Longer range, more precise and lethal targeting, fuel efficiency, exportable power, onboard computing, and command and control technology are a few of the key attributes associated with the now “deployed” and “operational” upgraded Army Abrams M1A2 SEPv3, an armored attack vehicle intended to propel the classic platform into a modern combat environment through a series of extensive upgrades and enhancements.
Abrams M1A2 SEPv3: Explained
At the core of this modern tank variant are several critical margins of difference and concepts of operation, as the intent is to ensure today’s modern Abrams is an entirely different tank than the original Abrams, which emerged in the 80s as part of the Big 5.
Looking at the technologies, sure enough, the Abrams is entirely different from the original Abrams and even much more advanced than the Abrams tanks made famous for destroying Iraqi T-72 tanks in the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Perhaps of greatest significance, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tank incorporates a new 3rd Gen Forward Looking Infrared targeting system, a high-tech FLIR able to discern an enemy target’s heat signature or visible image with high-resolution sensing and much greater standoff distances. This means that the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 will be well-positioned to see and destroy enemy targets from stand-off distances where it cannot itself be seen.
Naturally, this offers unprecedented tactical advantages for ground war. Yet, the benefits of the upgraded platform do not stop there, as the v3 also utilizes an Auxiliary Power Unit designed to enable much greater levels of sustainable, on-board mobile electrical power. This is critical for mission effectiveness and longevity as the upgraded tank’s modern C4ISR systems, targeting, computing, and command and control systems.
Expeditionary electrical power can be difficult to integrate, and it is only becoming more critical as Abrams tanks evolve in new areas, such as drone launching, counter-air weapons, and lasers. Armor enhancements are also likely part of the equation, yet many of the details of possible new composites generating additional protection are not likely available for security reasons. Making the tank more survivable has been and continues to be a massive priority for the Army.
The v3 is also upgraded with a new set of computing standards to accommodate new software and hardware technologies, which will become increasingly vital as AI-enabled systems emerge.
For instance, the Army Research Laboratory is experimenting with cutting-edge AI-enabled systems where drones can adapt and perform machine learning sufficient to autonomously land on a tank in a fluid, fast-moving combat scenario.
More Details on the M1A2 SEPv3
These technological upgrades make additional tactical advantages and maneuver formations possible because the tank will have much-improved electronics, networking technologies, and computing, enabling it to sustain combat relevance through stand-off range attacks and manned-unmanned teaming. Some have raised the question that some mobility and deployability challenges associated with the 70-ton Abrams main battle tank might render the platform less relevant in a modern combat environment.
These upgrades are, among other things, designed to ensure relevance, and they suggest that, indeed, the Army believes there is and will be an enduring place for the heavy Abrams tank in modern combat.
One of the most significant advantages afforded by the upgrades relates to the Army’s growing development of manned-unmanned teaming. This means the service continues to develop high-speed, forward-operating unmanned combat vehicles that can function as reconnaissance nodes closer to enemy formations, ammunition delivery, or even attacks when directed by a human.
Advanced generations of command and control make this possible, as future tanks can operate as manned “host” platforms controlling forward air-and-ground drones and unmanned vehicles in position to exact a combat effect without placing humans at risk.
About the Author: Kris Osborn
Kris Osborn is the President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel.