The US military department has signed a new contract with General Dynamics Corporation for the modernization of more 174 M1A1 Abrams main tanks up to M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3, aka M1A2S). Two years are allotted for the modernization work., the contract must be completed by the beginning 2021 of the year, reports the bmpd blog with a link to the company's press service.
After completing this contract, total number of upgraded M1A2 SEPv3 tanks (M1A2S) in the US Army will reach 274 units. This number is sufficient to equip three armored brigades. (brigade staff 87 tanks). In total, it is planned to modernize within a few years 435 M1A1 tanks in the M1A2 SEPv3 variant.
Modification variant М1А2 SEPv3 (M1A2C), today, is the latest U.S. Army Abrams Tank Modernization Program. M1A2 SEPv3 features enhanced protection, on-board self-diagnosis system, transition from the use of quick-change blocks to quick-change modules. The project involves the modernization of the digital architecture of the tank to install a gigabit Ethernet bus. A new engine fuel management system and an additional generator will be installed. The tank will also be equipped with an active protection system..
The next version of the tank - SEPv4 is planned to be put into production from 2022 of the year. It will provide for the installation of the commander's main sight, improved gunner's main sight, sensor improvement, increased firepower and survivability. M1A2 SEPv4 will be able to fire an advanced multi-purpose 120mm round, which combines the characteristics of several types of ammunition.
