Army future light tank for infantry units offers lightweight armored combat vehicle with updated vetronics

Oct. 14, 2021
The Mobile Protected Firepower program winner could provide the U.S. Army with a next-generation lightweight, air-mobile armored combat vehicle.

WARREN, Mich. – The U.S. Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program seeks to provide a light armored combat vehicle to Army infantry brigade combat teams for use against hardened positions, enemy infantry, and light armored vehicles. 1945 reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

14 Oct. 2021 -- The MPF vehicle -- essentially a light tank -- will equip Army light infantry and airborne units that do not have a tracked armored combat vehicle. Competing vehicles are from BAE Systems Platforms & Services segment in Falls Church, Va., and General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, Mich.

The General Dynamics entry will have electronics and fire control systems similar to the company's larger M1 Abrams main battle tank to simplify training, and will have a 105-millimeter main gun.

The BAE Systems version is considerably smaller and lighter, and an easily removable engine for in-field repairs and maintenance. It's based on the M8 Armored Gun System, has underbelly blast protection, updated vetronics, and modest engine output.

Related: Army chooses five companies to design future armored combat vehicles with vetronics and machine autonomy

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Related: Near-peer conflict bringing back heavy armored combat vehicles, and with it more vetronics upgrades

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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