One of those is how to manage a vehicle that breaks down or ends up stuck in a ditch. Norman told Defense News the Army is now working to answer some operational questions that come along with a new capability. The company is improving sealing around the hatches and made improvements to armor coverage, GDLS’ Vernagus added. GD has already come up with a design fix for that that we have to validate,” Dean said. “The hydraulic systems were getting hot we think it’s an air flow problem. The Army is working with GDLS to address overheating problems experienced by vehicles tested at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The low-rate initial production design will also include stowage upgrades, he added. This included using quick-release pins instead of bolts for the skirts on the vehicles so maintainers can more easily access the suspension and track to service the vehicle. Much of that feedback was related to maintainability, Dean said. “They’re enthusiastic about the capability and anxious to get it as quickly as possible.” Geoffrey Norman, the head of the Army’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team. There are over 20 versions of the tank, so it can be adapted to almost any type of combat service.“The feedback from soldiers was very positive, and none of the work that needs to be done is related to any elements or aspects of soldier acceptance,” said Brig.

One thing the Ukrainian forces do not have in abundance is time. The Abrams is also complicated to operate and requires extensive training. The Abrams is operated by an engine that uses jet fuel, which some experts believe makes it a poor weapon to send to Ukraine.

Almost 1,800 were used in the liberation of Kuwait, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. It has been used extensively in battle since then. ( Click here for 30 inventions that shaped military history.) Based on a recent analysis, these tanks cost about $9 million to build. The tank is effective enough that, even in small numbers, it could make a significant difference as the Ukrainian military tries to hold against a possible Russian push this spring. Very few of these may be sent to Ukraine. Almost 10,000 are in operation worldwide. The United States has 4,400 Abrams tanks.

How much do military tanks cost