American tank "Abrams M1A2": TTX, weapons

The task of the M1A2 Abrams tank is to approach the enemy forces and destroy them using maneuver, firepower and the effect of surprise. It is in service in tank and reconnaissance battalions. Instead of new production, the army upgraded 1,000 obsolete M1 Abrams to M1A2. This has greatly reduced vulnerability by adding duplicate components and dispersing data and power.

The course for modernization

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

• IVIS information system;
• Independent thermal imager commander CITV;
• POS / NAV positioning and navigation system;
• advanced fire control ICWS;
• double redundancy of MILSTD 1553D data transfer devices and common bus.

In 1999, the SEP enhancement package was launched into serial production, which included:

• second generation FLIR;
• EBC software command and control system;
• UAAPU auxiliary power plant
• TMS management system.

In addition to upgrading previously manufactured tanks, the U.S. Army is supplying equipment sold to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

During the program, 62 M1A2 were purchased and, as of the beginning of 1997, the modernization of 368 old M1 tanks to the M1A2 level was completed. In 1991-1993, 267 units were delivered. From 1996 to 2001, another 600 advanced machines were purchased at a plant in Lima, Ohio .

SEP program

The program for further modernization of the Abrams M1A2 tank, dubbed the System Improvement Program (SEP), was aimed at increasing the capabilities of digital command and control, its combat effectiveness and destructive action.

In fiscal 1999, US forces began upgrading the M1 to the M1A2 SEP level.

In 1994, the US Army signed a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems to develop the M1A2 enhancements and gave GDLS another contract in 1995 for the supply of 240 advanced M1A2 SEPs for delivery in 1999. The second generation of on-board infrared was added to the gunner’s and gunner’s sights. front view systems FLIR. This sensor also began to be installed on the obsolete M1A2 since 2001.

In March 2001, a multi-year contract was signed for the production until 2004 of 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 with 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 the M1A2 troops SEP began in the spring of 2000 with the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The upgrade of M1A2 to SEP level began in 2001.

21st Century Weapons

The Abrams M1A2 SEP tank has become the digital center of the battlefields of the 21st century army. It implements numerous improvements to control and control systems, and its damaging effect and reliability are increased.

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

But the integration of the 2nd generation FLIR, the installation of the auxiliary auxiliary power unit UAAPU and the thermal management system TMS are of the greatest importance.

Sources of financing

The increase in funding for Stryker and the combat systems of the future FCS was the result of a decision by the US Army in 2002 to suspend or restructure the long-term plan of the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) for 48 systems in fiscal 2004-09. These included the XM2001 Crusader self-propelled howitzer and the Bradley’s A3 upgrade, the M1A2 SEP program, the second unit of the Lockheed Martin army tactical missile system and the related planned upgrade of Northrop Grumman’s BAT ammunition, the Stinger missile, Raytheon’s target detection system and a Textron wide-range mine.

Night-vision device

The second generation FLIR replaced the existing TIS thermal imaging system and the independent commander thermal imager, as well as all components of the first generation FLIR. From the point of view of the US troops, this is one of the key improvements, which is a fully integrated aiming system designed to provide the gunner and tank commander with improved day and night target designation and the ability to conduct combat operations. It allows 70% better to capture the target, 45% faster and more accurately shoot. In addition, the radius of detection and identification of targets increased by 30%, which led to an increase in the destructive effect and reduced the likelihood of defeating their troops. Independent thermal imager commander CITV provides search and destruction of the enemy. The new FLIR is an aiming system with variable zoom from 3 or 6 times with a wide viewing angle to detect the target and 13, 25 or 50 times with a narrow field of view to track the target at a great distance.

Efficient 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 generating 10 kW of power. UAAPU can provide the electrical and hydraulic energy needed to control all the electronic and hydraulic components used during combat operations, as well as charge the tank’s main batteries. The power unit reduces operating and service costs by using fuel in an economical mode in the amount of 3-5 liters per hour of operation. Installed on the left rear sponson in the fuel cell area and weighs 230 kg.

Air conditioning

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 electronic components below 52 ° C in extreme conditions. This increases the combat effectiveness of the team and the vehicle. TMS consists of the AHU air handling unit and the VCSU steam compression unit, which provide 7.5 kW of cooling power for the crew and LRU quick-change units. AHU is installed in the rear of the turret and VCSU - in front of the gunner’s main sight. TMS uses the environmentally friendly R134a refrigerant and a mixture of propylene glycol and water. The TMS is installed on the left side of the tower compartment and weighs 174 kg.

Battle control system

The military requires that all systems work in a single military ACOE work environment to improve collaboration in conducting combined arms operations. The use of digital technologies and information support for offensive connections is carried out using the combat control system of the 21st century brigade level and below FBCB2. In the Abrams tank, the FBCB2 software is placed on a separate map that provides situational awareness across the entire spectrum of tactical operations. It supports 34 reporting formats, ranging from reports of contact with the enemy to transport and supply reports, as well as automatic reporting of the location of a vehicle to its systems. SEP enables the dissemination of digital data to optimize hostilities and allows real-time monitoring of the situation during full-scale operations. This enhancement increases the control of the pace of battle, improving stability and striking ability. In addition, to maintain crew efficiency, each armored battalion is equipped with an advanced AGTS artillery training system with cutting-edge graphics.

The objectives of the modernization program

Changes in the SEP and “Tank M1A2 fiscal year 2000” programs are aimed at increasing firepower, combat effectiveness, mobility, resilience and situational awareness, improving command and control necessary to ensure the information superiority of leading maneuverable strike forces. The Abrams and the Bradley fighting vehicle are central components of an offensive strike force with a digital control system.

The main objectives of the SEP program:

• improving target detection, recognition and identification systems with the addition of two second-generation FLIRs;
• installation of an auxiliary auxiliary power unit for powering the tank and its electronics;
• installation of a temperature control system for cooling the crew and electronics;
• increasing the speed of memory and processor and providing the ability to display full-color card displays;
• ensuring compatibility with the combined arms architecture of command and control for its joint use and situational awareness throughout the compound.

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

First failures

Initial performance testing and evaluation of the 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 was 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 turret, spontaneous firing of a 0.50-caliber machine gun, and also due to hot surfaces that caused burns to the crew.

The subsequent tests of two battalions of M1A2 tanks were carried out in September-October 1995 with the aim of training in the use of new weapons. Despite assurances of corrections, there have been numerous cases of spontaneous movement of the barrel and turret, display freezes and contact burns. Further tests were suspended for safety reasons. The manufacturer identified 30 causes of malfunctions and after updating the hardware and software in June 1996, testing was continued.

The Abrams M1A2 tank test master plan was adopted in the second quarter of 1998. It included an agreed third operational test plan, combined with initial testing of the Bradley combat vehicle in 1999 in Fort Hood, Texas. This combined operational check consisted of 16 battles. Bradley A3 and M1A2 SEP fighting vehicle on one side versus M1A1 and Bradley-ODS on the other. In addition, the second generation FLIR was tested simultaneously. This approach has implemented the Minister of Defense’s policy of combining tests in order to save resources and ensure a more real combat situation.

Error handling

The command concluded that the plan "Tank M1A2 in 2000" 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 test plan for two machines and their components, modeling and simulation, available data, as well as data from previous tests to assess the sensitivity and stability of the M1A2 and its crew to probable threats and the possibility of repairing damage.

The new US attack tank, as amended by the program manager in 1996, was found to be functionally efficient and satisfactory. The combat readiness, reliability, fuel consumption, and safety issues identified earlier have been fixed. Subsequent tests were carried out in accordance with the approved plans. There were no cases of spontaneous movement of the barrel and turret, machine gun firing, or hot surfaces.

The greatest risk for the program was the development of embedded combat control software, which provided recognition of “Friend or Foe” and provided general command and control information about the formation of troops. This software is the horizontal introduction of technology included in the weapons and operational control systems in 2000.

WMD protection system

At the end of 2002, a tragic accident involving M1A2 Abrams occurred. While the tank crew was busy driving a vehicle, there was a malfunction in the system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, 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 cause of the NBC filter fire was jamming of the unit with an air cycle caused by ingress of dirt.

The electronics of the tank warns and warns crew members in case of problems with NBC. Messages are displayed visually on the displays of the commander and driver. In addition, an audio signal generated by the AIM analog input module and transmitted via the Y-cable to the stationary full-featured driver control unit AN / VIC 3 through the J3 connector is transmitted to each crew member via the VIS intercom system; Incorrect connection of the latter does not interfere with communications, but because of this, a warning signal could not be heard. The command must make sure that each M1A2 at their disposal is checked, make sure that the NBC system is connected correctly. It should not be used until verification is complete. This is a critical component of the M1A2 that provides crew protection in combat, requiring proper maintenance and inspection.

Further upgrade

M1A2 Abrams is one of the leading main battle tanks in terms of armor-piercing firepower and defense, but this modification was inferior in some capabilities of battle tanks made in Russia, Germany or Israel. It lacked a high-explosive fragmentation shot, an active defense system and additional armored overhead shields.

The M1A2 SEPv2 modernization program, in addition to increasing the reliability and durability of the tank, emphasized ensuring compatibility with FCS “combat systems of the future”.

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 communications with the infantry. The second contract, which began in February 2008, provided for the upgrade to SEPv2 of the 435 remaining M1A1 tanks.

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

The SEPv3 modernization program was publicly announced in 2015. Today it is the most modern version of Abrams with a number of further improvements in combat efficiency, fuel efficiency and network capabilities. Among them - a new armored design and increased resistance against improvised explosive devices. SEPv3 trials will end in 2016 and shipments will begin in 2017.

Crew

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

The commander is responsible for the equipment, the report on the needs for materials 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 the provision of assistance. He is a specialist in the use of weapons, requests fire from a closed position and makes orientation on the ground. The commander is obliged to know and understand the combat mission, to master the situation, using all available optics, listening to the radio air, monitoring the onboard information system and the viewing display. It is located on the right and has access to 6 periscopes, providing a circular view.

The TI thermal imager allows you to conduct a circular overview regardless of the time of day, to automatically scan and aim the gunner’s sight without verbal communication, and also serves as a backup fire control system. The latter consists of a gyro-stabilized head with sensors, a handle, a settings selection panel, 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

It searches for targets and controls the firing of the main gun and coaxial machine gun. Responsible for weapons and fire fighting equipment. He is the deputy commander and, if necessary, helps other crew members. Responsible for communication and control system, monitoring network connections, support for digital channels, etc.

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

Hughes’s Eyesafe rangefinder consists of a Raman cavity that increases the laser wavelength from 1.06 to 1.54 microns safe for the eyes. Produces 1 meter per second with an accuracy of 10 m.

There is an additional sight Kollmorgen 939. Computer fire control is produced by Computing Devices from Canada. It consists of an electronics unit and a data entry and testing panel. Automatically calculates data for firing, given:

• trunk angle;
• gun bend, measured by thermal bending metering system;
• wind speed according to the sensor on the roof of the tower;
• roll from the pendulum sensor in the center of the tower ceiling.

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

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

Driver

Leads, positions and stops the tank. When moving, it searches for positions and routes hidden from the fire, holds a formation position and monitors signals. In battle, helps the gunner and commander to find the target. Responsible for maintenance and refueling.

Located in the central part of the tank. On the dashboard monitors the levels of liquids, the state of electrical equipment and batteries. It has 3 periscopes with a viewing angle of 120 °.

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

The AN / VAS-3 thermal imager developed by Hughes Aircraft is supplied to Kuwait’s military tanks. It was created on the basis of 60 semiconductor elements CdHgTe, recording a wavelength range of 7.5-12 microns. The device cools the device with a power of 0.25 watts. Overview - 20 ° in altitude and 40 ° in azimuth.

Charging

Serves the main gun and coaxial machine gun. Armed with a machine gun. Stores and is responsible for the ammunition and maintenance of communications equipment. Prior to the start of hostilities engaged in the search for targets.

Weapon

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

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

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

Safety and combat effectiveness

On both sides of the tower are six-barrel smoke grenade launchers M250. A smoke screen can also be installed with an engine management system.

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

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

The tank is equipped with a Halon fire extinguishing system that activates 2 ms after ignition and extinguishes 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. Protective suits and masks are available.

Powerplant and fuel consumption

The tank is equipped with a Honeywell AGT 1500 multi-fuel gas turbine tank engine with a capacity of 1,500 liters. from. Lycoming Textron. And Allison Transmission delivers 4 forward and 2 reverse gears of the 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 refueling time of one tank does not exceed 10 minutes, and a platoon of four tanks - 30 minutes. 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 the M1A2 tanks

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

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