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In the United States, the M10 Booker light tanks were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft for the first time earlier this August. Photos from the event were only released a few days ago. While it might seem like a routine event, it’s actually a significant milestone for the M10 Booker.
This milestone extends beyond just the new tank; it’s a notable achievement for the entire Mobile Protected Firepower program, which started in 2018. In June 2022, General Dynamics emerged victorious with their Griffin vehicle.
One of the primary requirements for the new light tank by the Army was its ability to have two of these tanks transported by a single C-17. This requirement imposed a weight limit on the tank, ensuring it could be carried by this key military transport aircraft, which has a capacity of up to 77.5 tons.
At the same time, it’s essential to recognize that the standard is observed “closely,” with one M10 Booker weighing in at a minimum of 38 tons. Thanks to additional armor, it can “bulk up” by another 4 tons.
However, it’s important to note that we haven’t yet seen a C-17 taking to the skies carrying two M10 Bookers. The 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard, which took part in the tests, has not reported such an event. From the photos available, at least one light tank has been successfully loaded inside the aircraft.
This capability is crucial for the Pentagon, as fitting two M10 Bookers in a single aircraft could effectively double their tank deployment capacity. This is particularly significant since the same C-17 military transport aircraft can only lift one M1 Abrams.
But naturally, this comes at the price of reducing the combat capabilities of these vehicles. The M10 Booker, while equipped with weaker armor and a 105-mm gun, is purpose-built for direct infantry support.
The M10 Booker tank, also known as the Mobile Protected Firepower [MPF] vehicle, is a modern light tank designed for the U.S. Army. It aims to provide infantry brigades with a highly mobile, protected, and lethal platform capable of engaging a variety of threats on the battlefield.
The propulsion system of the M10 Booker tank includes a diesel engine that provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine allows the tank to achieve high speeds and maintain operational readiness over extended periods.
The M10 Booker tank is equipped with advanced control systems, including digital fire control systems that enhance targeting accuracy and situational awareness. These systems integrate with the tank’s sensors and weapons to provide a comprehensive picture of the battlefield.
The command systems in the M10 Booker tank include state-of-the-art communication and navigation tools. These systems enable the commander to coordinate with other units and make informed decisions quickly, thereby increasing the tank’s effectiveness in combat scenarios.
The crew of the M10 Booker tank typically consists of three members: a commander, a gunner, and a driver. Each member has specific roles and responsibilities that contribute to the tank’s overall performance. The commander oversees the operation, the gunner handles the weapon systems, and the driver maneuvers the tank.
The M10 Booker tank uses various types of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds, high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] rounds, and multi-purpose munitions. This diverse arsenal allows the tank to engage different types of targets effectively.
The operational range of the ammunition used by the M10 Booker tank varies depending on the type. Armor-piercing rounds can typically engage targets at distances up to 2,500 meters, while HEAT rounds are effective at ranges of up to 1,500 meters. Multi-purpose munitions offer flexibility for engaging both armored and soft targets at varying distances.
The M10 Booker, as a light tank, is designed for missions that require greater mobility and rapid deployment compared to heavier tanks like the Abrams. Its lighter weight allows it to be transported more easily by air, making it suitable for quick-response scenarios and operations in regions with limited infrastructure.
One of the primary missions of the M10 Booker is reconnaissance. Its advanced sensors and communication systems enable it to gather and relay critical battlefield information, providing situational awareness to command units and helping to identify enemy positions and movements.
The M10 Booker is also intended for support roles in infantry operations. Its firepower can be used to engage enemy fortifications, light armored vehicles, and personnel, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of ground troops. Its agility allows it to maneuver in urban environments and rough terrains where heavier tanks might struggle.
In addition, the M10 Booker can be employed in expeditionary missions. Its ability to be quickly deployed and operate in diverse environments makes it an asset for rapid intervention forces, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian assistance operations where a balance of firepower and mobility is crucial.
Another mission for the M10 Booker is to serve as a force multiplier in combined arms operations. Working in conjunction with infantry, artillery, and air support, it can help create a more dynamic and flexible battlefield strategy, exploiting the weaknesses of enemy forces and providing versatile support to allied units.
BULGARIAN MILTARY