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The M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP V1) was introduced
as part of a continuous upgrade path for M1A2 tanks. The kit
introduced an armor enhancement in the form of a monolithic
and composite armor, and compartmented storage for fuel and
ammunition. The turbine engine was improved, to become true
multi-fuel system. It uses digital control for optimal operation.
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) was moved under armor, protecting
the tank's power supply when at static positions.
The tank is fitted with second generation thermal imaging systems
for the commander's independent viewer (CITV) and gunner. The
sight uses 2nd generation FLIR and is fully stabilized, enabling fire on the move capability
in day or night. The driver has a wide-field-of-view thermal driver
vision enhancer (DVE) for driving and situational awareness. Vetronics systems include enhanced GPS and
inertial position/navigation system, driving a color, digital
terrain map display. The tank also received an eyesafe laser rangefinder. Radios include SINCGARS and Enhanced Position/Location
Reporting System (EPLRS) supporting tactical situational picture
via the FBCB2 system. Systems on board are integrated via digital databus architecture. To improve maintenance, the tank is equipped
with on-board malfunction detection system. Other elements in the SEP V1 program includes Pulse Jet Air System (PJS) enabling self-cleaning of the engine air filters, thermal management system In November
and December 2006
The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command awarded
GDLS several contracts worth over US$800 million for M1A2SEP
reset work, starting 2007 through 2009.
The Abrams Improved SEP (SEP V2) Reset program
applies lessons learned from recent M1A2 Abrams SEP reset efforts
and aims to bolster the reliability and durability of tanks
emerging from the reset process. SEP V2 includes improved displays,
sights, power, and a tank-infantry phone. It represents the
most technologically advanced Abrams tank and can accommodate
future technology improvements to ensure compatibility with
the Army's Future Combat Systems.
The First SEP V2 contract included $27 million of funding for
the reset and upgrade of 72 M1A2 SEP Abrams tanks to be processed
at General Dynamics employees in Anniston, Ala.; Tallahassee,
Fla.; Lima, Ohio; Sterling Heights, Mich.; and Scranton, Pa.
between February and October 2007. Additional $278 million are
set for long-lead material procurement for the reset and upgrade
of additional 240 tanks in 2008-2009. The program was initiated
with a $46 million long-lead material award in July 2006 for
the first 72 tanks. In November 2007 the Army awarded additional
$89 for additional upgrades. The second award covered work on
240 tanks to be completed by 2009.
In February 2008
General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a first order, under
a new multi-year upgrade modernization of 435 M1A1 Abrams main
battle tanks into M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) Version
Two (V2) configuration. The first increment of this multi-year
contract is valued at $39 million, funding upgrades for 20 M1A1
Abrams tanks. An earlier $12.4 award announced in January million
funded parts for this upgrade. The newly awarded contract will
complete the modernization of all remaining M1A1 tanks, expected
to maintain the backbone of the U.S. Army's heavy force in the
next decades.
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