US Army testing new M1A2 SEPv4 Abrams at Yuma Proving Ground.

According to a tweet posted by AllAboutM1A on October 5, the new M1A2 SEPv4 Abrams is currently being tested at Yuma Proving Ground with the help of troopers from 2-12 Cavalry Regiment Thunderhorse.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

M1A2 SEPv4 tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground (Picture source: Twitter account of AllAboutM1A)

With the upgrade from the SEPv3 variant, the Abrams M1A2SEPv4, or M1A2D, integrates a color camera, an eye-safe laser range finder, and a cross-platform laser pointer to facilitate multi-domain battle into the commander’s sight. In addition to a lethality upgrade, the M1A2 SEPv4 includes full-embedded training to maximize crew proficiency of the system. This program began early enough to onboard any technology the Army deems critical to the future battlefield to include artificial intelligence, autonomy, APS (Active Protection System), or advanced sensors.

The M1A2 SEP version 4 (SEPv4) is featuring the third-generation (3GEN) FLIR, the cornerstone technology that provides tank crews with the ability to identify enemy targets farther than ever before. The 3GEN FLIR is an upgrade to both sights and will be common with other combat platforms.

In coordination with DOT&E, the U.S. Army drafted the Abrams SEPv4 Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) and the LFT&E Strategy, which they intend to submit to DOT&E for approval in 2QFY21.

M1A2 SEPv4 tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground (Picture source: Twitter account of AllAboutM1A)

To summarize, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv4 includes:
- 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

An IntelliSense Ballistic Meteorological Sensor (BMS) is proposed for the M1A2 SEPv4. The BMS is able to measure wind, temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity for use in improved firing accuracy. It's intended to replace the J-TEC crosswind sensor which has been in the operation for many years.

With the upgrade, the Abrams will thus integrate a color camera, an Eye-safe Laser Range Finder, and a cross-platform laser pointer to facilitate multi-domain battle into the commander’s sight. In addition to a lethality upgrade, the M1A2 SEPv4 will include full-embedded training to maximize crew proficiency of the system. This program began early enough to onboard any technology the Army deems critical to the future battlefield to include artificial intelligence, autonomy, APS, or advanced sensors.

IntelliSense Ballistic Meteorological Sensor proposed for M1A2 SEPv4. BMS is able to measure wind, temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity for use in improved firing accuracy. It's intended to replace J-TEC crosswind sensor which has been in the operation for many years (Picture source: Twitter account of Ronkainen)