{"id":47259,"date":"2020-01-24T17:44:10","date_gmt":"2020-01-24T17:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2020\/01\/24\/this-british-army-tank-comes-equipped-with-x-ray-vision\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T14:13:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T14:13:25","slug":"this-british-army-tank-comes-equipped-with-x-ray-vision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/industry\/techwatch\/2020\/01\/24\/this-british-army-tank-comes-equipped-with-x-ray-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"This British Army tank comes equipped with X-ray vision"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The British Army unveiled a tank concept this month that comes equipped with advanced technologies that could make even Superman blush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cStreetfighter II\u201d was put to the test during training exercises in early January that were designed to evaluate combat efficiency of joint armor and infantry operations in urban settings. And while the armored behemoth is supplemented with elements reminiscent of its predecessors, the Streetfighter II employs a new feature that could dramatically enhance the capabilities of tracks and accompanying infantry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IronVision X-ray system, made by the Israel-based Elbit Systems<\/a>, enables tankers to see a full 360 degrees of their vehicle\u2019s exterior without opening a single hatch. The added protection is welcome in urban environments where enemies have substantial cover and can take advantage of a vehicle\u2019s blind spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The innovative tech comes with a network of both infrared and electro-optical cameras, coined \u201csituational awareness cameras,\u201d that are distributed around the tank\u2019s hull. The camera network then transmits real-time imagery in high resolution and full color, day or night, into IronVision\u2019s high-tech display in the tanker\u2019s helmet visor. The IronVision visor contains a tracking mechanism that transmits visual data based on the tanker\u2019s line-of-sight and head position.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Defense News Executive Editor Jill Aitoro gets hands on with Elbit’s Iron Vision system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

The tank also comes equipped with a bulldozer extension that, as seen in the video below, makes quick work of a van parked in its path. Soldiers in the official British Army video below also used the bulldozer arm as a makeshift stretcher for a simulated casualty evacuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do hope this concept does become reality because it makes our life on the ground a lot easier,\u201d British Army Cpl. Towers commented in the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other notables that make life easier for everyone involved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • The tank\u2019s external tablet communication system allows ground troops to view a live feed of its video system, thus providing the infantry images of potential threats without losing the cover of the tank.<\/li>
  • A small, unmanned ground vehicle can be deployed from the tank to assess potential hazards in buildings or other areas that remain hidden.<\/li>
  • On top of the turret is a Brimstone anti-tank missile system, a long-range weapon that can locate targets using both laser-guided and millimeter-wave radar no matter the time of day and regardless of weather or environmental conditions.<\/li>
  • The tank employs a 120mm main gun, as well as a secondary armament that includes one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns.<\/li>
  • The communication system, like its predecessors, maintains data sharing capabilities.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n