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The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Program) is an upgrade version of the standard M1A2 main battle tank. The SEP upgrade includes improved processors, color and high resolution flat panel displays, increased memory capacity, user friendly Soldier Machine Interface (SMI) and an open operating system that will allow for future growth. Major improvements include the integration of the Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (2nd Gen FLIR) sight, the Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU) and a Thermal Management System (TMS). Changes to the M1A2 Abrams Tank contained in SEP configuration are intended to improve lethality, survivability, mobility, sustainability and provide increased situational awareness and command and control enhancements. A multi-year contract for 307 M1A2 Abrams Systems Enhancement Program (SEP) tanks was awarded in March 2001 with production into 2004. In November 2007, General Dynamics was awarded a contract for the upgrade of 240 M1A2 SEP version one tanks to the version two configuration which has improved sights, displays and a tank-infantry phone. Currently, the US Army has a total of 588 M1A2 SEP.
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| Armament |
The armament of the M1A2 SEP is similar to the standard M1A2 which consists of one 120 mm smoothbore M256 cannon. Mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament is a 7.62 mm M240 machine gun, and a similar weapon skate-mounted on the left side of the turret for the loader can be elevated from -30 to +65º, total traverse being 265º. The commander's station is armed with a standard 12.7 mm Browning M2 HB heavy machine gun which can be elevated from -10 to +65º and traversed through 360º. This weapon has powered and manual controls for traverse and manual controls for elevation. Mounted on either side of the turret is a British-designed (L8A1) six-barrelled smoke grenade discharger designated the M250. A smoke screen can also be laid by an engine-operated system.
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| Design and protection |
The layout of the M1A2 SEP is similar to the M1A2 with the driver position at the front in the center, the turret is in the middle of the hull, and the powerpack at the rear. The M1A2 SEP is built on the digitized M1A2 platform with an improved armor package of third-generation steel-encased depleted uranium armor.
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| Mobility |
The AGT turbine engine of the M1A2 was improved, to become true multi-fuel system. To lower the fuel consumption the M1A2 SEP is now equipped with an Under Armour Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU). It consists of a turbine, a generator and a hydraulic pump and is responsible for power and hydraulic supply if the tank is in static positions. This means batteries can be charged, all-electric systems can be used and the turret can be moved without the main propulsion system. The turbine also emits less noise when propelling the auxiliary turret drive, compared to the normally used systems. The suspension is also similar to the M1A2 with seven road wheels on each side with rotary shock absorbers at the first, second, and seventh road wheel stations. The drive sprocket is at the rear with the idler at the front and there are two return rollers.
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| Accessories |
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The M1A2 SEP is equipped with a new command and control system, second-generation FLIR thermal sights that include a Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) for “hunter-killer” operation, the Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU) that lets crews run key electronics without running the engine, and a Thermal Management System (TMS – i.e. air conditioning for crew & electronics). The TMS consists of two main parts, the Vapor Compression System Unit (VCSU) and the Air Handling Unit (AHU). The VCSU is mounted in the left side of the turret bustle storage basket. The M1A2 SEP also features enhanced electronics like color maps and displays, improved networked communications, high-density computer memory and increased microprocessing speed, a more user-friendly “Soldier Machine Interface (SMI)”, and an open operating computing system that will make future upgrades and additions easier. The M1A2 SEP equipment also includes an eye-safe laser range finder, north-finding module, and precision lightweight global positioning receiver which provide targeting solutions for the new far target locate (FTL) function. FTL gives accurate targeting data to a range of 8,000m with a CEP (circular error of probability) of less than 35m.
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| Specifications |
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Armament
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One 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun, one coaxial 7.62 mm M240 MG, one 12.7 mm M2 machine gun, one 7.62 mm M240 machine gun
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Country users
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United States
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Designer Country
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United States
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Accessories
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Commander’s Independent Thermal view, Second Generation infrared sight, Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU), and a Thermal Management
System
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Crew
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4
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Armor
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Third-generation steel-encased depleted uranium
armor.
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Weight
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63,000 kg
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Speed
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68 km/h
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Range
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425 km
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Dimensions
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Length: 9.77 m; Width: 3.7 m; Height: 2.4 m
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