Fast facts about Abrams M1A2 SEPs MBT and Trophy APS

US Army began fielding the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 in 4QFY20. The Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 is an upgrade to the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2. The upgrades include:

• Power generation and distribution to support the power demands of future technologies

• Compatibility with joint battle command network

• Survivability enhancements including Next Evolution Armor and reduction in vulnerability to IEDs including those controlled remotely

• Improved lethality by providing the ability for the fire control system to digitally communicate with the new large caliber ammunition through use of an ammunition datalink

• Energy efficiency and sustainment due to the incorporation of an under armor auxiliary power unit (UAAPU)

• Improved silent watch capability

The Army plans to begin fielding the Abrams M1A2 SEPv4 in 1QFY25. The Abrams M1A2 SEPv4 is an upgrade to the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3. The upgrades include:

• An improved Gunner’s Primary Sight (GPS) with 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR), an Improved Laser Range Finder (LRF), and Color Camera

• An improved Commander’s primary sight with 3GEN FLIR, an improved LRF, laser pointer, and color camera

• Improved lethality by providing the ability for the fire control system to digitally communicate with the new Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) Round

• Improved firing accuracy through the installation of a Meteorological Sensor

• Improved onboard diagnostics

• The Army began fielding the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 domestically and OCONUS in FY20.

• In 1QFY20, the Army completed live fire testing of the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tank. The last test series in the program evaluated the ability of kinetic threats to perforate the internal ammunition compartment and the subsequent reaction of the stowed ammunition on the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tank mission and the crew.

Trophy Active Protection System

• In 4QFY19, the Army completed the testing of the Abrams SEPv2 with Trophy APS, which included maneuver, gunnery, and live fire test events. In June 2020, DOT&E published a classified test report summarizing the Abrams SEPv2 with Trophy APS performance.

• The Army is currently planning the live fire test program for Abrams SEPv3 with Trophy APS. The test program is scheduled for 2QFY21 through 4QFY21.

• The Trophy APS adds approximately 5,000 pounds  (2268 kg) to the Abrams tanks.

Assessment

Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Packages

• The Armored test unit equipped with the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 accomplished its assigned task in 19 of 20 missions during operational testing. The UAAPU improves the unit’s ability to accomplish continuous operations, and the upgrades have not degraded the vehicle’s combat capability. Fuel usage when operating the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 with the UAAPU was 78 percent less than the amount used when running the main engine at idle for the same amount of time.

• Upgrades mitigate the Army’s identified capability gaps for the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2.

• The Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 demonstrated 441 mean miles between combat mission failures (MMBCMF), exceeding its requirement of 320 MMBCMF during operational testing.

• The Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 upgrades introduce suitability concerns. Weight growth limits the tank’s tactical transportability. The M1A2 SEPv3 is not transportable by current recovery vehicles, tactical bridges, or heavy equipment transporters. Crews had difficulty operating government-furnished equipment. The CROWS-LP thermal sight washed out during operations and had difficulty receiving software reloads. The Army could not reproduce the thermal wash out during testing.

• The UAAPU reduces the acoustic detectability range of the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 by 62 percent, when compared to the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2.

• DOT&E continues to analyze the live fire test data to evaluate the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 survivability and force protection against operationally expected threats. DOT&E will publish the M1A2 SEPv3 survivability and force protection evaluation details in a classified report in 1QFY21