Scott Nicholas
The U.S. Army has accepted the first of six production units of an updated Abrams main battle tank from the General Dynamics-operated Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio.
The service branch said Monday production of the M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 battle tank occurs at JSMC and Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Alabama.
General Dynamics’ land systems unit is contracted to modernize electronics, weapons and protection components of the initial M1A2 tanks slated for deployment in fiscal 2020.
“This version is the most modernized configuration of the Abrams tank, having improved force protection and system survivability enhancements and increased lethality over the M1A1 and previous M1A2 variants,” said Lt. Col. Justin Shell, Army product manager for Abrams.
M1A2 SEPV3 is equipped with a joint tactical radio technology, power generation and distribution systems, line replaceable unit/line replaceable modules, counter remote control improvised explosive devices and an ammunition data link.
The upgrades are meant to increase the vehicle’s sustainability, reliability, force protection and onboard power supply management functions, the Army noted.
