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M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness): The U.S. Army’s Last M1A1U.S. Army M1A1 Situational Awareness Main Battle Tank.
- Summary:
- This suggestion is for the implementation of the M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness) Abrams which is the most recent upgrade to the M1A1 Abrams used within the U.S. Army.
- Description :
- The M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness), also known as the M1A1 AIM v.2, is the most recent variant of the M1A1 Abrams fielded by the United States Army. Introduced in August of 2006 by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) during an order for 155x vehicles, it was part of the Abrams Tank Upgrade Program (which also introduced the M1A2 SEPv2 and SEPv3 upgrades), was designed to bring older M1A1 models to current “zero-hour” fighting condition. This includes new features such as HAP-3/3rd-generation depleted uranium armor (the same found on the M1A2 SEP/SEPv2), the 2nd-generation FLIR GPS-LOS for the Gunner and Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station (SCWS) w/ the 2nd-generation Thermal Sight Module (TSM) for the Commander, Blue Force Tracking Sensor, Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), new NBC protection system, suspension upgrades to handle the new equipment/armor, Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) engine and improved transmission modifications, Pulse Jet monitoring systems for the engine, Artemis 2kW EAPU, as well as retaining the ability like other Abrams tanks to equip the TUSK I armor package, more specially the ARAT-I ERA. Another factor is the digitalized fire control system, which is a major upgrade over older generations of the M1 Abrams. Other upgrades are listed below. It is worth noting that the Abrams Tank Upgrade Program (specifically for the SA) takes the upgrades from the original AIM program and builds off of it, with many features of the original AIM program being utilized with the M1A1 SA, in-addition to other upgrades like the DVE-A, SCWS, HAP-3, etc. The M1A1 SA has seen deployment in Iraq by both U.S. and Iraqi forces during the late stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The M1A1 SA is due to be phased out by the end of the 20’s due to divestment and the introduction of the M1A2 SEPv3, and next-generation tank programs however, it will be still in use by National Guard forces. The Army, through GDLS and other government contractors, has been removing the DU armor packages and replacing them with export (FMS) armor in preparation for future export. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Ukraine, and Iraq currently field ex-US Army M1A1’s that have been modified to the SA-level with FMS (Foreign Military Sales) armor which lacks the DU-inserts. The U.S. Government allows countries to purchase specific equipment for there SA’s to meet the needs of there nation. An example of this is the Australian Army’s hybrid M1A1 Abrams, known sometimes as the M1A1 AIM SA, which features upgrades from the Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) Program, Abrams Tank Upgrade Program, and the USMC’s Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP).
- The M1A1 SA takes the upgrades of the AIM program, builds off of it, using most of its features as well taking it further. Below displays the M1A1 AIM’s enhancements as well the M1A1 SA’s:
- M1A1 AIM:
- 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.
- Battlefield Management Override.
- Revised Turret Network Box.
- PROSE 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.
- M1A1 SA:
- All of the M1A1 AIM’s Upgrades listed above w/ the exception of the HAP-2.
- Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station (SCWS).
- .50cal Thermal Sight w/ Thermal Receiving Unit (TCU), 2nd-generation Thermal Sight Module (TSM) for the SCWS, providing the Commander an independent thermal sight but lacks the Hunter-Killer capability.
- Camera is mounted on a modified equilibrator bracket.
- Uses remotely-focused Raytheon uncooled microbolometer FPA.
- Display Control Module (DCM), provides sighting for the SCWS/TSM.
- 2x-6x Zoom Capability.
- HAP-3, 3rd-generation DU Armor.
- Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) engine and improved transmission modifications.
- Reinforced suspension due to new equipment/armor modifications, Improved Suspension System (ISS).
- Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station (SCWS).
- Loader’s Armored Gun Shield.
- Drivers Visual Enhancer-Abrams (DVE-A), thermal viewer.
- M1A1 AIM:
- Armament:
- Main Weapon: 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun (w/ 40rds)
- Rounds:
- M829A3 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
- 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: 67.6t
- Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
- Loader
- Features:
- 3rd-generation Depleted Uranium Armor inserts (HAP-3).
- Capable of stopping most Kinetic Energy rounds currently in-game.
- 2x 6-Barrel Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
- Laser Rangefinder
- Optics (Block I FLIR for Gunner):
- Driver: DVE -A AN/VAS-5B(V)4, thermal imager.
- Gunner: Raytheon Gunner’s Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) (2nd-generation Thermal Imager)
- Commander: Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station w/ TSM (2nd-generation Thermal Imager)
- 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.
- Remote Controlled M2HB
- Additional 12.7mm M2HB placed over the main gun for a total of 4 Machine Guns (2x 12.7mm Machine Guns & 2x 7.62mm Machine Guns).
- Loader’s Armored Gun Shield
- Protection shield around the M240C to protect the loader against small arms fire.
- Engine Compartment SLAT Armor
- Covers the engine compartment to protect against HEAT rounds and explosives.
- M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT)
- 3rd-generation Depleted Uranium Armor inserts (HAP-3).
- Reason for Implementation:
- The addition of the M1A1 SA Abrams would provide the U.S. tree a top tier Abrams that is separated from the standard M1A2 SEPv-line (following the M1A1 HC). The M1A1 SA provides almost all the same capabilities of the M1A2 SEP, including 3rd-generation DU armor, Commander’s thermals from the 2nd-generation Thermal Sight Module on the SCWS, and ARAT-I ERA. This vehicle will provide the U.S. tree capabilities to defeat most vehicles of other nations while being different from the venerable M1A2 Abrams. The M1A1 SA should have a Tier IV modification for M829A3 (when anti-ERA tips are modeled) and ARAT-I ERA, and Tier III modification for Gunner/Commander Thermals and the Laser Rangefinder.
- If this vehicle cannot be added to the normal tech tree, removing the DU armor/TUSK I and providing it with export nations camouflages would give it Premium Vehicle potential in the future.
- Recommended GRB Battle Rating: 11.7 (Rank VIII)
Imagery/Videos:
U.S. Army M1A1 SA’s:
Spoiler
Evolution of the original AIM program prior to the introduction of the Situational Awareness-variant.
Ohio National Guard video describing the M1A1 SA’s capabilities.
Video describing crew capabilities in the M1A1 SA.
U.S. Army M1A1 SA conducting exercises, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, October 20, 2018.
U.S. Army M1A1 SA conducting maneuvers.
Ohio National Guard M1A1 SA.
Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station. Note: It is equipped with a 1st generation Thermal Imager.
Ohio National Guard M1A1 SA conducting exercises.
U.S. Army M1A1 SA during maneuvers.
U.S. Army M1A1 SA firing its main gun.
M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tile of the TUSK I.
An M1A1 SA equipped with elements of the TUSK I package.
An M1A1 AIM equipped with TUSK I w/ Mounted 12.7mm MG on the barrel for reference.
For reference, an M1A2 SEPv2 equipped with the TUSK I package. Note: The M1A1 SA cannot equip the CROWS II Remote Weapon System.
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The rear slat armor, part of the Abrams TUSK package.
A briefing for the SCWS, which both the M1A1 SA and USMC M1A1 FEP utilize.International M1A1 SA’s:
Spoiler
Side view of the Australian M1A1 SA.
Frontal view of the Australian M1A1 SA.
Export M1A1 SA during exercises.
Australian M1A1 SA front-quarter view.
Rear view of the Australian M1A1 SA.
A Moroccan M1A1 SA. Note: The DU armor has been removed.
Moroccan M1A1 SA’s in formation courtesy of @Brahimbs92@psn.
Moroccan M1A1 SA frontal view courtesy of @Brahimbs92@psn.
Moroccan M1A1 SA conducting maneuvers courtesy of @Brahimbs92@psn.
An image of an Iraqi M1A1 SA.
A Ukrainian M1A1 SA.
- Sources:
- https://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_army_heavy_armoured_vehicles_tank_uk/m1a1_sa_situational_awareness_main_battle_tank_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video.html
- Tactical Far Target Location Using Position And Azimuth From A P(Y) Code GPS Attitude Determination System
- Below The Turret Ring: M829A3 APFSDS penetration power - common internet estimation failures?
- Cartridge, 120mm HE-OR-T, M908
- 120 mm Round M 908 HE-OR-T with High Explosive Obstacle Reduction – Tracer For 120 mm M256 Smoothbore Gun – Arcon partners ltd
- https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA510038.pdf
- Main Battle Tank - M1, M1A1, and M1A2 Abrams
- Weapons Systems Portfolio Has Moved - USAASC
- Armor & Mobility, November 2011 by Tactical Defense Media - Issuu
- 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
- US20150267989A1 - Stabilized integrated commander's weapon station for combat armored vehicle - Google Patents
- https://www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/2020-2021_Weapon_Systems_Handbook.pdf
- Below The Turret Ring: GD contracted to upgrade tanks intended for Morocco
- Raytheon: Raytheon News Release Archive
- https://www.dacis.com/budget/budget_pdf/FY11/army/proc/2033A/wtcv.pdf
- http://gvsets.ndia-mich.org/documents/VEA/2009/Recent%20Integration%20of%202nd%20Generation%20Thermal%20Imaging%20on%20Armored%20Vehicles.pdf
- x.com
- DVE ABRAMS AN/VAS-5B(V)4 – NVTS Products
- Lộ diện phiên bản xe tăng Abrams Mỹ chuyển cho Ukraine - Tạp chí NƯỚC ĐỨC
- https://old-forum.warthunder.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=575159
- Please see the precursor to the M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness), the M1A1 AIM (Abrams Integrated Management), here:
M1A1 SA’s of the Iraqi Army.
