(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – For the first time in 20 years, the US Army has unveiled a new armored combat vehicle with tank-like characteristics and boasts “a new level of lethality,” a report informs.
The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle was announced to the public during the recent celebration at Fort Belvoir in Virginia of the US Army’s 248th anniversary, The Defense Post reports, as cited by Newsmax.
The new armored vehicle was previously called the “Mobile Protected Firepower,” but its name was changed to the M10 Booker in honor of two US soldiers who died heroically in wars 60 years apart.
Pvt. Robert D. Book was an infantryman awarded posthumously for heroism after perishing in World War II, while Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, a tank crewman, was killed during the 2003 Iraq War.
“The stories of these two hero-soldiers articulate the exact needs for the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle,” stated US Army acquisition official Doug Bush.
In his words, the new infantry assault vehicle would give the US ground troops increased lethal force and enhanced battlefield protection.
The M10 Booker is a tracked combat vehicle with many features of the M1 Abrams main battle tank but is not classified as a tank over “several undisclosed reasons,” the report explains, quoting the US Army.
The new vehicle, built by General Dynamics, is designed for the US Army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Teams.
Run by a four-member crew, the Booker has a heavy 105-millimeter direct-fire cannon, a lightweight hull and turret, an enhanced thermal viewer, and a “modern diesel engine for improved performance.”
According to the US Army, the M10 costs much less and is much lighter than the M1 Abrams tank.
It still cannot be air-dropped, but each C-17 Globemaster transport airplane can fit two Bookers.
A prototype of the M10 had several issues, according to the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, including an airflow problem in the cooling system and toxic fumes inside the vehicle after firing its cannon.
“I can confidently say today that that is an issue that is behind us,” declared program executive officer Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean.
The US Army will receive its first M10 Bookers in November, with operation tests set for 2024.
The U.S. Army this week revealed a new armored combat vehicle that will provide ground forces with "a new level of lethality" and protection, it was reported. https://t.co/94T6zXMBft
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) June 20, 2023
