Miller published the photographs on social media without providing details about the trials. The images offer a glimpse of vehicles being tested for the Army’s armored vehicle and artillery modernization programs.
Testing of the new Abrams version had been expected to begin this summer with four early prototypes in an interim configuration. Those vehicles were to lack many of the systems planned for the final M1E3 design.
The tank shown during the firing trials carries a reworked turret derived from earlier Abrams versions, consistent with that interim configuration. The final M1E3 is intended to have an entirely new unmanned turret.
The Army received the first XM30 prototypes from General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall in late August. The two companies are competing to supply the infantry fighting vehicle intended to replace the M2 Bradley.
The XM30 pictured during the trials appears to be General Dynamics Land Systems’ Wolf, although its identity has not been confirmed. The photographs also appear to show an Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle in an infantry fighting vehicle configuration with an autocannon turret.
The Army selected the South Korean K9MH wheeled 155 mm self-propelled howitzer in August to replace some of its towed M777 howitzers. Hanwha Defense USA received an order for up to 18 prototype systems.
A K9MH is visible in the photographs released by Miller. It remains unclear whether that vehicle was delivered to the Army under the prototype contract.
