US Tanks. Abrams M1A2 SEPV3
US Tanks. Abrams M1A2 SEPV3
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| M1A2 SEPV3 |
Design and features of Abrams M1A2 SEPV3:
AbramsM1A2 SEPV3 is a modernised configuration of the Abrams main battle tank (MBT)
developed by General Dynamics Land Systems for the US Army. The new version
offers enhanced protection, as well as high lethality than its predecessors.
Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 has a number of upgrades in the area of survivability,
maintainability, fuel efficiency, and network capabilities. The M1A2 SEP V3 is
one of the best main battle tanks in the world. It has incredible technology
and armor.
The US
Army placed an order worth $92.2m for General Dynamics Land Systems to upgrade
its M1A2 SEPV2 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEPV3 configuration. The first Abrams
M1A2 SEPV3 initial production vehicle was delivered to the US Army in October
2017.
Dimensions and weight :
Weight : 63 t.
Self-protection:
The
protection of The Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 is considered as one of the best in the
world. The baseline M1A2 SEPV3 tank uses advanced armor, reinforced with
depleted uranium layers. The M1A2 SEPV3 has a further upgraded depleted uranium
armor components with graphite coating.
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| M1A2 SEPV3 |
The M1A2 SEPV3 has significant level of protection against all known
anti-tank weapons. Also the hull and turret integrate a new armour package for
superior protection against threats from improvised explosive device (IEDs).
The tank can be hinged with reactive armour and slat armour.The CREW Duke V3
counter remote-controlled IED (RCIED) electronic warfare system protects the
crew from road-side bombs. Either side of the turret is fitted with M250
six-barrelled smoke grenade dischargers. A smokescreen can also be laid by an
engine-operated system.
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| Abrams M1A2 SEP 3V |
Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 observation and fire control:
The AbramsM1A2 SEPV3 is fitted with a digital battlefield management system. It allows
commanders to track friendly and hostile forces on the battlefield. The CROWS
will be equipped with an upgraded day camera that uses picture-in-picture
technology to combine different FOVs. It offers a 340% larger scene in wide
FOV.
The M1A2
SEP V3 has a more advanced fire control system. The Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 fitted
with improved forward-looking infrared (IFLIR) to detect targets. The IFLIR
employs long and mid-wave infrared technology to enhance target acquisition,
identification and engagement compared to the second-generation FLIR. Commander
and gunner can designate and track multiple targets simultaneously. This gives
the tank a hunter-killer engagement capability.
M1A2 SEPV3
is operated by a crew of four, including commander, driver, gunner and loader. This M1A2 SEPV3 main battle tank can be
airlifted by a C-5 Galaxy or C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft.
Armament :
The Abrams
M1A2 SEPV3 is armed with the M256 120 mm
smoothbore gun. Range of effective fire is in excess of 4 km. It can fire the
M829A3 APFSDS rounds with depleted uranium penetrator and M1028 canister rounds
that discharges massive blast of tungsten fragments at muzzle exit. This round
has devastating lethality against assaulting infantry between a range of
200-500 meters.
The
secondary armament of the Abrams M1A2 SEPV3
tank consists of a 12.7 mm machine gun. It is mounted in remotely
controlled weapon station on top of the roof.
Also there are two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is mounted coaxially
with the main gun. The other is mounted on top of the roof and is operated by
the loader.
The
ammunition data link (ADL) on board the tank ensures the programming of the
M829A4 and AMP rounds.
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| M1A2 SEPV3 M256 120 mm |
Engine and mobility of Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 tank:
The M1A2SEP V3 is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which develops a
power of 1,500hp. The gas turbine develops more horsepower than a comparable
diesel. However it is complex and requires tremendous amount of maintenance,
logistical support and is thirsty on fuel. It is worth noting that this tank is
quiet in operation. The auxiliary power unit under the armour enables the tank
to operate on-board systems with a reduced probability of detection during
silent watch operations.
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| M1A2SEP V3 . Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine |
He
generator allows for the turret operation without the power from main engine
when the vehicle is in stationary position, resulting in improved fuel
efficiency. The running gear includes seven road wheels with a drive sprocket
at the rear, idler at the front and two return rollers on either side. The
first, second and seventh road wheel stations are fitted with rotary
shock-absorbers.
Maximum road speed: 68 km/h
Range: 425 km.
The main battle tank M1A2 SEP V3 can overcome these obstacles:
Trench : 2.7 m, vertical step : 1 m, fording : 1.2 m, fording with preparation : 2 m.
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