M1 Abrams CATTB
Big Guns, 80´s Space Tech and a Heck Lot of Smoke

The CATTB (Component Advanched Technology Testbed) was a technology demostrator concieved in the late 80s to test and demonstrate several capabilities found necessary to be included in the then envisioned Block III MBT which was to counter future Soviet tank designs in the 90s and 2000s. The buisness end of the demostrator was a huge XM291 140mm smoothboore gun fitted with an autoloader. This was mounted in a newly developed and equally massive turret on top of a M1A1 Abrams hull. However, technology advanchements weren´t limited to the gun and the testbed included a new and more compact engine made from advanched heat-resistant materials and featuring a lower power loss from cooling as well as allowing additional stowage of main gun ammunition in the hull. Advanched sighting systems and electronic vehicle architecture were also included... as well as 50 smoke grenade launchers around the turret and distinctive signature-reducing rubber sideskirts.

All in all, the vehicle featured some very impressive technology for the time but didn´t make it into service likely due to the end of the Cold War. A resin model of this unusual Abrams is available from Cromwell Models in 1/72 and I have been lucky to have been able to order one...