The new MPF is under test at aberdeen proving ground now:
Quote:
US Army recently conducted trials of the General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) MPF light tank at Aberdeen Test Center.
MPF is a light tracked vehicle (light tank) intended to provide large caliber direct fire for Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). As part of MPF program, both BAE Systems and General Dynamics will deliver 12 prototypes each to the Army in 2020.
Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) light tank will undergo Pre-Production Test and Soldier Vehicle Assessment soon. The 3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division will test MPF during the Limited User Training in the future (around FY21).
The basic turret of GDLS MPF is welded aluminum alloy construction which is equipped with applique armor and spaced armor. The vehicle is armed with 105mm M35 rifled gun and 7.62mm M240B coaxial machine gun.
The powertrain is in the front of the vehicle and exhaust system at the rear. The cooling system and exhaust system are redesigned. The Horstman In-Arm hydropneumatic suspension of each side consists of six road wheels. According to some sources, GDLS MPF maybe has been equipped with Allison transmission and American domestic diesel engine.
The crew of four consists commander, gunner, driver and loader. The Raytheon Gunner's Primary Sight (GPS) is located forward of the commander's weapon station. The new Safran PASEO panoramic stabilized electro-optical sight gives the commander better DRI capability.
Metravib Pilar V Acoustic Gunshot Detection System has been selected for GDLS MPF light tank. The Pilar V is located at the rear of the turret. The system can cue tank crews while threats coming.
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That last bit is interesting. You fire a shot, and the tank will localize your location and either relay it to the infantry squad accompanying the tank, or automatically slew the tank's turret to the location so that they can eliminate you by fire. That kind of changes the dynamic for snipers and other "ambush" predators on the battlefield.
