M1A1 AIM: The Military’s Desert Warrior (Not the same as the Squadron Vehicle)

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 3:19am

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.

0 voters

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.
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°
- 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
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).

Sources:

Imagery:

Spoiler

M1A1_Abrams_Main_Battle_Tank_MBT_United_

1380702611_Screenshot2022-06-01121140.pn

A photo montage of the M1A1 AIM.

The Commander and Gunner’s stations featuring upgrades from the AIM program.

An M1A1 AIM with a blank firing adapter on the M2 Machine Gun for training purposes.

M1A1 AIM “Ashes to Ashes”.

An excellent M1A1 AIM camouflage created by @ItssLuBu.

Another M1A1 AIM in Iraq.

Abrams Characteristics.

Please see the further evolution of the M1A1 AIM , the M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) here:

Thug Shaker Actual · July 20, 2023, 3:35pm

+1 as foldered for M1A1

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 7:02pm

Updated poll to add more options since the existing poll is too basic.

Essentially the M1A1 AIM as a modification would give the M1A1 in-game better thermals and minor cosmetic changes.

oom1992 · July 23, 2023, 4:23am

I guess gaijin consider M1A1 separated main battle tank from M1A1 & M1A1 HC, and place fill gap between M1A1 HC and M1A2

S3b5 · August 7, 2023, 2:37pm

I think it would be cool to have foldered with the M1A1HC or M1A1, one of the two, but I do think it should be a separate vehicle. Also would be cool if the addition of this would make the squadron one be renamed to something like “M1A1 AIM (RAAC)” to avoid confusion.

Yontzee · July 31, 2024, 1:30am

Updated the post to include more information of the AIM upgrade package. The photos provide a visual of this change.

SinisterIsRandom · July 31, 2024, 1:58am

Wasn’t this added though? yeah no its already in the game. Kind of nice to see you adding more info thumbs up

Yontzee · July 31, 2024, 2:00am

It’s not. The version we have in-game is the export version which lacks DU armor (it’s equipped with FMS Export Armor), as well as has features specific that the Australian Army purchased. The Australian version is more of a hybrid and is also known as the M1A1 AIM SA, as it has features from both the Abrams Tank Upgrade Program and AIM program. An example can be seen with the SCWS on the in-game AIM with the TSM. Thanks though 🤙

Edit: Moved the images to a spoiler and added more.

SinisterIsRandom · July 31, 2024, 3:07am

Should specify in the name. So people like myself don’t get confused.

Yontzee · July 31, 2024, 8:38pm

Changed and added a chart detailing the full changes of the AIM-program to make it easier to read. Here it is copied from the post (of note, there were changes from HAP-2 to HAP-1 due to having more reliable sources):

Summary of the AIM Program:
- 2nd-generation FLIR, Gunner’s Primary Sight-Line of Sight 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 (PJS).
- Battlefield Management Override (for the engine and transmission).
- 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.
- Primary anti-tank rounds of either M829A2 or M829A1 APFSDS-T.
- Some units received the Thermal Sight Module, a 2nd-generation thermal imager.

GTP_Paulie · August 1, 2024, 8:10pm

I wish they would just change the USA Squadron vehicle to be this and put the Australian Abrams in the same tech tree as every other Australian vehicle. While that is UK currently…I also wish they’d release a Canadian tech tree with an Australian sub tree.

Yontzee · August 4, 2024, 12:13am

Some images of the M1A1 AIM:

Note: Rare images of M1A1 AIM’s equipped with the TSM on the CWS. The TSM was equipped on M1A1 AIM’s in limited numbers until later years and became more numerous when some of the vehicles were upgraded to the M1A1 SA-standard. Many M1A1 AIM’s were equipped with TUSK packages during tours in Iraq to provide additional protection for the crew.
The M1A1 AIM, along with the M1A1 HC, M1A1 HA, M1A1, and the M1A2 were the backbone of the early campaign in Iraq.

Thanks for tuning in, please check out the evolution of this vehicle, the M1A1 SA, here: