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General Dynamics: If It Looks Like a Tank, Acts Like a Tank, It’s a Demonstrator

© BreakingDefense/ YoutubeGeneral Dynamics Griffin Technology Demonstrator (Tank)
General Dynamics Griffin Technology Demonstrator (Tank) - Sputnik International
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Although General Dynamics’ Griffin concept battle vehicle operates on tracks like a tank, fires shells like a tank, and looks very like a tank, the company insists that it is, in fact, not a tank, and should be referred to as a “technology demonstrator.”

The Griffin is designed to exhibit how the US Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower program can assemble pre-existing components at its discretion. The 28-ton demonstrator weighs less than half that of an A1 Abrams tank but has the same "touch, feel and sensing" of an Abrams, so that an operator familiar with the older system can adjust quickly. It’s lighter frame enables the vehicle to be deployed with light infantry and paratroopers. 

The non-tank features a lightweight 120 mm cannon mounted on a centrally-located turret, originally slated for use in the now-defunct Future Combat Systems program, a British Ajax scout-vehicle hull and electronics based on the latest model of the M1.

See Video Below:

​General Dynamics business development director Mike Peck, told BreakingDefense that the Griffin is not meant to be purchased as is, but is rather to be used by Army officials visualize the potential for the new technology.

"We can do a lot of cool things on our dime that will show the Army the art of the possible," Peck enthused, at the Association of the US Army annual expo. "The things they can take advantage of in the way of S&T [science and technology] development that they’ve already invested in, and it’s given us a launch point [to ask] 'so what’s next?'"

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