American tank Abrams M1A2: TTX, armament

The mission of the M1A2 Abrams tank is to approach the enemy forces and destroy them using maneuver, firepower and surprise effect. It is in service with tank and reconnaissance battalions. Instead of a new production, the army modernized 1000 obsolete M1 Abrams to the level of M1A2. This has significantly reduced vulnerability by adding duplicate components and dispersing data and power.

The course on modernization

The Abrams M1A2 tank is the second major improvement of the M1 line. Its main distinguishing elements are:

• IVIS information system;
• The independent thermal imager of the CITV commander;
• Positioning and navigation system POS / NAV;
• Advanced fire control panel ICWS;
• Double redundancy of data transfer devices MILSTD 1553D and common bus.

In 1999, a series of SEP enhancements was launched in series production, which included:

• Second generation FLIR;
• The command and control system for EBC software;
• Auxiliary auxiliary power unit UAAPU
• TMS management system.

In addition to upgrading the previously produced tanks, the US Army provides the supply of equipment sold to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

During the program, 62 M1A2 was purchased and, as of early 1997, 368 old M1 tanks were upgraded to the level of M1A2. In 1991-1993, they were supplied with 267 units. From 1996 to 2001 at the plant in Lima, Ohio, 600 more advanced machines were purchased.

SEP Program

The program for the further modernization of the Abrams M1A2 tank, called the System Improvement Program (SEP), was aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the digital command and control, its combat capability and the striking effect.

In fiscal year 1999, the US Armed Forces began upgrading the M1 to the M1A2 SEP level.

In 1994, the US Army contracted with General Dynamics Land Systems to develop improvements to the M1A2 and gave GDLS another contract in 1995 for the supply of 240 advanced M1A2 SEP deliveries in 1999. A second generation of onboard infrared was added to the thermal sights of the gunner and commander Front-view systems FLIR. This sensor also began to be installed on obsolete M1A2 since 2001.

In March 2001, a multi-year contract was signed to produce up to 2004 307 M1A2 Abrams SEP tanks. At that time, the current plan totaled 588 M1A2 SEP, 586 M1A2 and 4393 M1A1.

The first M1A2 military tanks entered service in the 1st Armored Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, in August 1998. Deliveries to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fort Carson, Colorado, were completed in 2000. Arrival in M1A2 troops SEP began in the spring of 2000 with the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Modernization of M1A2 to SEP level began in 2001.

Weapons of the XXI century

The tank "Abrams M1A2 SEP" became the digital center of battlefields of the army of the XXI century. It implements numerous improvements in control and monitoring systems, increased damage and reliability.

The SEP program includes updating the core of the computer, including replacing processors, increasing display resolution, memory capacity, installing a friendly SMI operator interface and an open OS that allows for further upgrades.

But the most important is the integration of the 2nd generation FLIR, the installation of the UAAPU auxiliary power generating unit and the TMS thermal control system.

Sources of financing

The increase in funding for Stryker and the combat systems of the future FCS came as a result of the decision taken by the US Army in 2002 to stop or restructure the long-term plan of the Memorandum of Purpose (POM) for 48 systems in the 2004-09 fiscal year. Among them were the self-propelled howitzer XM2001 Crusader and the A3 modernization of the Bradley combat vehicle, the M1A2 SEP program, the second block of the Lockheed Martin tactical missile system and the associated planned upgrade of the Northrop Grumman BAT ammunition, the Stinger missile, the Raytheon target detection system And a mine with a wide radius of destruction of the company Textron.

Night-vision device

The second generation FLIR replaced the existing thermal imaging system TIS and the independent thermal imager of the commander, as well as all components of the first generation FLIR. From the point of view of US troops, this is one of the key improvements, which is a fully integrated aiming system designed to provide the gunner and the tank commander with improved day and night target designation and the ability to conduct combat operations. Allows you to 70% better to capture the target, 45% faster and more accurate shoot. In addition, the radius of detection and identification of targets increased by 30%, which led to an increase in the damaging effect and reduced the probability of the defeat of its troops. The independent thermal imager of the commander CITV ensures the search and destruction of the enemy. The new FLIR is a variable-angle aiming system from 3 or 6 times with a wide viewing angle for target detection and 13, 25 or 50 times with a narrow field of view for long-distance tracking.

Effective power unit

The UAAPU power plant consists of a gas turbine engine, a generator and a hydraulic pump. The generator is capable of producing 6 kilowatts of electricity with a current of 214 A and a constant voltage of 28 V. A hydraulic pump is capable of delivering 10 kW of power. UAAPU can provide electrical and hydraulic energy, which is necessary to control all electronic and hydraulic components used during combat operations, and also to charge the main batteries of the tank. The power unit reduces maintenance and service costs by using fuel in an economical mode in the amount of 3-5 liters per hour. It is mounted on the left rear sponson in the fuel cell area and weighs 230 kg.

Air conditioning on board

Another improvement of the M1A2 SEP is the TMS temperature control system, which keeps the temperature in the crew compartment below 35 ° C and the temperature of the electronic units below 52 ° C under extreme conditions. This increases the fighting efficiency of the team and the vehicle. The TMS consists of an AHU supply and exhaust system and a VCSU steam compression plant that provide 7.5 kW cooling capacity for the crew and quick-change LRU units. AHU is installed in the stern of the tower and VCSU - in front of the gunner's main sight. TMS uses environmentally friendly refrigerant R134a and a mixture of propylene glycol and water. TMS is installed in the left part of the tower compartment and weighs 174 kg.

Combat Management System

The military demands that all systems work in a single military working environment of ACOE to improve interaction in conducting combined arms operations. The use of digital technologies and information support of offensive formations is carried out with the help of the combat management system of the XXI century brigade level and below FBCB2. In the Abrams tank, the FBCB2 software is placed on a separate map, which provides situational awareness across the entire range of tactical operations. Supports 34 report formats, from reports on contact with the enemy to transport-supply reports, as well as automatic information on the location of the vehicle to their systems. SEP provides the dissemination of digital data for the optimization of combat operations and in real time allows you to observe the situation during the execution of full-scale operations. This improvement increases the controllability of the combat tempo, improving stability and damaging ability. In addition, to support the effectiveness of the crew, each armored battalion is equipped with an improved system of artillery training AGTS with ultra-modern graphics.

Modernization Program Objectives

Changes in the SEP and M1A2 Tank Program in the 2000 fiscal year are aimed at increasing the firepower, combat capability, mobility, sustainability and situational awareness, improving the command and control necessary to ensure the information superiority of the leading maneuvering strike forces. Abrams and Bradley's combat vehicle are the central components of offensive strike forces with a digital control system.

The main tasks of the program SEP:

• Improvement of target detection, recognition and identification systems with the addition of two FLIRs of the second generation;
• Installation of an auxiliary auxiliary power unit for feeding the tank and its electronics;
• Installation of a temperature control system for cooling the crew and electronics;
• Increase the speed of memory and processor and enable the display of full color maps;
• Ensuring compatibility with the combined-arms command and control architecture for its joint use and situational awareness throughout the entire connection.

Additional weight reduction, the introduction of combat management systems, increased safety and survivability of the M1A2 according to the plan "Tank Abrams M1A2 in fiscal year 2000" began in 2000.

First setbacks

Initial operational testing and assessment of the state of M1A2 was conducted from September to December 1993 in Fort Hood, Texas. They consisted of an artillery stage and maneuvers. The results were found to be satisfactory, the new US tank proved to be effective, but functionally unsuitable and unsafe. This assessment was based on poor accessibility and reliability of the machine, cases of spontaneous movement of the barrel and tower, spontaneous firing of a 0.50-caliber machine gun, and also because of hot surfaces that caused burns to the crew.

Subsequent tests of two battalions of M1A2 tanks were conducted in September-October 1995 with the goal of training the use of new weapons. Despite the assurances of making corrections, there were numerous cases of spontaneous movement of the trunk and tower, the hanging of the display and contact burns. Further tests were suspended for security reasons. The manufacturer has identified 30 causes of the malfunctions and after the update of hardware and software in June 1996 the testing was continued.

The master plan for the Abrams M1A2 tank test was approved in the second quarter of 1998. It included an agreed third-party operational test plan, combined with the initial testing of the Bradley combat vehicle in 1999 in Fort Hood, Texas. This combined operational check consisted of 16 battles. The Bradley A3 and M1A2 SEP combat vehicle on the one hand against M1A1 and Bradley-ODS on the other. In addition, the second generation FLIR was tested simultaneously. This approach implemented the policy of the Minister of Defense to combine tests in order to save resources and provide a more realistic combat situation.

Work on bugs

The command came to the conclusion that the "M1A2 Tank in 2000" plan made significant changes to the original design of the M1A2 and it is necessary to assess its survivability at the system level based on a complete plan for testing the two machines and their components, modeling and simulation, available data, and As well as data from previous tests to assess the sensitivity and stability of the M1A2 and its crew to possible threats and the possibility of repairing damage.

The new US shock tank, with corrections made by the program manager in 1996, was found to be functionally efficient and satisfactory. The combat readiness, reliability, fuel consumption, as well as the safety problems identified earlier, have been corrected. The subsequent tests were carried out in accordance with the approved plans. The cases of spontaneous movement of the barrel and the tower, shooting of the machine gun, and also hot surfaces were not revealed.

The greatest risk to the program was the development of embedded battle management software, which provided recognition of "Svo-stranger" and provided general command and control information about the connection of troops. This software is a horizontal implementation of technology included in weapons systems and operational control in 2000.

Protection system against WMD

At the end of 2002, there was a tragic accident involving M1A2 Abrams. While the crew of the tank was engaged in driving a vehicle, a failure in the system of protection from weapons of mass destruction occurred, as a result of which the NBC filter caught fire. One soldier was killed and 9 people were injured. Among the many factors that led to this incident, the main reason for the fire of the NBC filter was the wedging of the installation with an air cycle caused by dirt.

The tank electronics warns and warns the crew members in case of problems with NBC. Messages are displayed visually on the displays of the commander and the driver. In addition, each crew member via the VIS Intercom System transmits an audio signal generated by the AIM Analog Input Module and is fed via the Y-cable to the stationary full-functional driver control unit AN / VIC 3 through the J3 connector. Incorrect connection of the latter does not interfere with the means of communication, but because of this the warning signal could not be heard. The command should make sure that each M1A2 at their disposal is checked to make sure the NBC system is properly connected. Before the verification is complete, it should not be used. This is a critical component of M1A2, providing crews with protection in a combat situation, requiring proper maintenance and verification.

Further modernization

M1A2 Abrams is one of the leading main battle tanks in terms of armor piercing firepower and protection, but this modification was inferior to some of the capabilities of battle tanks made in Russia, Germany or Israel. There was no high-explosive fragmentation, active protection system and additional armored shields.

The modernization program M1A2 SEPv2, in addition to increasing the reliability and duration of the tank, focused on ensuring compatibility with the "future combat systems" FCS.

This update included two contracts with GDLS. The first, designed for 2007-2009, provided for the reconstruction of the 240 M1A2 SEP to the second level with improved sights, displays and communication with the infantry. The second contract, which began operations in February 2008, provided for the upgrade to SEPv2 of 435 remaining M1A1 tanks.

In SEPv2 added gun system with remote control CROWS II, equipped with a 12.7-mm machine gun.

The modernization program for SEPv3 was publicly announced in 2015. Today it is the most modern version of Abrams with a number of further improvements in combat capability, fuel efficiency and networking capabilities. Among them - a new armor design and increased resistance against improvised explosive devices. Testing of SEPv3 will be completed in 2016 and deliveries will begin in 2017.

Crew

The American tank Abrams holds a crew of four: the commander, the gunner, the driver and the loader. The first two are on the right, charging on the left and the driver in front in the center.

The commander is responsible for the equipment, the report on the material requirements and the operation of the tank. He instructs the crew, manages the movement of the car, submits reports, controls the evacuation of the wounded and assistance. He is an expert in the use of weapons, requests fire from a closed position and makes orientation in the terrain. The commander is obliged to know and understand the combat mission, to master the situation, using all available optics, listening to the radio, following the inter-cabin information system and the survey display. Located to the right and has access to 6 periscopes providing an overview.

The TI thermal imager allows you to conduct a round-robin review regardless of the time of day, perform automatic scanning and aiming of the gunner's sight without verbal communication, and also serves as a backup fire control system. The latter consists of a gyrostabilized head with sensors, handles, a selection panel for settings, an electronics unit and a screen. The viewing angle is -12 ° + 20 ° in elevation and 360 ° in azimuth with an increase of x2.6 with a field of view of 3.4 ° and x7.7 at 10.4 °.

Gunner

Produces a target search and controls the shooting of the main gun and coaxial machine gun. Responsible for weapons and fire fighting equipment. He is a deputy commander and, if necessary, helps other crew members. Responsible for communication and monitoring system, monitoring of network connections, support of digital channels, etc.

Sits on the right. The sight and GPS-LOS are developed by Hughes Aircraft Company. Biaxial GPS-LOS increases the probability of hitting from the first shot by quickly capturing the target and improved guidance. Azimuth inertial stabilization allows to detect, identify and hit the target at greater distances than the previous uniaxial system. Excursion -16 ° + 22 ° in height and ± 5 ° in azimuth. The accuracy of stabilization and the retention of the sight is less than 100 microns.

The Eyesafe rangefinder, developed by Hughes, consists of a Raman resonator that increases the laser wavelength from 1.06 to 1.54 μm, which are harmless to the eyes. Produces 1 measurement per second with an accuracy of 10 m.

There is an additional sight Kollmorgen 939. Computer fire control is made by the company Computing Devices from Canada. It consists of an electronics unit and a data entry and testing panel. Automatically calculates fire data, taking into account:

• Angle of barrel lift;
• The bending of the gun, measured by the system of thermal bending;
• The wind speed according to the sensor on the roof of the tower;
• Roll from the pendulum sensor in the center of the ceiling of the tower.

The operator enters the type of ammunition, temperature and pressure.

To destroy the target, the gunner aligns the sight of the target with the target. The distance is determined by the laser range finder and the data is transferred to the fire control computer. The sight along with the computer data and the state of the system informs about the readiness, after which the gunner makes a shot.

Driver

Leads, positions and stops the tank. While moving, he looks for sheltered from fire, positions and routes, holds the formation position and monitors the signals. In combat, he helps the gunner and the commander in finding the target. Responsible for maintenance and refueling.

It is located in the central part of the tank. The instrument panel monitors the levels of liquids, the state of electrical equipment and batteries. It has 3 periscopes with an overview of 120 °.

The AN / VSS-5 night vision device , developed by Texas Instruments, is based on an uncooled array of 328 x 245 detectors operating in the 7.5-13 micron range and provides a 30 ° elevation and a 40 ° azimuth viewing sector.

The AN / VAS-3 thermal imager developed at Hughes Aircraft is supplied to military tanks for Kuwait. Created on the basis of 60 semiconductor elements CdHgTe, recording a wavelength range of 7.5-12 microns. The engine is cooled by a power of 0.25 W. Overview - 20 ° in height and 40 ° in azimuth.

Charging

Serves the main cannon and a twin machine gun. Armed with a machine gun. Stacks and is responsible for ammunition and maintenance of communication equipment. Before the beginning of hostilities, he is searching for the goal.

Weapons

The main tank armament is the 120-mm smoothbore gun M256 - manufactured by the German company Rheinmetall, and its ammunition is supplied by Alliant Techsystems and Olin Ordnance, USA. Used training M865 TPCSDS-T and M831 TP-T and combat shots M8300 HEAT-MP-T and M829 APFSDS-T with a core of depleted uranium. The density of this metal is 2.5 times greater than that of steel, which ensures a high armor penetrability of the projectile. The length of the gun barrel is 44 calibers.

In the M1A1 tank, the commander has a Browning M2 machine gun of 12.7 mm caliber on the platform and with an x3 optical sight. Since the modification of the M1A2, the turntable and the sight gave way to a larger armored dome and a machine gun. This was done because the space previously occupied by the sight, the platform engine and the controls, is now occupied by a CID and a thermal imager.

The charger has a tank machine gun M240 7.62 mm on the machine Skate. Its rise is -30 ° + 65 °, the turn is 265 °. The same machine guns are mounted coaxially to the right of the main gun.

Safety and preservation of combat capability

On both sides of the tower there are six-barrel smoke grenade launchers M250. Smoke screen can also be installed by the engine management system.

The tower and the M1 Abrams housing are protected by armor similar to the British Chobham. The combat capability of the machine is proven in combat conditions - it survived direct hits of T-72 shells. Of the 1,955 crews, not one serviceman was killed, 4 tanks were disabled, and 4 were damaged, but were to be repaired. To withstand modern anti-tank weapons, armor is made in the form of a composite material of steel and depleted uranium.

The storage place for ammunition is reinforced boxes behind sliding sliding doors. Armored partitions protect the crew from tanks with fuel.

The tank is equipped with a Halon fire extinguishing system activated after 2 ms after the fire and extinguishing the fire for 250 ms. The machine is protected from biological, nuclear and chemical weapons by the NBC system, which includes an air conditioning system, radiological hazard warnings and a chemical detector. In the presence of protective suits and masks.

Power plant and fuel consumption

The tank is equipped with a multi-fuel gas turbine tank engine Honeywell AGT 1500 with a capacity of 1500 liters. from. Company Lycoming Textron. And the company Allison Transmission supplies 4 front and 2 rear gears X-1100-3B.

The tank engine consumes about 1135 liters in 8 hours, but this figure depends on the combat mission, terrain and weather. The time of filling one tank does not exceed 10 minutes, and a platoon of four tanks - 30 minutes. The fuel consumption is:

• 3.92 liters per kilometer;
• 227 l / h when driving on rough terrain;
• 114 l / h in operational-tactical conditions;
• 38 l / h at idle.

TTX of M1A2 tanks

Below is a table with the main tactical and technical characteristics of the tank.

Characteristic	M1A2
Weight, t	63
Length (with trunk), m	9.83
Case length, m	7.92
Width, m	3.7
Height, m	2.44
Maximum speed, km / h	67
Power reserve, km	425
Overcoming the rise, hail	40
Overcoming the moat, m	2.7
Overcoming the wall, m	1.2
Gunshots, pcs.	40
Cartridges, pcs.	12 400x7.62, 1000x12.7

At present, in the United States, the experience of using tanks of this series in combat operations is carefully studied in order to eliminate all the identified shortcomings and develop a new, even more effective version of this combat vehicle.