XM360

XM360
TypeTank gun
Place of originUnited States
Production history
VariantsXM360E1
Specifications
Caliber120×570mm

The XM360 is an American experimental 120 mm tank gun developed by U.S. Army's Watervliet Arsenal, Benét Laboratories for use by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) on one of their proposals for the Future Combat Systems (FCS).[1] It was developed as a lightweight cannon that could equal or surpass the capabilities of the 120 mm M256 mounted on the M1A2 Abrams while being mounted on a much lighter vehicle. To achieve this the XM360 combined technologies such as Electrothermal-chemical technology (ETC), a gun tube with composite overwrapping and a modular recoil mechanism coupled with a muzzle brake.[2][3]

The XM360 has the capability to fire the same standard 120 mm NATO ammunition as the M256 while also being able to fire munitions such as the indirect fire laser guided Mid-Range Munition (MRM).[4]

  1. ^ Osborn, Kris (2022-01-22). "U.S. Army's New Lightweight Tank Will Be Better Than the Abrams". The National Interest. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
  2. ^ Corsello Jr., John P.; O’Donell, Warren (2005). General Dynamics and U.S. Army Team to Deliver Cutting-Edge Firepower (PDF).
  3. ^ Smith, David C. (2006). 120 MM XM360 GUN FOR THE FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEM – TEST RESULTS & NEW TECHNOLOGY – BRIEFING FOR THE GUNS & MISSILES SYMPOSIUM – 27–31 MARCH 2006 (PDF).
  4. ^ Hodge, Nathan. "New Tank Round Gives Gunners Wings". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2023-07-09.