Sunday, June 23, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 2024
The Army has announced contract modifications for its Assault Breacher Vehicle, according to a series of public notices.
Contracts include upgrades to the vehicle’s vision system, demolition charges and diagnostics systems designed to identify problems in the vehicle, the announcements state.
Based on the M1 Abrams hull, the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) has a modified turret without a 120mm gun but with a forward-mounted plow and demolition explosive launchers, designed to breach obstacles and clear minefields.
Adopted in 2009, the Marines first used the vehicle in a 2010 offensive against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
The first contract covers the vehicle’s vision system, which includes a laser range finder, infrared sensors, cameras and fire control systems.
The second contract covers the vehicle’s demolition charge systems, which include the control systems and lifting system.
Three of the contracts cover the vehicle’s diagnostics systems, which are designed to help the crew identify and manage problems in the engine and other areas of the vehicle.
In 2021, Australia purchased the M1150 and remains the only foreign operator of the vehicle.