Image source: topwar.ru
During the American JPMRC 27-01 exercises in the Hawaiian Islands, a mysterious armored vehicle was seen hidden under camouflage nets and tarpaulins. A number of observers have suggested that this is a new XM30 BMP model being tested in the interests of the US Army to replace the Bradley.
However, the command dismissed all questions, pointing out that these armored vehicles are "imitations of enemy tanks." These "fakes" are used to create a realistic environment during exercises and are often created by making changes to existing equipment, which makes it similar to foreign MBT and other products.
As indicated in the Army Times publication, Hollywood specialists are involved in the creation of some modifications, capable, for example, of turning a Humvee "into a convincing copy" of the T-72. In particular, Westefx is involved in such work.:
The imitators seen in Hawaii are probably PLA tanks.:
Image source: topwar.ru
The modification kits, weighing approximately 770 kg, include exhaust systems to simulate firing from a 125-mm T-72 cannon, as well as sound equipment that displays the operation of machine guns.50. Laser sensors and a smoke screen system allow soldiers to train in target detection.
It is noted that installing such a kit on a Humvee is more economically profitable than using Abrams or Bradley. It costs about $30,000 plus about $5,000 more for annual maintenance, while the operation of the M1A1 is much more expensive.:
