
“This program is leading the way in that effort, and prototyping into production is not easy. He noted it’s the first major platform going from prototyping to production under Army Futures Command, which relies on new rapid prototyping authorities. A range of simulators have also been procured to assist in training and crew preparedness.“ MPF shows the Army is committed to doing acquisition rapidly and using all the new approaches and new authorities we have to do modernization in a new way,” Army acquisition chief Doug Bush said in a June 28 media roundtable.

The Abrams is also supported by heavy tank transporters to fulfil its logistics requirements while on operations. The HERCULES is a fully-tracked heavy armoured vehicle which performs hoisting, winching and towing as part of recovery operations and evacuation of heavy tanks and other combat vehicles. To support the Abrams, the ADF has produced seven M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) armoured recovery vehicles. More than 60km per hour (standard terrain) General characteristics Weightįour - commander, gunner, loader and driver This capability coupled with an advanced sensor suite, allows the Abrams to engage targets at extended ranges, day or night, even in adverse weather conditions. The Abrams is fitted with an onboard digital fire control computer which enables the gunner to 'point and shoot' to engage targets.

The tank urban survivability kit also greatly enhances the Abram's survivability in complex terrain. Fuel and ammunition reside in separate compartments to protect the crew from the risk of the tank's own ammunition exploding if the tank is damaged. The Abrams tank is fitted with advanced composite armour, which provides substantial defence against enemy fire and improvised explosive devices. The Abrams has the firepower, mobility and survivability to provide the key component in the combined arms team.
