The US Army has a number of ground combat vehicles in the works. These include the Armored MultiPurpose Vehicle and the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle. A recent CBO study says the army could procure a new system as early as 2035. In fact, the AMPV has already begun construction with a contract being awarded in 2014. Abrams X is, however, far from a brand new platform. The prototypes have already been created.
The new vehicle is being described as the next-generation light armored tank for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. The M-113 armored personnel car will be used until the vehicle enters the field. Other notable vehicles are the M113 powered robot and mobile protected firepower. These vehicles face a long road ahead. But as for the future of the Abrams, the best bet is to stick with the old faithful.
The OMFV is a new type of ground combat vehicle that will play a significant role in the future. They are designed to be able to perform multiple missions with one vehicle. With some ingenuity, they may prove to be less expensive and less intrusive than their manned predecessors. Using two or more such vehicles, a battle squadron should be ready for battle in no time at all.
The most powerful weapon in the vehicle's new design is also the lightest. It could be the RPG-7, but the M113 and its kin are lightweight armored M113s that can increase force multipliers. The AMPV may also take over the responsibilities from the venerable Abrams. This would allow for a resurgence American Infantry Units that were lost in late 1990s. The AMPV also has a budget-friendly benefit, allowing for savings in the hundreds of millions. Ultimately, it remains to be seen which of these vehicles is the winner in the grand scheme of things. The future of US Army is still uncertain. For a campaign to succeed, it is crucial that the right vehicle is available at the right time. The Army's decision making machine works tirelessly to determine the best course.
