Army’s Doctrine to Cut Vehicle Weights

M-1 Abrams Tank

Since the movement of vehicles is limited by its weight, it is necessary for the Army to figure out how to maximize their transportation capabilities with its current vehicles.  Maybe it is easier to just design a new vehicle platform?  This is exactly what the Unites States Army is currently researching.  Paul Rogers, the director of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) stated that the Army has to re-evaluate how its current vehicles operate.  This is necessary because the current vehicle platforms are so dependent upon the composition of the materials associated with each of the vehicles armor which, the majority of the time, results in heavy weight.  The procurement of materials that provide the same protection at a lesser weight is currently being researched by the military.   

All of this increased weight associated with the vehicles is due to enhanced armor.  This armor weighs down the vehicle and because of it, speed is sacrificed.  The problem with all of this is that there is currently no solution to a similar amount of protection that is provided by its current armor.  It is expected that the Army can see a six ton reduction in tank weights over the next 30 years.   

Many pros and cons have been brought up because of this issue.  If weight is limited, then armor is sacrificed along with other technology that provides heightened operational mobility.  A more high tech approach in terms of developing a lighter yet stronger material is needed.  This high tech approach may bring about increased maintenance as well.

Black Knight

Another alternative solution would be to make the vehicles autonomous.  They would operate similar to drones and by doing so, it would remove the individual soldier from the vehicle as well as the majority of the communication equipment and reconnaissance equipment associate with such vehicles.  If vehicles operated like drones, then they would have the capability to collect real time data for soldiers.  This would take the soldier out of the battlefield and as a result help to reduce casualties.  There is currently a Remote Controlled Armored Vehicle called the Black Knight which is being developed by a British defense company.  The Black Knight may one day replace tanks on battlefields.

 

Until the Army either changes to an autonomous system or discovers a lighter yet stronger material platform, the goal is to still produce a combat system that is effective.  If armor is sacrificed for light weight and speed then the United States will be building tanks at the speed in which they were being produced during WWII with the Sherman tanks.