I want to first say I was very skeptical about the update, I was not excited for the Sep V3 but my main focus was the M1A2 (Trophy-HV). I want to ignore all the noise with other issues in the game and just say Gajin has done an excellent job with this addition to top tier. In my opinion, this is the BEST Abrams tank worthy of playing 12.7. I usually keep it at BR 12 and only run the M1A1 HC variants for most of my games at top tier but this 12.7 addition has made it, not just worth playing 12.7 US again, but fun.
The Trophy System has made it effective against top tier missile spammers from all nations allowing me a chance to escape, and survive the heavy CAS users (Jets and Helis). If it were up to me EVERY nation at 12.7 should get a trophy to create a better environment against the grief missile spammers cause at top tier.
The fixed armor (not improved armor, Abrams doesn’t need better armor) and better turret ring addition has also made it more survivable against auto cannons even from lower BRs that are usually used at top tier 12.7. It is nice to not have to worry as much about peaking auto cannons from kms away that could easily just spam the abrams turret ring and cause a lengthy repair (not talking about BMPT).
Overall, I’m very satisfied and impressed with this addition into war thunder for USA at BR 12.7. VERY WELL DONE!