The US Army has a number of ground combat vehicles in the works. The Armored MultiPurpose Vehicle (AMPV) and the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) are two examples. CBO's recent study suggests that the army could buy a new system as soon as 2035. In fact, the AMPV is already well underway with a construction contract awarded in 2014. Abrams X on the other hand is not a new platform. A prototype has been made.
The vehicle is being billed as the next-generation light tanks for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. The M-113 armored personnel vehicle carrier will continue to be in service until the vehicle is deployed. Other notable vehicles are the M113 powered robot and mobile protected firepower. There is a long road ahead for these vehicles. It is best to keep your old faithful for the Abrams' long-term future.
In the next decade, a new breed of ground combat vehicle, the OMFV, will likely play a major role. They are designed to be able to perform multiple missions with one vehicle. With some ingenuity, they may prove to be less expensive and less intrusive than their manned predecessors. A battle squadron that uses two or three of these vehicles should be ready for action in no time.
The most powerful weapon in the vehicle's new design is also the lightest. It could be the RPG-7, but the M113 and its kin are lightweight armored M113s that can increase force multipliers. The AMPV will likely assume the responsibilities of the venerable Abrams. This could open the door to a resurgence in American infantry units that were lost in the 1990s. The AMPV may also prove to be a boon for budgets, as it could save hundreds of million of dollars. The winner of the grand scheme of things will ultimately be decided. The future of the US Army remains uncertain. It is vital to have the right vehicle at the correct time for a successful campaign. The Army's decision making machine works tirelessly to determine the best course.
