I saw this over at MilitaryPhotos.net...
I'm slightly intrigued. Could that be the prototype for a new M-1A3 that the US Army is developing? The only external difference seems to be the turret but some are speculating that a new larger gun is being used.
I report, you decide.
I've seen the pics, and it looks to as a test rig.
ReplyDeleteIt seems a standard chassis with a new BIG turret. A longer, wider, heavier turret sporting a longer barrel.
Some similarities with the old Leopard2 140mm test-vehicle which had an equally massive turret, and this "M1A3" may also house an autoloader, but the barrel seems like a longer 120mm, not some next-gen 140mm. Difficult to say for sure though.
Also, the cancelled FCS tank-version had a new 120mm which was beefed up to an 8km BLOS range; no need for some super heavy 140mm - with its ammo issues - with that kind of long gun!
Some say its just the first CATTB testbed being relocated.
ReplyDeleteThere is a discussion on this on mp.net
ReplyDeletehttp://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?192625-M1A3-prototype/page2
If authentic, the comments by user eckherl are the ones to look for. (page 2 onward)
It's probably one of the Abram/CATTB prototypes.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the overall consensus on this one. I'd bet it is one of the CATTBs. Interesting how much buzz this has generated.
ReplyDelete