The USA will create a new tank modernization project M1A2 SEP v.4
In October last year, the US defense industry first introduced a prototype tank M1A2 Abrams, modernized according to the project SEP v.3. In the foreseeable future, a certain number of armored vehicles available in the troops will have to undergo repairs and updates under the new project, which will allow the continued operation of existing equipment without significant losses in characteristics and capabilities. Deliveries of serial M1A2 SEP v.3 have not yet started, but the military and engineers have already begun work on a new version of the modernization of existing tanks. By analogy with previous projects, the new project received the working name M1A2 SEP v.4.
Plans to create a fourth version of the modernization project for the main Abrams tanks were announced in early November. During the conference, the Association of the US Army (Association of the US Army), several commanders revealed their views on the development of existing and prospective armored vehicles. As it turned out, in the coming decades, the American command plans to dispense with completely new equipment, while maintaining the required combat capability of the troops through timely repair and upgrading of existing samples.
The first show of the tank M1A2 SEP v.3. Photo Armyrecognition.com
The main armored vehicles of the American army over the next two decades will remain the main battle tank M1A2 Abrams and the combat vehicle M2 Bradley. Only in the mid-thirties will they have to give up their place to new cars of their classes, the development of which should start no earlier than the beginning of the twenties. Thus, until the advent of new types of equipment, the United States Army will have to continue operating the existing fleet of armored vehicles. To extend the resource and increase the potential of technology it is planned to conduct the next modernization.
The development of the M1A2 SEP v.4 modernization project should be completed by the beginning of the next decade. At 2021, the year is scheduled to start testing an experienced tank, refined by a new project. Shortly thereafter, the Pentagon will be able to launch a full-scale program for the repair and updating of armored vehicles. The number of vehicles to be upgraded has not yet been determined. Apparently, work on such aspects of the project will begin later, just before the start of work. It was in the early twenties that the army would be able to study the current state of the fleet of vehicles and draw up plans based on this information.
Like the previous projects of the SEP family (System Enhanced Package - “Advanced Systems Package”), the new SEP v.4 implies a minimal change in the design of existing tanks, which is necessary for the installation of various new types of systems. According to the latest data, during the next modernization, it is planned to renew the electronic equipment, fire control systems and other elements of combat equipment. In addition, it is planned to use new means of increasing survivability on the battlefield, as well as to introduce into the weapons some promising shells.
Some details of the M1A2 SEP v.4 project were recently published by the American edition of Scout Warrior in the article "The Army's More Lethal M1A2 SEP v4 Abrams Tank Variant Will Start Testing in the 2020s". The author of this material, Chris Osborne, spoke with Major General David Bassett, who had previously participated in the creation of the GCS project. The commander commented on some new ideas and technologies that will be used in the next tank modernization project.
First of all, the project M1A2 SEP v.4 involves the use of the most modern means of observation and detection. Thus, to increase this potential, new tanks will have to be equipped with third-generation infrared surveillance systems. The new equipment from the previous equipment of this class will differ in the increased resolution and digital processing of the video signal. The simultaneous use of sensitive elements designed to work with medium and long waves, will increase the observation range and improve the resolution at shorter distances. In addition, the efficiency of optical-electronic systems will increase when working in adverse weather conditions. According to D. Bassett, the crew of the tank will be able with great success to identify enemy fighters with weapons.
It is expected that the infrared systems of the new generation will also be able to detect optics or lasers of the enemy. Thanks to this, the updated tank M1A2 SEP v.4 will be able to quickly find dangerous objects on the battlefield and respond to their presence accordingly. An additional means of detecting enemy equipment will have to be airborne and aft sensors for laser irradiation. With their help, the crew will be able to learn about a possible attack by the enemy.
After updating the electronics, the fighting compartment will be more spacious. Photos of Popularmechanics.com
D. Bassett also said that the updated tanks will have to be equipped with improved sensors of meteorological conditions. One of their main features will be the automatic transfer of data to the fire control system. Due to this, the crew will be spared the need for manual data entry while maintaining the possibility of their full use.
During the modernization of the tanks will lose part of the fire controls, remote commander and gunner, as well as other equipment. Instead, new devices with enhanced performance and improved ergonomics will be installed. In addition, the modular acquisition principle can be used in new consoles, which can simplify the repair and upgrade of electronics. It will also require the installation of new means of communication, which allow receiving data from third-party sources and transmitting independently collected information to other machines. All new equipment will have to communicate using new tires, etc. equipment that meets the requirements of modularity.
It should be noted that the increase in performance is not the only consequence of the renewal of the electronics of crew jobs. Through the use of multifunctional devices, liquid crystal screens, etc. devices can be enhanced convenience of the crew. It is also expected the release of some volumes inside the fighting compartment.
The upcoming modernization will affect weapons, namely the range of ammunition 120-mm smooth-bore guns. The M256 gun itself will not be updated, but a list of used shots awaits a noticeable revision. Currently, an improved multi-purpose projectile AMP (Advanced Multi-Purpose) is being created, which in the future will be able to replace four existing munitions for various purposes at once. It is expected that this will simplify the operation of equipment and to a certain extent increase the combat effectiveness of the tank.
Under the replacement of the AMP projectile will get products M380 HEAT and M380A1 MPAT, having a cumulative warhead. The M380 shot is designed to destroy armored vehicles, and the M380A1 projectile with a dual-mode fuse can also be used against helicopters. HEAT and MPAT shells have been used since the early nineties. It is also planned to decommission the high-explosive fragmentation projectile M1028 with ready-hit elements and the high-explosive M908 ODR, which has a retarder fuse.
According to the results of the planned modernization, four different types of ammunition will be replaced by a single AMP that can solve all their tasks with the same or increased efficiency. The possibility of application for various purposes will be provided by the presence of a programmable fuse with an ADL data transfer system (Ammunition Data Link - “Data Transfer to the Projectile”). During the preparation of the cannon for firing, the fire control system through the ADL device will perform data input into the memory of the fuse. The latter, carrying out the program introduced, will be able to destroy tanks, manpower, aircraft or enemy fortifications.
Prospective shells, the introduction of which will begin in the project SEP v.3. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
In the most recent upgrade project, M1A2 SEP v.3, a package of machine design changes has been proposed called ECP (Engineering Change Proposal - “Engineering Engineering Proposal”). In the M1A2 SEP v.4 project, the existing ECP will be continued. As part of the ECP 1 program, a new series of modifications to the existing power plant may emerge, designed to enhance its performance. In addition, M1A2 SEP v.4 tanks will be able to get an improved auxiliary power unit capable of ensuring the operation of new components and assemblies.
One of the consumers of electricity implied by the ECP 1 project is Counter Counter Controlled Improvised Explosive Device — an Electronic Warfare or CREW anti-radio-controlled explosive device system. The CREW product will have to detect the control channels of the enemy and suppress them, not allowing the mine to be broken.
Another characteristic feature of the M1A2 SEP v.4 project, which distinguishes it from previous developments of the SEP family, will be the use of an active protection package. Tanks on the battlefield are still under fire using various anti-tank weapons, the fight against which requires special equipment. The current progress in the field of anti-tank weapons makes it necessary to take appropriate measures. One of the main responses to existing and future threats will be active protection systems.
Currently, the US Army and its scientific organizations are studying the proposals of various defense industry enterprises. Both domestic and foreign developments are studied and verified. In particular, since 2014 in the United States, the Israeli Defense Trophy’s active protection complex has been tested. The possible integration of the protection systems in the onboard equipment complex of the Abrams tanks is also being worked out. It is assumed that active protection will become a full-fledged element of on-board equipment, and not additional attachments.
It is known that American experts have already shown interest in several complexes of active protection of foreign development. This is Rafael's Trophy, Iron Curtain by Artis Corporation, Iron Fist by IMI and ADS by UBT / Rheinmetall. What system will be ordered for use in the upcoming modernization of tanks is unknown. At the same time, it is possible to abandon the purchase of existing systems with the development of a new design of the complex, originally adapted for use on M1A2 SEP v.4 tanks.
As in the case of previous projects, the modernization of the tanks will consist in some minor design changes and major upgrades of the onboard equipment. At the same time, the design of the hull and turret will remain unchanged along with their booking, power plant, transmission, running gear, etc. Thus, the updated tank externally will be minimally different from the base one. In addition, some characteristics, primarily related to the mobility of equipment, will remain at the same level.
M1A2 SEP v.3 under test. Photo Nationalinterest.org
According to existing plans announced a few days ago, the development of the System Enhanced Package v.4 project will continue until the beginning of the next decade. Approximately in 2021, the first prototype of such a main tank will be tested. According to the results of his inspections, the timing of the modernization of the equipment of the combatant units, as well as the scope of the program, will be determined. The United States has several thousand M1A2 Abrams tanks of all modifications, of which around 1600 machines have been updated by the SEP v.2 project. In the foreseeable future, the existing M1A2 SEP v.2 will have to undergo retrofitting on the “third” project. Later, some of the equipment will be upgraded in the framework of a promising program, the development of which will be completed early in the next decade.
In case of successful implementation of all planned work on the project M1A2 SEP v.4 at the beginning of the next decade, the United States will be able to start a program to repair and upgrade existing armored vehicles. Within a few years, the army will receive a certain number of tanks with extended life, improved equipment and enhanced performance. This technique will remain in operation for some time. At the moment, the beginning of the supply of promising tanks of a completely new type belongs to the 2035 year. Thus, the armored vehicles of the Abrams family can remain in service almost until the beginning of the forties.
Recently announced plans for the further development of the US armored vehicle park show a curious trend. Over the past decades, American designers have created several projects of promising main tanks, designed to replace the M1 Abrams family of vehicles, but none of them advanced beyond the prototype testing stage. The lack of a full-fledged replacement of existing tanks in combination with new threats characteristic of modern conflicts has led to the emergence of several tank modernization projects. The development of completely new machines, however, was stopped.
According to the latest data, the creation of a promising American tank will be launched only in the first years of the next decade. By the mid-twenties it is planned to build and submit for testing the first prototype. The next few years will be devoted to the continuation of inspections and fine-tuning of equipment. By the mid-thirties, the tank would have to go into a series, after which the gradual replacement of the Abrams vehicles available in the troops would begin.
Such plans of the Pentagon and the defense industry may look ambiguous in the light of foreign work in the field of armored vehicles. The main competitors of the United States in the field of armaments and military equipment continue to create new types of tanks, including using revolutionary new solutions. Against this background, the next Abrams modernization project with the transfer of the development of promising technology for several years ahead looks specifically. Moreover, there is a reason for accusations of lagging behind competitors and unwillingness to return to the leading positions.
The US Army has chosen an ambiguous method of developing its tanks, but it seems that it does not intend to abandon it. In the foreseeable future, the operation of existing tanks will continue, and the equipment will undergo repairs and upgrades from time to time. Only two decades later, the troops will begin to receive a truly new technique. Perhaps this way of updating the fleet of armored vehicles does not look very successful, but the American command chose him. So, following the updated M1A2 SEP v.3 tanks, the troops will have to master the improved M1A2 SEP v.4.
On the materials of the sites:
http://breakingdefense.com/
http://scout.com/
http://armyrecognition.com/
http://army-guide.com/
http://nationalinterest.org/
http://globalsecurity.org/
http://gurkhan.blogspot.ru/
Plans to create a fourth version of the modernization project for the main Abrams tanks were announced in early November. During the conference, the Association of the US Army (Association of the US Army), several commanders revealed their views on the development of existing and prospective armored vehicles. As it turned out, in the coming decades, the American command plans to dispense with completely new equipment, while maintaining the required combat capability of the troops through timely repair and upgrading of existing samples.
The first show of the tank M1A2 SEP v.3. Photo Armyrecognition.com
The main armored vehicles of the American army over the next two decades will remain the main battle tank M1A2 Abrams and the combat vehicle M2 Bradley. Only in the mid-thirties will they have to give up their place to new cars of their classes, the development of which should start no earlier than the beginning of the twenties. Thus, until the advent of new types of equipment, the United States Army will have to continue operating the existing fleet of armored vehicles. To extend the resource and increase the potential of technology it is planned to conduct the next modernization.
The development of the M1A2 SEP v.4 modernization project should be completed by the beginning of the next decade. At 2021, the year is scheduled to start testing an experienced tank, refined by a new project. Shortly thereafter, the Pentagon will be able to launch a full-scale program for the repair and updating of armored vehicles. The number of vehicles to be upgraded has not yet been determined. Apparently, work on such aspects of the project will begin later, just before the start of work. It was in the early twenties that the army would be able to study the current state of the fleet of vehicles and draw up plans based on this information.
Like the previous projects of the SEP family (System Enhanced Package - “Advanced Systems Package”), the new SEP v.4 implies a minimal change in the design of existing tanks, which is necessary for the installation of various new types of systems. According to the latest data, during the next modernization, it is planned to renew the electronic equipment, fire control systems and other elements of combat equipment. In addition, it is planned to use new means of increasing survivability on the battlefield, as well as to introduce into the weapons some promising shells.
Some details of the M1A2 SEP v.4 project were recently published by the American edition of Scout Warrior in the article "The Army's More Lethal M1A2 SEP v4 Abrams Tank Variant Will Start Testing in the 2020s". The author of this material, Chris Osborne, spoke with Major General David Bassett, who had previously participated in the creation of the GCS project. The commander commented on some new ideas and technologies that will be used in the next tank modernization project.
First of all, the project M1A2 SEP v.4 involves the use of the most modern means of observation and detection. Thus, to increase this potential, new tanks will have to be equipped with third-generation infrared surveillance systems. The new equipment from the previous equipment of this class will differ in the increased resolution and digital processing of the video signal. The simultaneous use of sensitive elements designed to work with medium and long waves, will increase the observation range and improve the resolution at shorter distances. In addition, the efficiency of optical-electronic systems will increase when working in adverse weather conditions. According to D. Bassett, the crew of the tank will be able with great success to identify enemy fighters with weapons.
It is expected that the infrared systems of the new generation will also be able to detect optics or lasers of the enemy. Thanks to this, the updated tank M1A2 SEP v.4 will be able to quickly find dangerous objects on the battlefield and respond to their presence accordingly. An additional means of detecting enemy equipment will have to be airborne and aft sensors for laser irradiation. With their help, the crew will be able to learn about a possible attack by the enemy.
After updating the electronics, the fighting compartment will be more spacious. Photos of Popularmechanics.com
D. Bassett also said that the updated tanks will have to be equipped with improved sensors of meteorological conditions. One of their main features will be the automatic transfer of data to the fire control system. Due to this, the crew will be spared the need for manual data entry while maintaining the possibility of their full use.
During the modernization of the tanks will lose part of the fire controls, remote commander and gunner, as well as other equipment. Instead, new devices with enhanced performance and improved ergonomics will be installed. In addition, the modular acquisition principle can be used in new consoles, which can simplify the repair and upgrade of electronics. It will also require the installation of new means of communication, which allow receiving data from third-party sources and transmitting independently collected information to other machines. All new equipment will have to communicate using new tires, etc. equipment that meets the requirements of modularity.
It should be noted that the increase in performance is not the only consequence of the renewal of the electronics of crew jobs. Through the use of multifunctional devices, liquid crystal screens, etc. devices can be enhanced convenience of the crew. It is also expected the release of some volumes inside the fighting compartment.
The upcoming modernization will affect weapons, namely the range of ammunition 120-mm smooth-bore guns. The M256 gun itself will not be updated, but a list of used shots awaits a noticeable revision. Currently, an improved multi-purpose projectile AMP (Advanced Multi-Purpose) is being created, which in the future will be able to replace four existing munitions for various purposes at once. It is expected that this will simplify the operation of equipment and to a certain extent increase the combat effectiveness of the tank.
Under the replacement of the AMP projectile will get products M380 HEAT and M380A1 MPAT, having a cumulative warhead. The M380 shot is designed to destroy armored vehicles, and the M380A1 projectile with a dual-mode fuse can also be used against helicopters. HEAT and MPAT shells have been used since the early nineties. It is also planned to decommission the high-explosive fragmentation projectile M1028 with ready-hit elements and the high-explosive M908 ODR, which has a retarder fuse.
According to the results of the planned modernization, four different types of ammunition will be replaced by a single AMP that can solve all their tasks with the same or increased efficiency. The possibility of application for various purposes will be provided by the presence of a programmable fuse with an ADL data transfer system (Ammunition Data Link - “Data Transfer to the Projectile”). During the preparation of the cannon for firing, the fire control system through the ADL device will perform data input into the memory of the fuse. The latter, carrying out the program introduced, will be able to destroy tanks, manpower, aircraft or enemy fortifications.
Prospective shells, the introduction of which will begin in the project SEP v.3. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
In the most recent upgrade project, M1A2 SEP v.3, a package of machine design changes has been proposed called ECP (Engineering Change Proposal - “Engineering Engineering Proposal”). In the M1A2 SEP v.4 project, the existing ECP will be continued. As part of the ECP 1 program, a new series of modifications to the existing power plant may emerge, designed to enhance its performance. In addition, M1A2 SEP v.4 tanks will be able to get an improved auxiliary power unit capable of ensuring the operation of new components and assemblies.
One of the consumers of electricity implied by the ECP 1 project is Counter Counter Controlled Improvised Explosive Device — an Electronic Warfare or CREW anti-radio-controlled explosive device system. The CREW product will have to detect the control channels of the enemy and suppress them, not allowing the mine to be broken.
Another characteristic feature of the M1A2 SEP v.4 project, which distinguishes it from previous developments of the SEP family, will be the use of an active protection package. Tanks on the battlefield are still under fire using various anti-tank weapons, the fight against which requires special equipment. The current progress in the field of anti-tank weapons makes it necessary to take appropriate measures. One of the main responses to existing and future threats will be active protection systems.
Currently, the US Army and its scientific organizations are studying the proposals of various defense industry enterprises. Both domestic and foreign developments are studied and verified. In particular, since 2014 in the United States, the Israeli Defense Trophy’s active protection complex has been tested. The possible integration of the protection systems in the onboard equipment complex of the Abrams tanks is also being worked out. It is assumed that active protection will become a full-fledged element of on-board equipment, and not additional attachments.
It is known that American experts have already shown interest in several complexes of active protection of foreign development. This is Rafael's Trophy, Iron Curtain by Artis Corporation, Iron Fist by IMI and ADS by UBT / Rheinmetall. What system will be ordered for use in the upcoming modernization of tanks is unknown. At the same time, it is possible to abandon the purchase of existing systems with the development of a new design of the complex, originally adapted for use on M1A2 SEP v.4 tanks.
As in the case of previous projects, the modernization of the tanks will consist in some minor design changes and major upgrades of the onboard equipment. At the same time, the design of the hull and turret will remain unchanged along with their booking, power plant, transmission, running gear, etc. Thus, the updated tank externally will be minimally different from the base one. In addition, some characteristics, primarily related to the mobility of equipment, will remain at the same level.
M1A2 SEP v.3 under test. Photo Nationalinterest.org
According to existing plans announced a few days ago, the development of the System Enhanced Package v.4 project will continue until the beginning of the next decade. Approximately in 2021, the first prototype of such a main tank will be tested. According to the results of his inspections, the timing of the modernization of the equipment of the combatant units, as well as the scope of the program, will be determined. The United States has several thousand M1A2 Abrams tanks of all modifications, of which around 1600 machines have been updated by the SEP v.2 project. In the foreseeable future, the existing M1A2 SEP v.2 will have to undergo retrofitting on the “third” project. Later, some of the equipment will be upgraded in the framework of a promising program, the development of which will be completed early in the next decade.
In case of successful implementation of all planned work on the project M1A2 SEP v.4 at the beginning of the next decade, the United States will be able to start a program to repair and upgrade existing armored vehicles. Within a few years, the army will receive a certain number of tanks with extended life, improved equipment and enhanced performance. This technique will remain in operation for some time. At the moment, the beginning of the supply of promising tanks of a completely new type belongs to the 2035 year. Thus, the armored vehicles of the Abrams family can remain in service almost until the beginning of the forties.
Recently announced plans for the further development of the US armored vehicle park show a curious trend. Over the past decades, American designers have created several projects of promising main tanks, designed to replace the M1 Abrams family of vehicles, but none of them advanced beyond the prototype testing stage. The lack of a full-fledged replacement of existing tanks in combination with new threats characteristic of modern conflicts has led to the emergence of several tank modernization projects. The development of completely new machines, however, was stopped.
According to the latest data, the creation of a promising American tank will be launched only in the first years of the next decade. By the mid-twenties it is planned to build and submit for testing the first prototype. The next few years will be devoted to the continuation of inspections and fine-tuning of equipment. By the mid-thirties, the tank would have to go into a series, after which the gradual replacement of the Abrams vehicles available in the troops would begin.
Such plans of the Pentagon and the defense industry may look ambiguous in the light of foreign work in the field of armored vehicles. The main competitors of the United States in the field of armaments and military equipment continue to create new types of tanks, including using revolutionary new solutions. Against this background, the next Abrams modernization project with the transfer of the development of promising technology for several years ahead looks specifically. Moreover, there is a reason for accusations of lagging behind competitors and unwillingness to return to the leading positions.
The US Army has chosen an ambiguous method of developing its tanks, but it seems that it does not intend to abandon it. In the foreseeable future, the operation of existing tanks will continue, and the equipment will undergo repairs and upgrades from time to time. Only two decades later, the troops will begin to receive a truly new technique. Perhaps this way of updating the fleet of armored vehicles does not look very successful, but the American command chose him. So, following the updated M1A2 SEP v.3 tanks, the troops will have to master the improved M1A2 SEP v.4.
On the materials of the sites:
http://breakingdefense.com/
http://scout.com/
http://armyrecognition.com/
http://army-guide.com/
http://nationalinterest.org/
http://globalsecurity.org/
http://gurkhan.blogspot.ru/
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