Having as a scenario the Yuma Proving Grounds, the United States Army (US Army) has announced that it is testing the M35 105mm cannon equipped on its new M10 Booker light tanks, of which the institution will acquire a fleet of more than 500 units. For now, the tests represent the opportunity to evaluate and finalize the transition to full-scale production of the platform, considering that the new combat vehicle is one of the main programs aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities of the Army’s infantry brigades.
Referring to the light tank and evaluation, test officer Jade Janis, who had already participated in the prototype evaluation process in 2020, stated: “The data we are collecting is to make a decision on full-rate production next summer (…) It is a light infantry vehicle of similar weight to a Bradley, but with a larger weapon. The intention is to be able to deploy them quickly with an infantry combat brigade: it should be able to fit two of them in a C17.”
Expanding on the details of the tests conducted, it is worth noting that the M35 105mm cannon was tested with both outdoor shots and in a special cold chamber, aiming to gather performance and reliability data of the weapon under various environmental conditions. Additionally, the M10 Bookers also had to travel through desert tracks, which feature various steep slopes and water basins, also to verify the mobility qualities of the platform.
It should also be mentioned that, prior to carrying out these activities, the US Army sent some of the personnel involved in the tests to familiarize themselves with the platform at the Arctic Regions Test Center (ARTC). This is a facility located at Fort Greely, Alaska, where the M10 Booker also undergoes performance tests in extreme cold conditions. However, regardless of the location, the cannon and turret currently being evaluated have been described by the institution’s personnel as very similar to those of an Abrams tank, which undoubtedly facilitated the adaptation process for the gunners.
Finally, recalling some of the platform’s characteristics, it is useful to begin by stating that it was conceived as an infantry support armored vehicle with greater firepower; the presence of the 105mm cannon replacing the 25mm turret found on current Bradleys is evidence of this. In addition to this armament, the light tanks also feature a 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. Regarding the propulsion system, the M10 Booker has an 800-horsepower engine, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 64 km/h and providing high mobility across various environments.
Cover image: Mark Schauer.
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Interesante información, muchas gracias