The New M1A2 SEPv4 Abrams will soon become the new main battle tank of the U.S. military.
Widely considered one of the best-armored vehicles across the globe, the latest Abrams family iteration features a range of technological advancements that will elevate its already formidable reputation.
The Abrams family of tanks has led the U.S. Army’s armored corps for decades
Chrysler Defense (currently General Dynamics Land Systems) initially standardized the M1 Abrams third-generation MBT in the late 1970’s.
At this time, the collaborative MBT-70 program was conceptualized to replace both the U.S. M60 tank and the West German Leopard 1.
While the joint program failed to produce an adequate replacement for the obsolescent M60 tank, it did set the stage for the M1 Abrams.
The new battle tank brought various cutting-edge technologies to America’s armored forces, including a computer fire control system, a multi fuel turbine engine and Chobham composite armor.
The first Abrams model featured license-build versions for the 105mm Royal Ordnance L7 gun in addition to a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense protection (CBRN).
What makes SEPv3 and SEPv4 variants so special?
Over the last four decades, modernized M1 variants evolved to fit the changing needs of the U.S. armored corps.
SEPv3 is the latest configuration of the battle tank, which hosts a litany of improvements including forward-looking infrared for greater target acquisition, identification and engagement.
The new SEPv4 Abrams is even more technologically advanced than its predecessor. A report released last year by the Pentagon’s Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation included the major improvements added to the SEPv4.
An upgraded Gunner’s Primary Sight and Commander’s Primary sight with a full-color video camera will enhance the tank’s situational awareness.
Additionally, the new variant will be equipped with lethality improvements, including the new reprogrammable XM1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose round for the tank’s 120mm main gun. The Drive also reported the:
“new variant will also feature a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) system to help improve survivability by alerting the crew that targeting lasers associated with guided anti-tank missiles and other weapons are being aimed at them. Separate from the SEPv4 development effort, the Army has also been working to integrate Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS) onto its existing M1A2 tanks and also has explosive reactive armor (ERA) kits available for the Abrams.”
Maya Carlin is a Senior Editor with 19FortyFive. She is also an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel.
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