M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams |
Militarymedia.net - Based on the sales agreement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), it was stated that Australia would acquire the Abrams MBT package and equipment worth US $ 1.68 billion. What's interesting about the package, of the 160 units of the M1A1 Abrams chassis structure purchased, 75 of which will be used to produce the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams.
The Abrams MBT label is certainly well known, but it is different with the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams. This is the newest and most advanced variant of the Abrams MBT family which will later strengthen the Australian Army. The SEP (System Enhanced Package) v3 is a modern configuration of the Abrams MBT designed for the US AD. Quoted from army-technology.com, the SEPv3 Abrams offers enhanced protection and survivability, as well as a more lethal force than the previous variant. The SEPv3 Abrams also features a number of technological advances, including improvements in armor, communications and fuel efficiency.
The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams retains the layout of the M1A2 with the driver's cabin on the front center hull, turret or dome in the center and a power pack at the rear. This tank integrates modular technology, where multiple components can be replaced easily.
The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams integrates a handheld joint tactical radio system (JTRS), man-pack, and small form fit radio to ensure network readiness and interoperability with future combat brigade teams. As the main weapon, the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams relies on the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon firing M829A4 kinetic munitions and advanced multi-purpose (AMP) munitions against armored targets, personnel and low-flying aircraft.
In order to detect targets, this brand-new old-fashioned tank is equipped with improved forward-looking infrared (IFLIR) technology. IFLIR uses long and medium wave infrared technology to further enhance target acquisition, identification and engagement compared to the second generation FLIR.
At the top of the dome, there is a 12.7 mm remote control weapon system (RCWS) caliber heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm M240 coaxial machine gun which moves in the direction of the barrel movement.
The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams also gets increased protection, especially in the hull and dome that is prepared to deal with the explosive effects of an improvised explosive device (IED). In addition, the remote controlled IED electronic warfare (RCIED) system (CREW Duke V3) will protect the crew from roadside bombs and IED attacks. The two sides of the dome are also equipped with the M250 six-barreled smoke grenade launcher. The smoke screen can also be installed with a machine operated system.
The M1A2 SEPv3 is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine that produces 1,500 hp. The auxiliary power unit allows the tank to operate the on-board system with less detection likelihood during quiet operation. The generator on this tank allows operation of the dome without the power of the main engine when the vehicle is at rest, increasing fuel efficiency.
The Abrams is arguably the MBT that indulges its crew, both in terms of ride comfort and the optics used by both the gunner and the commander. The gunner has a gunner primary sight with two day optics, one for long range with 3x - 10x magnification, while the other optics without magnification for maximum awareness of the target. General Dynamics Canada's fire control controls are kept as simple as possible. The shooter just places the reticle in the GPS and fires a Raytheon laser rangefinder to determine the distance.
Overall, the M1A2 SEPv3 is 9.7 meters long, 3.7 meters wide and 2.4 meters high. This MBT is manned by four personnel, consisting of the driver, commander, loader and gunner.