M1A2T Abrams: The ROCA’s Steel Fortress

Yontzee · June 30, 2023, 11:30pm

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M1A2T Abrams: The ROCA’s Steel Fortress

Disclaimers: For the sake of vehicle designation and sources, I will refer to the Republic of China as Taiwan. Also, there are few images/videos of the vehicle at this time, this will be updated in due course. The acronym “ROCA” stands for Republic of China Army.

Taiwan_army_training_on_first_M1A2T_Abra

First look into a M1A2T that has been turned over to Taiwan. In this image, American contractors are testing/preparing the vehicle.

Description :
- The M1A2T Abrams is a modified M1A2 SEPv2 main battle tank that has been specifically designed for the Taiwanese/Republic of China Army. In 2019, the U.S. State Department approved Taiwan’s request to purchase up to 108 modified M1A2 Abrams tanks to meet the needs of the Taiwanese Army. In June of 2022, the first two of 2018 were turned over to Taiwanese Officers, allowing Taiwan to create a training program to train its aspiring tank brigades in preparation for following deliveries. Along with operating the M1A2T, the Taiwanese Army is preparing underground fortifications and emplacements to assist in the vehicle’s survival capabilities. Overall, the M1A2T is equipped with a number of advanced features that make it a highly capable and versatile platform for a variety of military operations. One of the key features of the M1A2T is its updated digital fire control system. Compared to a base M1A2 SEPv2, the M1A2T has received new microprocessors, display panels, memory, and interface to improve reaction capability and allow the tank’s crew to quickly and accurately engage targets at long ranges, or in other words, increase the tank’s first hit capabilities. The tank is also equipped with updated thermal imaging sights with Hunter-Killer capabilities developed by Raytheon, which provide the crew with enhanced situational awareness in all lighting conditions. These sights could be updated to the 3rd-generation IFLIR in the future. This advanced sighting system allows the tank to engage targets with precision, even in low light or adverse weather conditions. Another important feature of the M1A2T is its armor package. The tank is equipped with export composite armor, which provides excellent protection against a variety of threats, including armor-piercing rounds and shaped charges. The tank’s armor package has been specifically designed to protect against threats from the front, and sides, making it a highly survivable platform in combat. The M1A2T is also highly mobile; being powered by a 1,500hp Honeywell AGT1500C Gas Turbine Engine that can propel the tank to speeds of up to 42 miles per hour (68 kilometers per hour). The tank is also equipped with a sophisticated suspension system that allows it to traverse rough terrain with ease. This mobility makes the M1A2T a highly effective platform for a variety of military operations, including offensive maneuvers, reconnaissance in force, and defense. In terms of firepower, the M1A2T is equipped with a 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun, which can fire a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. This cannon is highly accurate and can engage targets at long ranges with precision. The Taiwanese Army will operate the General Dynamics KE-W A1 APFSDS-T round that has been developed for export use with Taiwan purchasing more than 7,800. The tank is also equipped with a 7.62mm M240C coaxial machine gun and a M153A1E1 CROWS-LP (Low-Profile) remote-controlled weapons station, which is armed with a M2HB .50 caliber machine gun. The M1A2T Abrams is a highly capable and versatile main battle tank that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the Taiwanese Army. Its advanced features, including its digital fire control system, thermal imaging sights, and improved armor package, make it a highly survivable and effective platform for a variety of military operations. Its mobility and firepower also make it a formidable opponent on the battlefield. The introduction of the M1A2T Abrams into the Taiwanese Army’s arsenal in 2024 is a significant boost to the country’s defense capabilities and underscores Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining a strong and capable military.
Armament:
- Main Weapon: 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun (w/ 42rds)
  - Rounds:
    - KE-W A1 APFSDS-T
    - M830 HEAT-T
    - M830A1 HEAT-MP-T
    - M908 HE-ORT
    - M1028 Cannister
  - Depression/Elevation: -10°/20°
- Additional Weapons:
  - Coaxial 7.62mm M240C Medium Machine Gun
  - 12.7mm M153A1E1 CROWS-LP
  - 7.62mm M240C Medium Machine Gun
Maneuverability:
- Engine: 1,500hp Honeywell 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: ~63t
Crew (4x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
- Loader
Features:
- Heavy Export Composite Armor
  - Likely similar (or a bit better) armor utilized by the M1A1 AIM provided to Australia.
- Optics (Block I FLIR for Commander and Gunner, possibly improved):
  - Gunner: Raytheon Gunner’s Primary Sight- Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) (2nd Generation Thermal Imager)
  - Commander: Raytheon Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (2nd Generation Thermal Imager)
  - Driver: AN/VAS-5B Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE-A) (2nd Generation Thermal Imager)
- Laser Rangefinder
- M153A1E1 CROWS-LP Remote Weapon System
- 12x Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
Reason for Implementation:
- The M1A2T would be the peak of the ROC/Taiwan-side of the Chinese tree, following the CM11 main battle tank. Armed with a powerful 120mm main gun that is equipped with a wide variety of rounds, the M1A2T provides the Chinese tree with effective close or long range fire support and with the multi-purpose HEAT rounds, can target low-flying helicopters effectively. In terms of armor, the M1A2T utilizes very similar armor as the M1A1 AIM we have in-game, being equipped with export armor rather than the Depleted Uranium Armor found on the M1A2 SEP. The vehicle would excel at brawling, capturing points, and using its massive offensive power to overcome enemies. Adding this vehicle is not unprecedented as the Chinese Air Tree is equipped with the ROC/Taiwan’s F-16 MLU.
- Estimated BR: 11.0+ (Only due to the fact it utilizes export armor).
- Future immersive Republic of China lineup (not that competitive ):
1. M1A2T
2. M60A3 TTS
3. CM11 Brave Tiger
4. M41D
5. CM-34 IFV
6. Cloud Leopard II M2 MGS
7. CM-25
8. Antelope AA
9. AH-64E
10. F-16V/F-CK-1C