The U.S. Army’s M10 Booker is undergoing extensive testing at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) as the service prepares for full-rate production.
The highly anticipated armored infantry support vehicle is being evaluated across a range of conditions to ensure its performance, durability, and effectiveness in future combat scenarios.
The U.S. Army has revealed that the M10 Booker is designed to support infantry forces with enhanced firepower while maintaining rapid deployability. Unlike a main battle tank, the M10 is classified as an assault gun, providing direct-fire support to infantry brigades. The Army has confirmed plans to acquire more than 500 of these vehicles, reinforcing its role as a critical asset in ground operations.
“The data we are collecting is for a decision on full rate production next summer,” said Jade Janis, YPG test officer.
YPG has played a significant role in the development of the M10, with early prototype testing conducted at the facility as far back as 2020. The vehicle’s primary armament, an M35 105mm low-recoil tank gun, offers superior firepower compared to the 25mm chain gun on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. It is also equipped with a 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
“It’s a lightweight infantry vehicle similar in weight to a Bradley, but with a larger weapon,” Janis explained. “The intent is to be able to rapidly deploy them with an infantry combat brigade: you should be able to fit two of them in a C-17.”
The M10’s 800-horsepower diesel engine allows it to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, while its advanced hydraulic suspension system, based on technology tested at YPG five years ago, enhances mobility in rugged terrain. Despite its distinct design, the vehicle’s turret layout shares similarities with the M1 Abrams tank, making it familiar to experienced armor crews.
Testing at YPG includes a wide range of operational assessments, including live-fire exercises in extreme temperature conditions, performance trials over demanding desert terrain, and reliability and maintainability evaluations. The vehicle is subjected to punishing road courses, steep inclines, and water fording exercises, all while operating under full combat loads.
“Aside from being a totally new platform, there is nothing out of the ordinary for us in the way we test things,” said Janis. “Everything should be standard practice so far as testing is concerned.”
To ensure comprehensive evaluation, personnel supporting the tests have undergone extensive familiarization training with the M10 platform. Additionally, cold-weather testing is being conducted at the Arctic Regions Test Center (ARTC) in Fort Greely, Alaska, where the vehicle is assessed under extreme winter conditions. Some Yuma Test Center personnel have traveled to ARTC to assist with those trials.
As the Army moves closer to fielding the M10 Booker, its successful performance in these rigorous tests will be critical in determining its readiness for full-scale production and deployment. The results from YPG and ARTC will provide crucial insights into the vehicle’s capabilities and its role in enhancing the Army’s armored combat formations.