M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams officially redesignated M1A2C.

The U.S. Army has revealed new details about its latest version of Abrams main battle tank, the M1A2 SEPv3, now officially re-designated M1A2C.

M1A2C Abrams, the latest version of the U.S. main battle tank (Picture source: General Dynamics)

The participation of tank units to Operation Iraqi Freedom brought many lessons concerning what was to be done to improve the M1A2. Hence, the latest upgrades of the 70-ton Abrams tank includes a new machine gun for the tank commander, improved fire control, with the crew being able to set the distance it wants a shell to explode, better infrared sights, and a new power unit that allows the tank to power communications and sensors without running its 1,500 hp gas turbine engine.

The list of improvements is lengthy: improved fire control electronics mean the M1A2C’s gun can shoot faster and more accurately; the engine, drivetrain, and tracks have been updated for higher performance and to support the platform’s weight increase.

In addition to having improved survivability, the Abrams M1A2C benefits from improvements focused on increasing the electrical power margin, Vehicle Health Management Systems, integrated counter-improvised explosive device protection, a new Auxiliary Power Unit, embedded training and an ammunition data link. The M1A2C becomes the most reliable Abrams tank ever produced. Furthermore, it will decrease the Army’s logistics burden, and leads the Army in enterprise-level connectivity to maintenance and supply systems.