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The Combat Armor Test and Technology Vehicle (CATTB) was a U.S. Army experimental light tank designed as part of the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Armored Combat Vehicle Technology (ACVT) program. It was created for testing advanced technologies related to armor, mobility, and weapons systems.

History

In the late 1970s, the Army selected contractors for the development of the CATTB, aiming to explore cutting-edge materials and new technologies for armored vehicles. A single prototype was built and tested under various combat conditions. The CATTB proved valuable in developing future designs for light tanks and contributed to insights that influenced the U.S. Army's decisions for future armored vehicle systems.

Design

Mobility

The CATTB was powered by a Detroit Diesel V8 turbocharged diesel engine, offering a power output of 650 horsepower. This engine was paired with an automatic cross-drive transmission system that enabled smooth handling and high-speed movement across diverse terrains. Its hydropneumatic suspension system provided excellent off-road performance and adjustability, enhancing its tactical capabilities.

Armament

The CATTB featured an autoloaded 140mm XM291 dual-caliber cannon as its primary weapon, capable of firing APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) and HEAT-FS (High Explosive Anti Tank - Fin Stabilized) rounds. This weapon system was stabilized on two axes for precise targeting. One of the most amazing features was that the CATTB could change calibers (120mm to 140mm) in the field, just by switching the barrel out.,

Armor

The armor of the CATTB utilized advanced composite materials, providing a balance between protection and weight. Although exact specifications for the armor thickness are classified, the vehicle was designed to withstand a range of modern battlefield threats.

Crew

The CATTB was manned by a crew of 3 personnel: a commander, a gunner, and a driver. The crew operated in a modular compartment, with the commander using a thermal sight system and the gunner managing the main armament through a precision targeting device. The vehicle's design allowed for efficient operations with each crew member playing a key role in combat scenarios.

Performance

The CATTB reached a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) on flat ground and had a range of 160 km before requiring refueling. Its advanced suspension system and powertrain allowed it to maintain high performance across different environments, whether on roads or rough terrain.

Conclusion

Combat Armor Test and Technology Vehicle (CATTB)
Combat Armor Test and Technology Vehicle (CATTB)
Type	Light tank
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designer	U.S. Army / Various contractors
Designed	Late 1970s
Manufacturer	Various contractors
No. built	1 Testbed built
Specifications
Mass	20.0 t (with instrumentation and partial armor)
Length	Hull: 5.950 m, Gun Forward: 8.200m
Width	2.800 m
Height	Overall: 2.400 m, To Turret Top: 2.000 m, To Hull Top: 1.500 m
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)
Main; armament	75 mm XM274 CTA autocannon
Secondary; armament	coaxial 7.62 mm M240 machine gun
Engine	Detroit Diesel V8 turbocharged diesel; 650hp
Power/weight	32.5 hp/tonne
Transmission	GMC Detroit Diesel Allison cross drive, single-stage automatic with 4 forward and 1 reverse
Suspension	hydro-pneumatic
Ground clearance	0.500 m
Fuel capacity	380 litres
Operational; range	160 km
Maximum speed	80 km/h (50 mph)

While the CATTB did not progress to full-scale production, its development provided essential data and insights that helped shape future U.S. Army light tank designs. The vehicle's combination of firepower, mobility, and survivability remains a reference point in the evolution of modern armored vehicles.