The US Army began testing new shells for the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank gun. The new multifunctional projectile should replace four types of ammunition in the tank's arsenal at once.
In test shooting, which take place on the territory of the largest polygon Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, two tanks from the composition take part “Crazy Horse” 1-th Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment “Fighting Eagles” 3. At the moment, it reported 86 fired test shots with the new M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose ammunition (AMP) in various modes. No other test details.
New multifunctional ammunition XM 1147 AMP (Advanced Multi-Purpose) caliber 120 mm should replace four types of shots in the arsenal of the American M1A2 Abrams at once: cumulative M830, universal anti-tank M830A1, buckshot anti-personnel shell M1028, as well as high-explosive concrete-piercing M908. However, there are doubts about the M908, previously stated, that the XM1147 cannot fully replace the projectile, designed to destroy fortifications. At the end 2019 year it was reported about the restoration of the production line M908. maybe, that the final decision will be made based on the results of the tests.
The versatility of the ammunition is provided by the design of the projectile and a programmable fuse. The projectile is being developed by Orbital ATK – “daughter” Northrop Grumman. Projectile deliveries to the US Army began this summer, tests have been underway since autumn. The ammunition is intended for the latest modification of the Abrams M1A2SEPv3 tank., having an upgraded fire control system.
used photos:https://twitter.com/3rd8cav
