Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The next-generation tank for the US Army, the M1E3, was displayed as an early prototype at the North American International Auto Show. (Photo: US Army)
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
The General Dynamics Land Systems M1E3 Abrams main battle tank (MBT) displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 14 January was described on US Army social media as “an early prototype”.
According to the US Army statement released with the image, “the M1E3 features enhanced protection, reduced weight and a minimised logistics footprint with integrated survivability systems”. An actual prototype was announced as delivered to the US Army earlier this year.
Notably, the image does not look like the photos released previously. The MBT has a new turret with a bustle mounted automatic loader which has enabled the
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