AUSA 2019: General Dynamics presents scale model of its light tank for MPF program of US Army.

At AUSA 2019, the Association of United States Army Defense Exhibition, General Dynamics Land Systems presents a scale model of its new light tank for the MPF (Mobile Protected Firepower) program of US Army. The MPF program is designed to provide a mobile, protected, direct, offensive fire capability across the spectrum of terrains and operations for the army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).

Scale model of General Dynamics light tank for MPF program of US Army at AUSA 2019, Association of United States Army defense exhibition in Washington D.C. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In September 2018 the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Army leadership approved Section 804 MTA Rapid Prototyping for MPF pre-Milestone C activities. This requires the fielding of a prototype that can be demonstrated in an operational environment within five years.

The MTA Rapid Prototyping contracts require delivery of 12 preproduction vehicles (each) for rigorous developmental and operational testing, and a Soldier Vehicle Assessment (SVA), to measure prototype performance to requirements and gain user feedback.

In December 2018, the US Army Contracting Command has awarded development contracts to BAE Systems Land & Armaments and General Dynamics (GD) Land Systems for the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF). Each company will deliver 12 vehicles to the U.S. Army that will be used to perform a full range of operational tests.
Near the end of the MTA rapid prototyping phase, the U.S. Army will conduct a source selection evaluation to select a single best value solution for low rate initial production (LRIP).

The Army Acquisition Objective for MPF is 504 vehicles, with 14 MPFs per IBCT. The targeted fielding for the First Unit Equipped is Fiscal Year 2025. General Dynamics Land Systems will now provide 12 preproduction vehicles and two ballistic hulls and turrets scheduled for March-September 2020.

The design of the General Dynamics MPF light tank is conventional with the driver and engine at the front and the turret located at the rear of the hull. The turret has a crew of three including commander, gunner and loader. The turret architecture is based on the M1 Abrams tank using the M1A2 Sep V3 fire control system and CITV (Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer) armed with one 105 mm cannon. One 12.7mm heavy machine gun is mounted on the commander hatch.

The General Dynamics MPF tank is motorized with a Diesel engine. The hydraulic pneumatic suspension of each side consists of six road wheels.