M1A1 SA (Situational Awareness): The U.S. Army’s Last M1A1

[TheArcticFoxxo]

@Yontzee

Yeah, the Australian variant combines aspects of both the AIM and SA but lacks the 3rd-generation DU (they have FMS Export Armor) and ammunition like the M829A2/M829A3.

Quite sure the armor package on the Aussie AIM is claimed to be equivalent (if not better) than HAP-3.
As for ammo, KE-WA2 would be greatly appreciated.

@Yontzee

I think the SCWS on the in-game M1A1 AIM (ADF) is also missing its thermals (not entirely sure if they had the TSM installed) but if not, the M1A1 SA’s Commander would also have access to thermals unlike all other M1A1’s (with the exception of the FEP).

I’m surprised the M1A1 AIM in-game doesn’t use the SCWS as an auxiliary optic… Kinda annoying that it doesn’t.

@Yontzee

The M1A1 SA is the Army’s latest and last variant of the M1A1 before fully embracing the M1A2. The one thing that they both should have is access to for sure is the ARAT-I ERA on its sides since Australia had purchased it.

That would be a great addition as well.

[YontzeeUA]

@TheArcticFoxxo

Quite sure the armor package on the Aussie AIM is claimed to be equivalent (if not better) than HAP-3.

I’ve heard mixed things about it tbh, I’m not entirely sure. Personally I would think the 3rd-generation DU/HAP-3 would be superior just based on properties of Uranium itself but then again, composite itself has came an long way and I’m not too familiar with FMS Armor composition. Either way, both should be solid armor.

@TheArcticFoxxo

I’m surprised the M1A1 AIM in-game doesn’t use the SCWS as an auxiliary optic… Kinda annoying that it doesn’t.

I’m pretty sure the M1A1 AIM (ADF) has the 2nd-generation TSM installed so it should be a “CITV” but cannot slew the gun. It would be ideal for SIM.

[TheArcticFoxxo]

@Yontzee

I’ve heard mixed things about it tbh, I’m not entirely sure. Personally I would think the 3rd-generation DU/HAP-3 would be superior just based on properties of Uranium itself but then again, composite itself has came an long way and I’m not too familiar with FMS Armor composition. Either way, both should be solid armor.

Well, seeing as DU isn’t quite as efficient per its volume when compared to tungsten (a quite abundant material in EAP models), I’d imagine it would be slightly worse. There may be some secondary circumstances that can give it advantages, but the way I see it it’s marginally worse for a FAR lower cost.

@Yontzee

I’m pretty sure the M1A1 AIM (ADF) has the 2nd-generation TSM installed so it should be a “CITV” but cannot slew the gun. It would be ideal for SIM.

I don’t even think it has the CITV option. I’ve mainly been playing 11.0 though, not 11.3, so for the last few dozen matches I haven’t touched it.
I’ll check whether it has it or not, or you can if you have the free time. To my remembrance the commander has no optic whatsoever.

[YontzeeUA]

@TheArcticFoxxo

I don’t even think it has the CITV option. I’ve mainly been playing 11.0 though, not 11.3, so for the last few dozen matches I haven’t touched it.
I’ll check whether it has it or not, or you can if you have the free time. To my remembrance the commander has no optic whatsoever.

Yeah in-game there isn’t any sight for the Commander. I think there was a bug report put in because it definitely has a sight.

[YontzeeUA]

One thing I want to note is that this isn’t the most recent model of M1A1 overall. That title would be reserved for the USMC’s M1A1 FEP which is superior because it has AIDATS, allowing Hunter-Killer capability for the Commander through its SCWS. This is the Army’s last variant of M1A1, which does share most of the same characteristics of the M1A1 FEP minus this capability, Trophy Hard-kill APS, and a few others. The M1A1 line in-game should look like:

• M60 120S (10.0/Rank VII)
• M1A1 HA (11.0/Rank VII)
• M1A1 HC & M1A1 AIM (11.3/Rank VII)
• M1A1 SA & M1A1 FEP (11.7/Rank VIII)
  The HC/AIM and SA/FEP are foldered together, w/ the FEP being the pinnacle (w/ or w/o the Trophy Hardkill APS). Note, the M1A1 FEP does utilize HAP-2 while the M1A1 SA utilizes HAP-3 but can fire rounds like the DM11, known in US use as the MPHE round.

Also updated the suggestion to better reflect the AIM/Abrams Tank Upgrade Programs. This can be seen here as well:

• 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).
  • Uncooled 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.
    • 2x-6x Zoom capability.
    • More specifications will be provided upon further analysis.
  • Display Control Module (DCM), provides sighting for the SCWS/TSM.
  • 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).
  • Loader’s Armored Gun Shield.
  • M829A3 APFSDS-T round is the primary anti-tank round.
  • Driver’s Visual Enhancer-Abrams (DVE-A), thermal viewer.
    • Confirmed purchased via FY2010 Procurement Program.

Edit: Clarified weight to 67.6t based on US Army’s Weapon System Handbook 2018. Weight of the original M1A1 AIM was 68t, weight reduction has been a focus of this program as well but they should be about the same weight. Further updated information on the Thermal Sight Module thanks to those who posted here:

Thermal Sight for the Commander’s Weapon Station on M1A1-variants

What is the thermal sight on the Commander’s Weapon Station/Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station and its resolution? I’ve seen this thermal module on both the regular weapon station and its stabilized variant. Currently we can even see it in-game on the Australian M1A1 AIM Squadron vehicle mounted on the Commander’s Weapon Station. [image] I’ve also seen multiple articles the vehicles receiving the DCM but having different thermal resolutions for the vehicles like the M1A1 SA, M1A1 AIM (ADF…

Will be updated as things are clarified.

[YontzeeUA]

Images of the U.S. Army’s M1A1 SA during exercises:

• A Gunnery video of the M1A1 SA from DVIDS.
  • DVIDS - Video - 2-69 Tank Gunnery
• Many of these units remain active in Calvary Units and National Guard units like in Ohio and Georgia.

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Images of international users of the M1A1 SA:

• Of note, the international derivatives have differences in equipment depending on the needs of said country’s.

Royal Moroccan Army M1A1 SA’s.

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M1A1 SA’s of the Iraqi Army.

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Unique M1A1 SA’s in the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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Thanks for tuning in, please check out the earlier version of the vehicle, the M1A1 AIM, here:

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

Some images of the M1A1 AIM: [image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image][image] 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…

[YontzeeUA]

More information on the TSM and likely my last update for it. The M1A1 SA’s Thermal Sight Module (TSM) for the Stabilized Commander’s Weapon Station (SCWS), the in-game Australian M1A1 AIM, and if the USMC’s M1A1 FEP comes, this applies too, uses an uncooled Raytheon 2nd-generation Thermal Sight with 2x-6x zoom capability. This would offer a major boost for overall situational awareness since players would have another sight to use (for the Commander) beyond the Gunner’s sight, specially in Sim. With this though, it does not have Hunter-Killer capability.

In-game currently, this should be applied to the M1A1 AIM (ADF) since it doesn’t have any Commander’s sight at all implemented.

[YontzeeUA]

Minor updates to the post plus bonus images.

U.S. Army M1A1 SA

Ukrainian Army M1A1 SA-UKR

[BOMBAY9997042-live]

If its got MG shields its a plus for me.

[Etheon43]

I agree for this going in the tree along with the M1A1 FEP, if one or the other was to be an event/squadron/premium, then it should be the SA. The FEP is a USMC vehicle and should go after the HC for sure.

TUSK packages should be optional on both the FEP and SA unlike how Gaijin implemented the SEPV2. Especially since not every single FEP/SA used TUSK all the time.

I haven’t seen any suggestion post for the FEP but maybe I’ve missed it. Both would be a great way to get the USMC/Alternate MBT line to rank 8. Bolstering the SEPV1/V2 at 12.0 but hopefully also allowing for some more vehicles if they ever raise BRs.

[YontzeeUA]

@Etheon43

I haven’t seen any suggestion post for the FEP but maybe I’ve missed it

I have one but I have to resubmit it which I will do in the next day or so.
They’re significantly different enough that they could come both to the research tree. You’ll see once I post the FEP suggestion.

[Etheon43]

I’ll be on the lookout for it and it’ll be my thumbs up. I’d much rather see America fleshed out with its own tanks, we have plenty to choose from. Not to mention it’d be cool to see the pinnacle of the M1A1 in game.

[Perma_frost]

Idk if i didn’t see it but did this upgrade give the abrams updated hull armor? Its always been a weakpoint of the abrams…

[YontzeeUA]

The armor is HAP-3, same as the SEPv2. The next armor upgrade isn’t seen until the SEPv3.

[SoulSarge878-live]

Instead of the M1A1 SA, with the USMC 251st Birthday coming up, add the Marine Corps last Abram’s it ever had as an event tank, the M1A1 FEP (Fire Enhancement Package)

[exeisdefeatable]

They renamed M1A1 AIM in us tree to M1A1 SA, does this count?

[BARElement-psn]

@YontzeeUA

Loader’s Armored Gun Shield.

What’s this?

[BARElement-psn]

@YontzeeUA

Clarified weight to 67.6t based on US Army’s Weapon System Handbook 2018. Weight of the original M1A1 AIM was 68t

At that point you might aswell play the M1A2 Trophy which is only 66 tons. You get a commanders, and all that good stuff on top of an APS. The draw for the M1A1 upgrades I would’ve thought Would be better HP/T.

[CharAznable3]

+1 for increased Situational Awareness

With Infantry mode we could see armored vehicles get a nerf where you need to look though visual slits this would help medicate that issue.

[Etheon43]

Has anyone made a suggestion?