Recent budgets for M1A1 enhancements, including both M1A1-Situational Awareness and M1A2 tanks, include: SEPv2 is the most technologically advanced digital Abrams tank, and is also positioned for future communications and other technology updates. The CROWS system can be controlled from inside the tank using a joystick and screen, removing the need to open the hatch and expose the crews to snipers. Recent orders also added a CROWS-II top-mounted machine gun with advanced sights.

It adds improved displays, sights, and power systems compared to earlier SEP versions – plus the tank-infantry phone. M1A2 SEP Version 2 configuration, which is just beginning to appear, fixes this.

A General Dynamics representative noted that future M1A2 Abrams TUSK (Tank Urban Survivability Kit) vehicles will have this feature, but the SEP v1 tanks did not. This was common as far back as World War 2, and its lack is hampering coordination on the modern battlefield – especially in urban areas. Troops in Iraq and elsewhere are also clamoring for a phone on the outside of the tank that will let them talk to the vehicle crew. The M1A2 SEP is a formidable upgrade package, but it was missing a small but crucial item. The M1A2 SEP’s advanced FLIR/thermal sights are part of the US Army’s Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI) Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared (HTI SGF) sighting systems program, which creates commonality with other vehicles like the M2/M3 Bradley IFVs. 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.

air conditioning for crew & electronics). The M1A2 SEP is builds on the digitized M1A2 platform with an improved armor package of third generation steel-encased depleted uranium armor, 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.

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