General Dynamics has been awarded contracts worth $580 million to develop and integrate System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3) for the M1A2 Abrams tank. General Dynamics will also develop seven prototypes of the SEPv4 variant for testing in 2021.
The SEPv3 will add significant new capabilities to the M1A2 Abrams tanks. The SEPv3 will have an improved counter IED armor package, improved forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-profile Common Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), and an auxiliary power unit (APU) to run electronics without the main engine running.
Maj. Gen. David Bassett, Program Executive Officer of the Army’s Ground Combat Systems, told Scout Warrior in an interview that the SEPv4 will include new laser rangefinder technology, color cameras, integrated onboard networks, new slip rings, advanced meteorological sensors, ammunition data links, laser warning receivers and more lethal multi-purpose 120mm tank rounds.
General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently received two contract awards from the U.S. Army for Abrams main battle tank upgrades, which will boost the platform’s capabilities and help the Army lead the way into the future.
The company will design, develop and integrate multiple engineering changes into the Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3), creating a SEPv4 and further modernizing the tanks. Abrams main battle tanks are produced at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio.
The first contract is for SEPv4 upgrades, which include the Commander’s Primary Sight (formerly known as the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer), an improved Gunner’s Primary Sight and enhancements to sensors, lethality and survivability. General Dynamics Land Systems will deliver seven prototype M1A2 SEPv4 tanks to the Army. The contract has an initial value of $311 million. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich.; Lima; Scranton, Pa.; and Tallahassee, Fla.
The second award was a $270 million contract from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command to produce 45 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. The first pilot vehicles, which feature technological advancements in communications, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency and upgraded armor, are expected to roll off the production line in fall 2017. Work will be performed in Lima, Scranton, Tallahassee and Anniston, Ala.
Source: General Dynamics Land Systems
Steve Schneider
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