Ukraine uses a very rare assault Abrams hybrid – the M1150 ABV VIDEO

Ukraine’s Armed Forces have been equipped with the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle [ABV], originating from the United States, built on the framework of the Abrams tank. This detail emerged from the speech given by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his accolades and salutations to the military on the celebration of the Missile Forces and Artillery Day, as well as the Engineer Forces Day. 

Although no distinct updates regarding the shipment of the M1150 ABV from the States exist, the presumption is that it sailed alongside the Abrams tanks. A consignment of these tanks landed in Ukraine no later than the middle of October. 

This landmark addition places Ukraine’s Armed Forces as the second worldwide, following the United States, and the inaugural international operator to employ this machine. To note, Australia had achieved permission to purchase this in 2021, however, data regarding contract finalization and execution remains unknown.

 ⚡️🇺🇸American M1150 ABV (Assault Breacher Vehicle) mine-clearing assault vehicle based on the Abrams tank, in service with the Armed Forces of 🇺🇦Ukraine pic.twitter.com/iVWWQWHIsR

— 🇺🇦Ukrainian Front (@front_ukrainian) November 3, 2023

Plow and launch system
 
The M1150 ABV represents a novel approach to devising paths through mining barriers, leveraging the power of dual systems for superior functionality. The machine integrates a conventional plow system, coupled with a linear explosive charge firing mechanism, modeled after the M58 MICLIC system. This unique combination empowers the machine to detonate passages within minefields spanning approximately 100-150 meters in a single operation. 

Contrary to the MICLIC, which comprises exclusively charges and is reliant on the M113 armoured personnel carrier, the M1150 ABV offers significantly broader versatility. Most notably, the machine is distinguished by its higher level of protection, enabling it to transition from a mere clearing device into a formidable assault tank. This capability makes it remarkably effective at countering fortified enemy positions.

Limited quantity

When referencing the Military Balance, it’s apparent that the number of M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles [ABVs] in the U.S. Army is markedly limited, totalling only 149 units. This is despite an initial procurement order for 187 units, specifically aimed at ground force operations in Afghanistan. 

The current cache of M1150 ABVs available to the U.S. Army amounts to roughly 30-50 units that were previously deployed by the U.S. Marine Corps. This transfer occurred following a strategic decision to eliminate tank usage within the Marine Corps. 

Hence, the reallocation of the M1150 ABV to the U.S. Army constitutes a significant move. This development is of notable import, notwithstanding the apparent dearth of such advanced combat systems.

About M1150 ABV
 
The M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle [ABV], designed primarily purpose to clear mines and explosives, is a unique military apparatus of the United States. Deploying a mine plow and line charges, this specialized vehicle is fundamentally constructed on the robust M1 Abrams chassis.

The U.S. Marine Corps [USMC] first employed this vehicle extensively during Operation Moshtarak – a joint initiative by the International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] and the Afghan forces in Southern Afghanistan – in 2010. This operation, a significant part of the War in Afghanistan, was a direct response against the prevailing Taliban insurgency.

Design
 
The principle design of these combat vehicles, equipped with tracking technology, is to create safe passageways for troops and other mechanized units by eliminating threats from minefields as well as roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices. 

The substantial vehicles, possessing a heft of 72 tons and a length of 40 feet [12 m], are essentially a reconfiguring of the M1 Abrams, boasting a 1,500 horsepower engine. Their armament though, includes only a .50 caliber machine gun. A key feature is the frontal installation of a substantial, 15-foot-wide [4.6 m] plow that is fortified with metallic skis, allowing it to traverse the soil smoothly, and loaded with nearly 7,000 pounds [3,200 kg] of explosive ordinance. 

The vehicles boast the sophisticated Linear Demolition Charge System [LDCS], which launches rockets carrying C-4 explosive charges. These are propelled between 100-150 yards ahead, safely igniting concealed explosive threats. This yields a secure route enabling the safe movement of both troops and vehicles.

Funded by the Marine Corps

In the nineties, the limitations of complex and highly maintenance-intensive vehicles became unbearable for the U.S. Army. This predicament led to the premature termination of the Grizzly program in 2001, with the created prototype failing to proceed to production stages. 

Contrarily, the Marine Corps recognized the potential and kept their pursuits in the field. They facilitated independent development and trial phases. A General Dynamics chassis, identical to the one utilized in the M1A1 Abrams major battle tank, is the cornerstone of ABV’s final model. 

The distinguished plow and mine-clearing contrivances were provided by Pearson Engineering, based in the United Kingdom.