19FortyFive reported on the failed XM1202 tank, which was withdrawn from development without completing the project. Promising machine was to replace the M1 Abrams tank, which has been in service with the US Armed Forces since 1981.

The idea to replace “Abrams” arose in the 1990s. In 1999, the Manned Land Vehicles program was launched as part of the Future Combat Systems project. As of 2002, work began on a new tank under the program.

One of the requirements of the future machine was the ability to transport the C-130 in the cargo compartment. In total, the US Department of Defense’s Office of Advanced Research Projects signed 4 contracts with General Dynamics and BAE Systems.

Under the terms of the contract, a universal chassis was developed, which became the basis for new developments in armored vehicles, including the XM1202 tank. The new tank was armed with an automatic light gun XM360 caliber 120 mm. Abrams shells and advanced XM1111 guided ammunition can be used for weapons.

The tank received composite armor based on the action of large-caliber machine guns and automatic weapons. To assist the two-man crew, the tank was equipped with new sensors to increase military awareness at the time.

But all the stated benefits of the promising XM1202 tank did not save the project from closure due to reduced funding. At the time of closing, the project cost $18.1 billion. It was also revealed that the military criticized the car for not having mine protection.