The US Army is debuting its next-generation M1E3 main battle tank at the Detroit auto show, fast-tracking the program by about five years through a new, software-first development approach. Instead of waiting for every sensor and system to be finalized, the Army built the vehicle early and plans to continuously upgrade its digital backbone as technology evolves, according to Meghann Myers of Defense One.
Built largely with commercial components, the lighter, hybrid-electric tank is cheaper, more fuel-efficient, and easier to update, allowing soldiers to begin testing years ahead of schedule while the Army refines capabilities through rapid, ongoing improvements. Myers writes:
Car enthusiasts milling around the floor at the Detroit auto show this week will get the first public glimpse of the Army’s new main battle tank, as the service prepares to roll out its M1A1 Abrams replacement five years ahead of its original timeline.
Rather than wait to field the vehicles until every last sensor and radio is determined, the Army cut the tank’s development time way down by getting the physical vehicle built and allowing the bells and whistles to be installed and upgraded as the technology evolves. […]
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