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 (v.1) Modification for M1A1 Abrams
The M1A1 AIM.
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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 Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) w/ Far Target Locate sensors, a tank-infantry phone, communications gear, including FBCB2 and Blue Force Tracking to aid in crew situational awareness, and a1st-Generation thermal sight for the .50 caliber machine gun. This upgrade package brought the standard M1A1 Abrams into the communication fray by allowing further acquisition and the passing of target information. Not only this, but the new thermal imagers allowed the gunner, and commander improved situational awareness. The M1A1 AIM would become the mainstay of the U.S. Army until the M1A2 would effectively replace it with the introduction of the System Enhancement Packages(SEP). It saw action in Iraq from U.S. intervention. The Australian Defense Forces (ADF) were another major user of the M1A1 AIM.
- “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
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In-game:
- Providing the M1A1 Abrams with the AIM upgrade as a Tier IV modification will significantly increase the capabilities of the M1A1 by providing it with well needed 2nd-Generation Thermal Imagers to counter-act other nations top ranked MBT. It’s a relatively simple upgrade, focusing on Thermal Imagers to provide the Abrams with clearer picture for engaging other vehicles. The vehicle would have to be moved to BR 10.7, above the IPM1 Abrams already in-game. A new round could be provided such as the M829A1 or A2 if required for balance.
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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
- 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
- Main Weapon: 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun (w/ 40rds)
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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
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Dimensions:
- Length: 7.93m (9.77m w/ Gun Forward)
- Width: 3.7m
- Height: 2.4m
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Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
- Loader
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Features:
- Depleted Uranium Armor (Same as M1A1).
- 1st or 2nd-generation depending on model upgraded.
- 2x 6-Barrel Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
- Laser Rangefinder
- Optics:
- 2nd-Generation Gunner Optics.
- 1st-Generation Thermal Imager for .50 cal M2HB.
- 1st-Generation Thermal Imager for Driver.
- Minor cosmetic changes such as extended bustle rack, etc.
- Depleted Uranium Armor (Same as M1A1).
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Notes:
- The only changes that would apply if it became a modification for the in-game M1A1 are items listed below:
- Optics:
- 2nd-Generation Gunner Optics.
- 1st-Generation Thermal Imager for .50 cal M2HB.
- 1st-Generation Thermal Imager for Driver.
- Minor cosmetic changes such as extended bustle rack, etc.
- Optics:
- The only changes that would apply if it became a modification for the in-game M1A1 are items listed below:
- Sources:
- Imagery: