This approach will allow testing to begin up to five years earlier than under the standard development timeline, although it will not accelerate the tanks’ achievement of full operational readiness. Instead, the Army will use the early prototypes to test different equipment and software options, selecting optimal solutions supported by the vehicle’s open architecture, which is intended to simplify future modifications and adaptations.
Development of the M1E3 is being conducted without a single prime industrial contractor, with more than ten companies currently involved in the program. Caterpillar is expected to provide the engine, SAPA the transmission, Recaro the crew seating, Roush the crew compartment design, American Rheinmetall lightweight tracks, Moog a new slip ring, and General Dynamics an older Abrams hull for conversion.
