New $120 million upgrade program for the US M1 Abrams main battle tank 1212142.

The Abrams upgrade program earlier this year completed its critical design review for the integration of an auxiliary power unit to drive down fuel consumption as turbine engine idle times are decreased. The tank's sights and sensors are also due to be upgraded.

ngineering change proposals planned for the Abrams in 2017 and 2018 would help to revitalize the combat vehicle industrial base, the report notes. But overall, manufacturing capabilities are projected to, "undergo a substantial drawdown and consolidation across the industrial base," with "a loss of at least some military unique engineering and manufacturing capabilities."

The latest modernization version of the M1 Abrams is the M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) V2 configuration.

The most technologically advanced digital tank, the M1A2 SEP V2 includes improved color displays, day and night thermal sights, commander remote operated weapon station (CROWS II), a Thermal Management System (TMS) and a tank-infantry phone. The M1A2 SEP V2 maximizes the fighting ability of the tank on today’s battlefield while preparing the platform for tomorrow’s challenges.

The original multi-year contract was awarded in February 2008, which authorized the upgrade of 435 M1A1 tanks that have been in the Army’s inventory for more than 20 years. General Dynamics is continuing the conversion of the tanks in the Army’s active component to the M1A2 SEP V2 configuration.