In the mid-eighties, the United States studied the issue of creating a promising 155-mm self-propelled howitzer to replace the existing M109 Paladin, which ultimately led to the start of the AFAS program and the emergence of an experienced self-propelled gun XM2001 Crusader. During this period, a project of a self-propelled artillery complex based on the chassis of the M1 Abrams main battle tank was proposed and worked out.
M1 as a platform
The concept was developed by a team of experts led by Major General Robert J. Sunnell. They proposed to make a whole family of vehicles on the M1 chassis called AFV (Armored Family Of Vehicles). This family, along with other machines, included a self-propelled gun mount and a transport-loading vehicle for it.
The concept remained relevant for a long time and even survived until the start of the AFAS (Advanced Field Artillery System) program. At this stage, the ACS received the designation AFAS / M1. TZM for her was named - FARV / M1 (Future Armored Resupply Vehicle - "Advanced armored loading vehicle").
A redesigned MBT M1 chassis was proposed as the basis for the ACS and TZM. The volume and nature of the modifications depended on the type of equipment under construction, since the ACS and TPM were noticeably different from each other. At the same time, some unification of the new units was envisaged. The finished tank chassis simplified the production and operation of equipment, but the processing of the armor excluded the work in the same order with the MBT.
In the AFAS / M1 project, the turret and the most powerful elements of the frontal armor were removed from the chassis. On the TZM FARV / M1, the hull roof was also removed. A unified cockpit was placed in the nose of such a platform. In the lower frontal part, under the cockpit, a hatch was provided for the transfer of ammunition. Behind the cockpit there was a superstructure of the desired shape and a tower. The engine compartment remained in the stern.
ACS and TZM retained the standard Honeywell AGT1500 1500 hp engine. and transmission. The hydraulic and electrical systems have changed. The chassis was not reworked, but the possibility of using a hydropneumatic suspension was considered.
ACS AFAS / M1
The AFAS / M1 self-propelled howitzer could have an unusual design and differ markedly from most self-propelled guns. The project provided for the use of a non-standard layout, extensive automation of processes and a developed defense complex.
In front of the AFAS / M1 hull there was a cockpit with workplaces for four crew members - driver, commander, gunner and artillery system operator. The cockpit was given a developed glazing with a good view forward. There were doors in the sides, and a hatch in the roof. The commander had a turret with a machine gun. The inhabited compartment was to be equipped with a collective defense system against weapons of mass destruction.
The cockpit was part of a horseshoe-shaped superstructure. The rear parts of such a superstructure were located on the fenders. There was a free space above the regular shoulder strap of the hull. The superstructure, including the cockpit, had bulletproof booking.
An uninhabited module with the main armament was placed in the place of the tank turret. In the transport and combat position, the howitzer barrel was directed backward in the direction of travel. Horizontal guidance was carried out within the sector bounded by the superstructure.
ACS AFAS / M1 was offered to equip a 155-mm gun JBMOU of German design. The gun for separate-cap loading was fixed on the installation with automatic guidance. A 52-caliber barrel with a slotted muzzle brake was used. Due to its high power, the howitzer needed advanced recoil devices.
In the tower and in the hull next to the tower, the automatic loader mechanisms were placed. Nearby, under the cockpit and in the center of the hull, there were mechanized stowage. Ammunition could include up to 60 rounds with projectiles for various purposes and modular variable charges MACS. All operations with ammunition, from the reception to the vehicle to the chambering, were to be carried out by automatic equipment at the command of the crew.
It was planned to use a special transporter for reloading ammunition with TPM. He was on the charging machine and could be connected to the self-propelled gun through a hatch in the lower frontal part. After that, the TZM could transfer shells and charges to the combat vehicle. The self-propelled guns automatically laid them out in the stacking cells.
According to the calculations of engineers, the automatic loader made it possible to make the first 3 shots in 9, 2 seconds. With prolonged shooting, the rate was set at 9 rds / min. Shooting in the "barrage of fire" mode was being worked out. A series of 4-8 shots with the output of shells to different trajectories took only 4 seconds.
ACS needed a new fire control system. Computerized controls, a satellite navigation system, radio communications with the ability to receive target designation, etc. were offered. Also required were control algorithms for all onboard automation, unloading the crew.
For self-defense, the AFAS / M1 car could carry two systems for different purposes at once. On the commander's tower, the designers placed a machine gun of normal or large caliber. At the starboard side of the superstructure behind the cockpit, it was planned to install five cells for TPK with guided surface-to-air missiles. Thus, the crew could protect themselves and their vehicle from both infantry and aviation.
ТЗМ FARV / M1
To work with the ACS, a unified TZM FARV / M1 was developed on the same chassis with a similar cabin. The design of other units and the composition of the equipment were different and corresponded to the role of the machine.
The FAVR / M1 received a longer box-type superstructure with aft overhangs. For its installation, it was necessary to remove the roof of the hull with space for the tower. The front of the superstructure housed the cockpit; all other volumes were given for ammunition and means of storage / transfer.
The TZM crew also consisted of three people and was placed in the cockpit. The cockpit retained the doors, hatch and machine-gun turret. If necessary, one of the crew members could go to the aft part of the superstructure, where the second machine-gun turret was located.
To load containers with ammunition, the superstructure was equipped with a stern door and a roof hatch. This made it possible to take containers from vehicles or with a crane. Inside the hull and superstructure were placed cells for 180 separate loading rounds - three full ammunition for the ACS.
For the transfer of ammunition to a combat vehicle, the VAS (Vehicle Aligment System) system was intended. A structure in the form of a farm with a conveyor was to be extended from the hatch in the bow of the TPM. She entered the corresponding hatch of the ACS and fed shells with charges into it.
Two main modes of operation were proposed for the FAVR / M1 and its TZM. The first provided for the reloading of ammunition in a reserve position. Loading the entire ammunition took 20-30 minutes. The second mode offered the connection of two vehicles directly at the firing position. In this case, the AFAS / M1 self-propelled guns could conduct continuous fire at targets, and the FAVR / M1 TZM could immediately feed her shells. This mode provided a continuous rate of fire at the level of 10-12 rds / min.
Unlike the self-propelled guns, the TZM could carry two machine guns for self-defense. There was also a unified side compartment for anti-aircraft missiles. The presence of the latter made certain demands on on-board electronics.
Promising project
The concept of the AFAS / M1 complex had a number of positive features and advantages over other ACS. Machines of this kind could well find a place in the army. Both the unification with the serial MBT and the expected combat qualities received high marks.
For AFAS / M1, the JBMOU gun was offered. With its help, the self-propelled guns could attack targets at distances of up to 35-40 km, including with the use of guided ammunition. The maximum automation of the preparation processes for the shot gave a serious increase in characteristics, and also excluded the human factor and a decrease in parameters as the work continued. In the future, such a gun showed high performance and found application on the PzH 2000 ACS.
The FAVR / M1 transport and loading vehicle, saturated with automation, was believed to be able to perform its tasks as simply and efficiently as possible. In addition, the advantage was the presence of two modes of operation.
According to estimates of the eighties, the design of ACS and TPM could take several years. Adoption for service could take place by the mid-nineties. The operation of such equipment was supposed to last at least until the mid-twenties of the XXI century. By this time, fundamentally new samples were expected to appear.
According to some estimates, the AFAS / M1 - FAVR / M1 complex had serious advantages over others in its class. In particular, such ACS and TPM could compare favorably with the XM2001 Crusader and XM2002 ARV machines. The advantages over them were associated with the use of a ready-made chassis and fewer overly new and bold solutions.
Project without perspectives
However, the AFV or AFAS / M1 project remained at the concept stage. The army studied the available proposals and chose the best one. The creation of a new ACS was entrusted to the companies United Defense and General Dynamics - they soon created the XM2001 product. This sample reached the test, but did not advance further. The Crusader turned out to be too complicated and expensive, and in 2008 it was abandoned.
It is difficult to say how the development of American self-propelled artillery could have gone if the Pentagon had become interested in the concept project of R. J. Sunnella. The use of ready-made chassis and weapons to a certain extent simplified the project, but the engineers had to develop many other systems. At this stage, serious difficulties or problems were to be expected.
Thus, it is quite possible that an attempt to create the AFAS / M - FAVR / M1 complex or other projects of the AFV family would have ended in the same way as work on the XM2001 Crusader. However, history does not know the subjunctive mood, and at present, the US Army has to once again modernize the existing M109 self-propelled guns, and replacing them remains a matter of the distant future.
