Upgraded systems a feature of new Abrams tank

All-digital systems, a remote weapon station and the capability to fire airburst rounds feature on Army’s newly arrived M1A2 Abrams main battle tank, first displayed at the 2024 Land Forces Expo in Melbourne.

CAPTION: An Australian Army M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank on display at the 2024 Land Forces Expo in Melbourne. Story and photo by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Bernie Maus, of Land Systems Division, said the tank’s most significant upgrade was a commander’s independent thermal viewer, a sighting system that operates separately from the turret.

“If my main gun is facing 3 o’clock, I can scan in another direction and quickly bring the main gun on target without needing to direct the gunner,” WO1 Maus said.

“That’s a huge upgrade to the system.”

The M1A2 also comes with an ammunition data link that allows for programming new ammunition coming into service for different effects, like point detonate, delay and airburst.

Additionally, the electrical system is now fully digital, powered by two computers that continuously analyse and process information across the system.

“From a maintenance perspective, we’ve reduced the effort by about 40 per cent because the system tells the crew exactly which subsystem has an issue, so they don’t need to check everything manually,” WO1 Maus said.

Improved diagnostics allow for immediate repairs, as the crew can access system error codes, address specific issues and get the tank back into operation faster.

Another upgrade is the tank’s remotely controlled weapon station, enabling the crew to operate a mounted weapon from inside the vehicle, keeping them protected from enemy fire.

The low-profile mounts can support weapon systems including .50 calibre and 7.62mm machine guns, as well as the MK19 40mm grenade launcher.

Equipped with advanced optics, thermal sights and laser range finders, the system enhances target acquisition across a range of conditions.

The new fleet will comprise 75 upgraded M1A2 SEPv3 tanks by 2025, with crew conversion training already under way.

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