What appear to be the first pictures of a prototype
of the newest version of the Abrams tank, the M1A2 System Enhanced Package
Version 4 (SEPv4) variant, have emerged online. The tank in question is
currently undergoing testing at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
Pictures of the improved Abrams were posted earlier
today on the official Facebook page for the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry
Regiment, which is part 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Bridge Combat Team based at
Fort Hood in Texas. The tank has "M1A2 SEPv4" emblazoned at least on
the front end of the right side of its hull, along with "PV05 SEPV4"
written in various locations on the hull.
Members of 2-12th Cavalry are helping to test the
new Abrams variant at Yuma. The Facebook post was subsequently taken down, but
the photographs are now widely circulating elsewhere on social media.
According to a report released last year by the
Pentagon's Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation the SEPv4
version builds on the previous SEPv3 variant, by adding the following:
• An
upgraded Gunner's Primary Sight with a third-generation forward-looking
infrared sensor, improved laser range-finder, and full-color video camera.
• An
upgraded Commander's Primary Sight with a third-generation FLIR and full-color
video camera, as well as a laser pointer and range finder.
• Lethality
improvements including the addition of a digital data link that can communicate
with the Army's new reprogrammable XM1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round
for the tank's 120mm main gun.
• A
new onboard meteorological sensor that can collect various types of data to
improve accuracy.
• Upgraded
communications, data-sharing, and onboard diagnostics systems.
Information the Army has previously released says
that the SEPv4 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) and also has explosive
reactive armor (ERA) kits available for the Abrams.
In addition, the SEPv4 will have an Improved Thermal
Management System (ITMS), as well, to help mitigate the additional heat
generated by the various new electronics and the power sources that go along
with them.
Otherwise, overall, the vehicle looks very similar
externally to the preceding M1A2 SEPv3 variant.
Interestingly, the design of a new next-generation
Abrams technology demonstrator that General Dynamics Land Systems has put
together, called Abrams-X. The Abrams-X has is lightweight, has a reduced crew,
and has a more fuel-efficient and quieter hybrid conventional-electric
propulsion, among other things.
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