Do you want to see the M1A1 AIM as a modification to the existing M1A1 or as a separate vehicle?
- A modification.
- Separate vehicle.
- I don’t want it.
M1A1 AIM (Abrams Integrated Management): The Military’s Desert Warrior
Note: This is not the version we have in-game as that version is an export model specific to Australia.
Two M1A1 AIM’s under the iconic Swords of Qādisīyah in Iraq.
An M1A1 AIM featuring components of the TUSK-package.
- Description:
- The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) Program was a program to upgrade the capabilities of the standard M1A1 Abrams. The AIM program, beginning in the late-90’s, focused on extending the life of the M1A1 Abrams by implementing 2nd-Generation Thermal Viewer, the Raytheon Gunner’s Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) w/ Far Target Locate sensors which allow for increase accuracy and reaction time, a tank-infantry phone, digitalization of the fire control suite, Artemis’s 2kW EAPU, communications gear, including FBCB2 and Blue Force Tracking to aid in crew situational awareness. This upgrade package brought the standard M1A1 Abrams into the communication fray by allowing further acquisition and the passing of target information, as well as enhancing the already formidable firepower of the vehicle. For armor protection, the M1A1 AIM features HAP-1 or 1st-generation DU Armor inserts (also known as Heavy Armor during the initial developments) and has the ability to mount components of the TUSK-I survival package, such as the ARAT-I ERA. Other features of the AIM program can be seen in the images below. The AIM program effectively ended around 2006 when the Abrams Tank Upgrade Program was in full swing. The M1A1 AIM would become the mainstay of the U.S. Army and USMC until the M1A2 would effectively replace it with the introduction of the System Enhancement Packages (SEP) as well as being supplemented with the M1A1 SA, a further evolution of the AIM. The USMC took a different approach, developing there own unique M1A1, the M1A1 FEP. The M1A1 AIM saw wide action in Iraq from U.S. intervention along with many other Abrams variants such as the M1A1 HC and the M1A2 SEP. Several hundred M1A1 AIM’s were produced, with many operating well into the late-2010’s. As seen in the images below, the M1A1 AIM was a significant part of the U.S. Armed Forces and that alone reinforces the argument to add the vehicle into War Thunder.
Evolution of the AIM program. - “The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) Program is the recapitalization program for the M1A1 tank. Under AIM, M1A1 tanks are completely disassembled at Anniston Army Depot, Ala. The depot refurbishes many of the tank’s components. The assemblies are then shipped to the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Ohio, where General Dynamics Land Systems reassembles the tanks to a zero time/zero miles standard. The AIM program has fielded tanks to units at Fort Hood, Texas, and in Germany. Annual production now stands at 135 tanks per year and will continue until 2012. In addition, AIM serves as the venue to apply modifications and upgrades to the tank, including embedded diagnostics. AIM also serves as a means to combat electronic obsolescence by introducing improved line-replaceable units for those that face technical obsolescence. The AIM process also incorporates redesigned hull and turret network boxes.” - AUSA Army, October 2010
- Beyond the U.S. Army, the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) were another major user of the M1A1 AIM, utilizing a hybrid M1A1 AIM that features modifications from both the M1A1 AIM upgrade program and the Abrams Tank Upgrade Program.
- Summary of the AIM Program:
- 2nd-generation Thermal Imager, Raytheon Gunner’s Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) w/ Far Target Sensors.
- HAP-1, 1st-generation DU Armor.
- Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2).
- Blue Force Tracking Sensors.
- Artemis 2kW EAPU.
- Enhanced Communication Gear for the Crew.
- Tank-Infantry Phone for mechanized infantry-tank crew communication.
- Digital Electronics Control Unit.
- Tank Urban Survival Kit component capability such as ARAT-I ERA blocks.
- Pulse Jet Air System (PJAS).
- Battlefield Management Override.
- Revised Turret Network Box.
- PROSE (Partnership to Reduce Operation and Support Engine).
- Digital Vehicle Intercom System.
- Driver’s Hatch Interlock.
- Fording Kit Mods.
- Eye Safe Laser Rangefinder.
- EPLRS Antenna.
- Upgraded Tank Commander’s Panel.
- Mine Plow Junction Box.
- Some units in later years received the Thermal Sight Module (TSM) on the CWS. This was seen during late states of the AIM program/post-individual tank upgrades.
- The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) Program was a program to upgrade the capabilities of the standard M1A1 Abrams. The AIM program, beginning in the late-90’s, focused on extending the life of the M1A1 Abrams by implementing 2nd-Generation Thermal Viewer, the Raytheon Gunner’s Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) w/ Far Target Locate sensors which allow for increase accuracy and reaction time, a tank-infantry phone, digitalization of the fire control suite, Artemis’s 2kW EAPU, communications gear, including FBCB2 and Blue Force Tracking to aid in crew situational awareness. This upgrade package brought the standard M1A1 Abrams into the communication fray by allowing further acquisition and the passing of target information, as well as enhancing the already formidable firepower of the vehicle. For armor protection, the M1A1 AIM features HAP-1 or 1st-generation DU Armor inserts (also known as Heavy Armor during the initial developments) and has the ability to mount components of the TUSK-I survival package, such as the ARAT-I ERA. Other features of the AIM program can be seen in the images below. The AIM program effectively ended around 2006 when the Abrams Tank Upgrade Program was in full swing. The M1A1 AIM would become the mainstay of the U.S. Army and USMC until the M1A2 would effectively replace it with the introduction of the System Enhancement Packages (SEP) as well as being supplemented with the M1A1 SA, a further evolution of the AIM. The USMC took a different approach, developing there own unique M1A1, the M1A1 FEP. The M1A1 AIM saw wide action in Iraq from U.S. intervention along with many other Abrams variants such as the M1A1 HC and the M1A2 SEP. Several hundred M1A1 AIM’s were produced, with many operating well into the late-2010’s. As seen in the images below, the M1A1 AIM was a significant part of the U.S. Armed Forces and that alone reinforces the argument to add the vehicle into War Thunder.
- In-game:
- If added as a modification, the M1A1 AIM would provide an upgrade to the M1A1’s sight, changing it from a 1st-generation thermal imager to a 2nd-generation thermal imager with high-intensity zoom capabilities. Also, depending on developers, it could receive a SCWS with the Thermal Sight Module. Typically not seen on the AIM though it is mentioned by news articles. The most major upgrade would be its armor, as the M1A1 would receive HAP-1 (1st-generation DU Armor) which would significantly increase protection compared to the standard M1A1 which lacks DU-armor as a whole.
- If added as an independent vehicle, it could be foldered with the M1A1 HC, providing another vehicle for top-rank lineup at 11.0-11.3. The vehicle can feature the M829A1 or M829A2 APFSDS-T rounds, M908 HE-ORT, M1028 Cannister, M830 HEAT-T, and M830A1 HEAT-MP-T rounds, 2nd-generation Thermal Imager, 1st-generation DU, and parts of the TUSK package like the ARAT-I ERA and the remote-control M2HB mounted on the M256’s barrel.
- Regardless, this vehicle deserves a spot in-game as it is a highly used-variant of the Abrams tank for both the USMC and U.S. Army.
- Armament:
- Main Weapon: 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun (w/ 40rds)
- Rounds:
- M829A1 APFSDS-T
- M829A2 APFSDS-T
- M830 HEAT-T
- M830A1 HEAT-MP-T
- M908 HE-ORT
- M1028 Cannister
- Depression/Elevation: -10°/20°
- Rounds:
- Additional Weapons:
- Commander: 12.7mm M2HB Heavy Machine Gun
- Loader: 7.62mm M240C Medium Machine Gun
- Coaxial: 7.62mm M240C Medium Machine Gun
- Optional from TUSK: Remote Control 12.7mm M2HB Heavy Machine Gun
- Main Weapon: 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun (w/ 40rds)
- Maneuverability:
- Engine: 1,500hp Lycoming Textron AGT1500C Gas Turbine Engine
- Transmission: Allison DDA X-1100-3C (8-forward, 4-reverse)
- Chassis: High-hardness-steel Torsion Bars w/ Rotary Shock Absorbers
- Max Speed: 67km/h
- Dimensions:
- Length: 7.93m (9.77m w/ Gun Forward)
- Width: 3.7m
- Height: 2.4m
- Weight: 68t
- Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
- Loader
- Features:
- 1st-generation Depleted Uranium Armor, or HAP-1.
- 2x 6-Barrel Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
- Laser Rangefinder
- Commander’s Weapon Station
- Optics:
- 2nd-generation Thermal Viewer, Raytheon Gunner’s Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS)
- Minor cosmetic changes such as extended bustle rack, etc.
- Optional Tusk I Package (options are not applied to all vehicles, variations in levels of TUSK equipment may occur due to mission requirements):
- M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT)
- Covers the hull sides in Reactive armor tiles that provides a minimum of 260mm protection against HEAT rounds, unknown real values which are expected to be much higher. In-game it is listed as 20mm of KE, and 450mm of CE protection.
- Remote Controlled M2HB
- Additional 12.7mm M2HB placed over the main gun for a total of 4 Machine Guns (2x 12.7mm Machine Guns & 2 7.62mm Machine Guns).
- M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT)
- Sources:
- Army Guide
- https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/Weapons4_Gound_1010.pdf
- The Army's Future Combat Systems Program and Alternatives | Semantic Scholar
- ODIN - OE Data Integration Network
- US – M1A1 AIM Abrams | TANK-MASTERS – Photos & Journalism | Military Photos & Journalism
- https://dml.armywarcollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/alt-70-01-1.pdf
- Below The Turret Ring: M829A3 APFSDS penetration power - common internet estimation failures?
- https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA228389.pdf
- Main Battle Tank - M1, M1A1, and M1A2 Abrams
- Weapons Systems Portfolio Has Moved - USAASC
- https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2013/12.pdf
- https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/Weapons4_Gound_1010.pdf (1)
- M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tile (ARAT) - Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
- https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA473205.pdf
- Imagery:
Spoiler
The Commander and Gunner’s stations featuring upgrades from the AIM program.
M1A1 AIM “Ashes to Ashes”.
An excellent M1A1 AIM camouflage created by @ItssLuBu.
Another M1A1 AIM in Iraq.
- Please see the further evolution of the M1A1 AIM , the M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) here: