yes, maybe, especially since General Dinemex has already exhibited 12 prototypes, and knowing the love of the Indians for DIVERSITY, I would not be surprised.

General Dynamics put up 12 pieces of one prototype, so it was according to the terms of the tender. For comprehensive testing.

[loki565]

It is somewhat similar to Fv4202, but Indians can also get it in, the main thing is to bargain well)))

[Hog]

Quote: loki565

It is somewhat similar to Fv4202, but Indians can also get it in, the main thing is to bargain well)))

And in what place are they similar?

[yehat2]

both have caterpillars

[Hog]

Quote: yehat2

both have caterpillars

And a 105mm cannon)

[Gado]

I do not know about the "Indian" tender, but for Europe, Asia and others, where the "Abrams" will not work, that's the thing. Personal opinion.

[yehat2]

this "challenger" is a rejected belch from the competition to replace the bradley, which was cut by the troops and changed the turret. If I were a sane head of the weapons department, I would be very skeptical about this "novelty".

[Nikolay Ivanov_5]

It's a long way from a prototype to a production tank, but you shouldn't relax.

[Anzhey V.]

The new light tank is equipped with a 105-mm cannon and an automatic ammunition loading system that can fire at a speed of 12 rounds per minute. The tank is also equipped with heavy machine guns.

According to open sources, the new combat vehicle combines modular armor protection and innovative subsystems that ensure survival in battle. Bolt-on outer armor allows for field repair or replacement ...

This is from the defense-blog.

[NDR-791]

Quote: Anjay V.

Bolt-on outer armor

So I think it seemed to me that he was riveted? And that's how it is.

Quote: Anjay V.

provides field repair or replacement ...

Is the crew also bolted? For a quick replacement?

[NIKN]

Bolt-on outer armor

I wonder if they have a left-hand or right-hand thread?

[NDR-791]

Quote: NIKNN

I wonder if they have a left-hand or right-hand thread?

More interesting is a tank with holes through and through (bolt-nut) or what? For if the studs are welded to the tower, then they will break off from hits. And this is not only nuts, but also welding.

[Anzhey V.]

So I think it seemed to me that he was riveted? And this is how it is

As far as I understand, they took the old M8 and modified it with modular quick-detachable body armor)

[OgnennyiKotik]

Quote: Anjay V.

old M8 and modified

Yeah, old loser. In fact, BAE is clearly losing here, it is strange that few contenders were admitted.

[ROSS_51]

Quote: NDR-791

So I think it seemed to me that he was riveted? And that's how it is.
Is the crew also bolted? For a quick replacement?

This is just a normal solution - a convenient replacement for remote sensing modules.
We have something DZ in general in canvas bags keeps on ribbons. How else did you manage without blue tape, I don't understand. Design insanity.

[standan]

5 sec shot, something is hard to believe.

[ROSS_51]

Quote: standan

5 sec shot, something is hard to believe.

If a unitary projectile, why not?

[standan]

What should be the feed rate of even a unitary shot, taking into account the fact that you need to spit out the spent cartridge case, select and feed a new projectile.

[ROSS_51]

Quote: standan

What should be the feed rate of even a unitary shot, taking into account the fact that you need to spit out the spent cartridge case, select and feed a new projectile.

The speed should be appropriate.)
7.1 sec reload time for T-72, T-90, etc. with spitting out the pallet and separate loading does not bother you? But to choose a shell is about our carousels. The Americans may well have a horizontal automatic loader from the turret niche, like the Japanese, for example.

[standan]

In fact, 6,5 seconds, taking into account one projectile, that is, without changing the type of ammunition

[ROSS_51]

Quote: standan

In fact, 6,5 seconds, taking into account one projectile, that is, without changing the type of ammunition

Have you watched cyclograms or did Wikipedia tell you so? In any case, I will not waste time on disputes. Then the more-5 seconds for a unitary projectile surprises you, but 6,5 for separate loading, no? This is a rhetorical question.

[Old tanker]

The cartridge case spits out at the moment of rollback, and this is a split second. Semi-automatic works. Even our old mechanisms / automatic loaders provide a rate of fire of 8 rounds per minute. "Leclerc" with its unitary shots and loading mechanism with direct ramming fires 12-15 rounds per minute. And it has a heavier 120mm round than the 105mm on the BAE tank. Well, our self-propelled gun "Coalition-SV" fires up to 16 rounds per minute. And there is a separate shot, and even the charge load is different. So a 5 second shot is a very real indicator.

[Ros 56]

Lightweight, in the sense of papier-mâché, will it be glued like Trabant in the GDR? Papuans with bows and arrows will go chasing, and suddenly they will be stocked up on the cheap RPG-7 or something like that. I am silent about serious hostilities.

[sabakina]

His tower is strange. Either with an "ear" or with "ears" ...

[Murmur 55]

From which we went to that and returned, MBT on the drum, we begin to divide the tanks into classes.

[Freedim]

We are worn out with the "abrashs" .. to drive them around Europe with its narrow-gauge railways and flimsy bridges ... yes, to pull them out of the Polish swamps permanently .. We have to get out.

[Murmur 55]

So Abrams did not have a feeble defense, but what does it have ???

[Artemion3]

They do not have a medium tank, and Abrams will be thrown out of the marines altogether, so they are thinking of a replacement

[Graz]

the old options seemed to be dropped from the plane

[Cat Alexandrovich]

Yes, at least to drop everything!

[Konnick]

If the active protection system has been worked out, then there is no need for a super-armor, it is enough to have armor protection against small-caliber rapid-fire weapons.

[Thrifty]

What to think? Both are in series. Build 5000 cars each, oblige you to buy your own pocket mongrels of the NATO type, then for many years to fix jambs and defects at the expense of "clients"!

[Nikolay Ivanov_5]

And if they don’t buy, then everyone else will be included in the stars-striped sanctions list.

[Synoid]

African Americans immediately go to the riots, they are deprived of work.

[Devyatomayets]

It would be nice for us to do a development in this class - perhaps on the basis of "Sprut", with an increase in engine power and increased armor.