Via BulgarianMilitary.com by Boyko Nikolov
The United States Army has just awarded General Dynamics Land Systems [GDLS] a new contract for more M10 Booker combat vehicles. InfoDefensa reported on this without disclosing the number of tanks ordered. The Pentagon plans to equip its Infantry Brigade Combat Teams [IBCTs] with these light tanks.
This marks the second batch of Booker light tanks from GDLS. Earlier this year, the company delivered the first units under Low Rate Initial Production [LRIP] for testing by the Army. GDLS confirms that the program remains in the LRIP phase.
Alongside LRIP, GDLS and the Army are testing the rapid-deployment capabilities of the M10. Just this August, M10 Booker light tanks were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft for the first time. Photos of this milestone were released just a few days ago. While this may sound routine, it’s a significant step for the M10 Booker.
This milestone isn’t just about the new tank; it’s a groundbreaking accomplishment for the entire Mobile Protected Firepower [MPF] program, which kicked off back in 2018. In June 2022, General Dynamics clinched the win with their advanced Griffin vehicle.
This capability matters tremendously for the Pentagon. Being able to fit two M10 Bookers in a single aircraft could essentially double tank deployment capacity. That’s particularly noteworthy since the same C-17 military transport aircraft can only carry a single M1 Abrams.
The M10 Booker light battle tank emerged as the frontrunner two years ago in the MPF program, outshining the armor put forth by the British company BAE Systems. In 2018, the U.S. selected GDLS and BAE Systems to develop 12 prototypes each of a new armored vehicle equipped with an anti-personnel gun.
The application that GDLS submitted for this program is built on a chassis derived from Britain’s Ajax program, which itself originates from the Spanish Pizarro vehicle and the Austrian Ulan, known as Ascod. This chassis boasts the latest fire control systems found in the Abrams main battle tank, an exceptionally efficient power package, and advanced suspension.
GDLS is set to deliver 96 vehicles of this new model, valued at $1.14 billion. Out of the 12 prototypes ordered for evaluation, eight will be adapted for specific use. The U.S. Army aims to complete the first battalion of these armored vehicles [42 vehicles] by the last quarter of 2025.
In total, 504 MPF vehicles are slated for purchase at an estimated cost of $6 billion. Including the full lifecycle cost, which spans at least 30 years and accounts for maintenance, personnel, etc., the total investment in the program will reach approximately $17 billion.
This new vehicle is named in honor of Sergeant Stephen Booker, a tank commander who lost his life during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, and Private Robert Booker, who was posthumously recognized for his actions in Tunisia in 1943.
The M10 Booker is a modern light tank developed to provide enhanced mobility and firepower on the battlefield. It is designed to support infantry operations and conduct reconnaissance missions, offering a balance between protection, firepower, and maneuverability.
The dimensions of the M10 Booker are compact yet robust, allowing it to navigate through various terrains. It measures approximately 7 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height. These dimensions enable it to be both agile and capable of fitting into tight spaces where larger tanks might struggle.
The propulsion system of the M10 Booker features a high-performance diesel engine, providing the necessary power for rapid movement and quick response in combat situations. This engine allows the tank to reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour on roads and 40 kilometers per hour off-road.
The M10 Booker weighs around 25 tons, making it lighter than many main battle tanks. This reduced weight contributes to its enhanced mobility and ease of transport, whether by air, sea, or land.
The fire control system of the M10 Booker is state-of-the-art, incorporating advanced targeting and tracking technologies. This system ensures high accuracy and efficiency in engaging targets, even in challenging conditions. It includes computerized ballistic calculations and automated target recognition.
The optical systems for the commander of the M10 Booker are highly sophisticated, providing superior situational awareness. These systems include thermal imaging, night vision, and a panoramic sight, allowing the commander to detect and identify targets in various lighting conditions and from different angles.
The crew of the M10 Booker consists of three members: the commander, the gunner, and the driver. This streamlined crew configuration allows for efficient operation and communication within the tank, enhancing its overall effectiveness in combat.
The M10 Booker uses a variety of ammunition types to address different combat scenarios. Its primary armament includes high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] rounds, armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot [APFSDS] rounds, and multi-purpose high-explosive [MPHE] rounds.
The range of the ammunition used by the M10 Booker varies depending on the type. APFSDS rounds can effectively engage targets at distances up to 3,000 meters, while HEAT and MPHE rounds are typically effective at ranges up to 2,000 meters. This versatility allows the M10 Booker to engage a wide range of targets, from armored vehicles to fortified positions.
Read in its entirety at bulgarianmilitary.com.
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