The US Department of Defence announced a $ 4.62 Billion Contract with General Dynamics Land Systems for the production of additional M1A2 SEPv3 (System Enhanced Package) Abrams main battle tanks (MBT’s) for the U.S. Army.  The estimated time for the completion of the work is June 2028. 

By January 2019, the U.S. military had signed agreements to modernize a total of 320 Abrams MBT’s for approximately $ 1.07 billion.

The SEPv3 configuration features technological advancements in communications, fire control and lethality, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency, plus upgraded armor. Abrams, the US Army top tank, has been in service for a total of 4 decades! The tank is 9.7m long, 3.7m wide and 2.4m high, and is manned by a crew of four, the driver, the commander, the loader and the gunner. 

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The new SEPv3 version will be powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which develops a power of 1,500hp. Additionally the tank integrates the line-replaceable module technology to enable easy maintenance of the fleet.

A significant upgrade is the new 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon, which can fire M829A4 advanced kinetic energy and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) rounds to defend armoured vehicles, personnel and low-flying aircraft. The multi-purpose projectile detonation mode can be set by the gunner before a round is fired.

Its three settings (detonate on impact, with a delay, or with an airburst) mean that a single round (AMP) can replace those different types of munitions, thus easing the burden on Army logistics.

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The Abrams also features a 7.62mm M240 machine gun mounted coaxially with the main gun and a low profile remotely operated weapons station (CROWS) with a 12.7 and a 7.62mm machine guns.

Regarding its sensors the tank is fitted with improved forward-looking infrared (IFLIR) to detect targets. The IFLIR employs long and mid-wave infrared technology to enhance target acquisition, identification and engagement compared to the existing second-generation FLIR..

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It also has an upgraded day camera and the CREW Duke V3 counter remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED) electronic warfare system. which protects the crew from road-side bombs and IED attacks. For further protection, the hull and turret integrate a new armour package and a total of two M250 six-barrelled smoke grenade dischargers.

In the field of communications, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 integrates joint tactical radio system (JTRS) handheld, man-pack, and small form fit radio to ensure network readiness and interoperation with future brigade combat teams (BCTs).

With information from: defenceworld.com 

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