The XM291 Advanced Tank Cannon (ATAC) is an American experimental 120 or 140 mm smoothbore
tank cannon. It started development in 1991 as a way to substantially increase the performance of tank cannons against the perceived threat of future Soviet main battle tanks. It can be used in two configurations, one in 140 mm and one in 120 mm
electrothermal-chemical technology
Electrothermal-chemical (ETC) technology is an attempt to increase accuracy and muzzle energy of future tank, artillery, and close-in weapon system guns by improving the predictability and rate of expansion of propellants inside the barrel.
An el ...
(ETC).
The XM291 was the first cannon to incorporate a system that counteracted the vibrations in the barrel caused by the tank moving over terrain, using the dynamically tuned shroud (DTS).
While it was originally developed for the
Block III tank, development of the Block III was halted while the XM291 saw continuous development and was used on other testbeds such as the
CATTB and the M1 Thumper.
Ammunition
Specifications
;XM291 (120 mm)
* Barrel length: 6,731 mm / 265 in (56 calibre)
* Weight (total): 1,451 kg / 3,200 lb
* Weight (breech): 590 kg / 1,300 lb
See also
*
XM360, American electrothermal-chemical tank gun
References
{{Post WWII American tank guns
Tank guns of the United States