The turret used on the test vehicle is an older A1 version that has undergone a series of modifications to support trials of new technologies. Existing hatches, periscope sets and elements of the fire control system have been removed, and the turret has been converted to an unmanned configuration.
In place of the removed systems, a new Leonardo S3 optoelectronic head has been installed, intended to serve as a targeting sight. An additional opening to the left of the gun mantlet has been observed, although its function has not been explained and it may house a primary sight.
The turret roof is fitted with an EOS R400 Mk2 remote weapon station from the Australian company EOS, configured for counter-drone tasks. This station combines a 40 mm Mk19 automatic grenade launcher, a 7.62 mm machine gun and a launcher for FGM-148 Javelin missiles, with the missile installation believed to be for demonstration purposes only.
A new turret bustle has been added, housing an automatic loader for 120 mm ammunition that may represent the intended solution for the future tank. The main gun itself has been retained without changes, indicating that the focus of this vehicle is on system integration rather than armament replacement.
The hull has also been modified in line with earlier expectations, most notably through reinforced armour on the upper frontal glacis. Two new hatches have been cut into this area to accommodate a three-person crew seated entirely within the hull
According to available information, the tank is capable of movement and firing operations with only a single crew member on board. This feature underlines the vehicle’s role as a test platform for advanced electronics, automation and software rather than as a finished combat system.
While the powerplant remains unchanged, the test vehicle appears to use a new suspension system, most likely of a hydropneumatic type. The U.S. Army has indicated that the final M1E3 Abrams will differ significantly from this pre-prototype, featuring a completely new turret and a more extensively modified or entirely new hull, including a new propulsion system.
