Difference between revisions of "M1A2 SEP V2"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American main battle tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American main battle tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| other
+
| usage = other versions
−
| usage-1 = other versions
+
| link = M1 Abrams (Family)
−
| link-1 = M1 Abrams (Family)
 
−
| usage-2 = other uses
 
−
| link-2 = M1 (Disambiguation)
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
Line 14: Line 11:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]].
+
The combat operations of the early 2000s with Operation Iraqi Freedom showcased that the [[M1A2 SEP|M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP)]] still had rooms for improvements. Combat-oriented upgrades such as the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) I and II were first fitting to the M1A2 SEP. However, following the cancellation for the US Army Future Combat System program, it becomes clear the M1A2 Abrams will remain the workhorse of the US Army for the foreseeable future, and work began on the next upgrade for the M1A2 Abrams with SEP V2. SEP V2 incorporated many internal changes to the sights, computers and electronics, as well as a new auxillary power unit. The most notable exterior change was the addition of a CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) to allow the commander to remotely operate the heavy machine gun atop the tank. The '''M1A2 SEP V2''' was accepted into service for the US Army in 2008, equipping all Armor Brigade Combat Teams by 2013.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]]. The primary differences on the M1A2 SEP V2 compared to the preceding M1A2 SEP is the elevated CROWS for the M2 Browning machine gun and the ARAT II explosive reactive armour that can be attached. The extra weight from these non-removable additions put the M1A2 SEP V2 at around 66 tons, reducing the tank’s overall mobility compared to M1A2 SEP. The only characteristic that went unchanged is the firepower, firing the same shells through the same M256 cannon. The biggest plus of the M1A2 SEP V2 is that player has the opportunity of being able to bring two M1A2 SEP into battle without having to use a backup, which can be an advantage for team composition in its own way.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 77: Line 76:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M829, M830A1, M829A2}}
+
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M829, M830A1, M829A2, M908}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 130: Line 129:
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Proximity-fused rounds
 +
* Decent armour
 +
* Amazing reload time (with an ace crew)
 +
* Amazing APFSDS round
 +
* A lot of secondary armaments
 +
* Has ERA
 +
* Amazing thermal
 +
* Commanders sights
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Heavy weight
 +
* Large size
 +
* Decently sized weak spots
 +
* ERA cannot be removed
 +
* ERA not as effective compared to other tanks
 +
* No spall liner
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
As the [[M1A2 SEP]] (System Enhancement Package) tank came in to become the new standard US Army tank for the turn of the millennia, focus on developing the M1A2 Abrams declined as priority went into the development of the Future Combat System (FCS) that was expected to start replacing the Abrams in 2015. Instead, development steps during the early 2000s were moreso reactionary to the insurgency warfare in Iraq after the US invasion in 2003. Such modifications included IED jammers, bustle rack extensions, armored gun shields for the machine guns, and Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK).<ref name="ZalogaM1A2_OIF">Zaloga 2019, 21-25</ref>
 +
 
 +
However, as FCS continued to have development problem and would eventually be cancelled in 2009, the US Army realized that the M1A2 SEP would be the main battle tank for the army a little while longer than expected. As such, in 2006, the US Army contracted General Dynamics Land System (GDLS) to begin developing the next SEP version, simply designated “SEP V2”. SEP V2 was primarily an improvement to internal components, adapting the gun controls to accept the latest ammunitions, new processing and memory improvements for the computers, new color displays, new operating system, refurbished engines, new transmission, and a battery-powered auxiliary power unit. For external components, the most prominent change was the implementation of a M153A1E1 CROWS-LP (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Low Profile) that allowed the commander to fire the machine gun from within the tank’s protection.
 +
In February 2008, the M1A2 SEP V2 was accepted into service and GDLS would be awarded a contract to upgrade 435 M1A1 Abrams into M1A2 SEP V2 standards, which was fulfilled by January 2017.<ref name="GreenM1Abrams">Green 2015, 150-153</ref><ref name="ZalogaM1A2_SEP">Zaloga 2019, 30-31</ref> The M1A2 SEP V2 remained the primary workhorse of the US Army. It also served as the basis of tests for the hard-kill active protection systems, such as Raytheon’s Quick Kill APS system, the Rafael Trophy system, and a new Modular APS program. In September 2017, the US Army provided a contract for 261 Trophy systems to be implemented onto M1A2 SEP V2 tanks,<ref name="ZalogaM1A2_APS">Zaloga 2019, 35-36</ref> and in July 2022 GDLS was contracted to procure and provide Trophy for M1A2 SEP V2 tanks and onwards.<ref name="DOD_APS">US Department of Defense 2022</ref>  
 +
 
 +
Work already began on improving the M1A2 SEP V2 further down the service life and in June 2011, a new set of improvements in the form of Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) was set.<ref name="ZalogaM1A2_SEP"/> The improvements called for new power generation and monitoring capabilities, utilization of Line-Replaceable Modules maintenance scheme, IED jammers, an ammunition data link for smart munition usage, auxiliary power unit, and armor upgrades.<ref name="USArmy_SEPV3">Givens 2017</ref> These ECP were folded into M1A2 SEP V3, of which GLDS was contracted in September 2012 to develop, with the first M1A2 SEP V3 begin deliveries in October 2017. <ref name="ZalogaM1A2_SEP"/>
 +
 
 +
A further development of the M1A2 Abrams started in 2022 as the M1A2 SEP V4 with the first prototype arriving at Fort Hood for the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in 1st Cavalry Division. The SEP V4 was supposed to introduce a new commander and gunner primary sight, both with new laser range finders, thermal imagers, and video cameras; a new meteorological sensor to collect weather data, new communication and data sharing systems, and an upgrade to the ammunition data link for the upcoming XM1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round.<ref name="TWZ_M1A2SEPV4">Trevithick 2022</ref> However, SEP V4 was officially cancelled in September 2023 as the US Army announced a change in focus in improving the Abrams combat capability for the future with the development of the M1E3 variant.<ref name="USA_M1E3">US Army Public Affairs 2023</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1a2_sep2_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 161: Line 180:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
=== References ===
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
;Citations
−
* ''other literature.''
+
<references />
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
 +
* Givens, Ashley. 2017. "Army rolls out latest version of iconic Abrams Main Battle Tank". US Army. Last modified October 09, 2017. [https://www.army.mil/article/194952/army_rolls_out_latest_version_of_iconic_abrams_main_battle_tank Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20240527205556/https://www.army.mil/article/194952/army_rolls_out_latest_version_of_iconic_abrams_main_battle_tank Archive]).
 +
* Green, Michael. 2015. ''Images of War: M1 Abrams Tank Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives''. South Yorkshire, UK: Pen & Sword Military.
 +
* Trevithick, Joseph. 2022. "". The War Zone. Last modified October 06, 2022. [https://www.twz.com/our-first-look-at-the-armys-upgraded-m1a2-sepv4-abrams-tank Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20240527210203/https://www.twz.com/our-first-look-at-the-armys-upgraded-m1a2-sepv4-abrams-tank Archive]).
 +
* US Army Public Affairs. 2023. "Army Announces Plans for M1E3 Abrams Tank modernization". US Army. Last modified September 06, 2023. [https://www.army.mil/article/269706/army_announces_plans_for_m1e3_abrams_tank_modernization Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20240527205939/https://www.army.mil/article/269706/army_announces_plans_for_m1e3_abrams_tank_modernization Archive])
 +
* US Department of Defense. 2022. "Contracts For July 7, 2022". US Department of Defense. Last modified July 07, 2022. [https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3086364/source/GovDelivery/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20240527204712/https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3086364/source/GovDelivery/ Archive]).
 +
* Zaloga, Steven J. 2019. ''M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1993-2018''. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing.
  
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}

Revision as of 09:45, 26 June 2024

This page is about the American main battle tank M1A2 SEP V2. For other versions, see M1 Abrams (Family).
M1A2 SEP V2
us_m1a2_sep2_abrams.png
GarageImage M1A2 SEP V2.jpg
M1A2 SEP V2
USA flag.png USA
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 12.0
Class:
Research:410 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 100 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The combat operations of the early 2000s with Operation Iraqi Freedom showcased that the M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP) still had rooms for improvements. Combat-oriented upgrades such as the Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) I and II were first fitting to the M1A2 SEP. However, following the cancellation for the US Army Future Combat System program, it becomes clear the M1A2 Abrams will remain the workhorse of the US Army for the foreseeable future, and work began on the next upgrade for the M1A2 Abrams with SEP V2. SEP V2 incorporated many internal changes to the sights, computers and electronics, as well as a new auxillary power unit. The most notable exterior change was the addition of a CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) to allow the commander to remotely operate the heavy machine gun atop the tank. The M1A2 SEP V2 was accepted into service for the US Army in 2008, equipping all Armor Brigade Combat Teams by 2013.

The Tank, Combat, Full Tracked, 120-mm Gun M1A2 SEP V2 was introduced in Update "Air Superiority". The primary differences on the M1A2 SEP V2 compared to the preceding M1A2 SEP is the elevated CROWS for the M2 Browning machine gun and the ARAT II explosive reactive armour that can be attached. The extra weight from these non-removable additions put the M1A2 SEP V2 at around 66 tons, reducing the tank’s overall mobility compared to M1A2 SEP. The only characteristic that went unchanged is the firepower, firing the same shells through the same M256 cannon. The biggest plus of the M1A2 SEP V2 is that player has the opportunity of being able to bring two M1A2 SEP into battle without having to use a backup, which can be an advantage for team composition in its own way.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull133 / 60 / 32
Turret139 / 120 / 13
Crew4 people
Visibility82 %

Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 43 km/h
RB and SB69 / 39 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight66.1 t
Engine power
AB2 898 hp
RB and SB1 519 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB43.8 hp/t
RB and SB23.0 hp/t

Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 76 43 66.1 2058 2,898 31.13 43.84
Realistic 69 39 1343 1,519 20.32 22.98

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 291 → 7 011 Sl icon.png
RB4 159 → 6 795 Sl icon.png
SB5 264 → 8 601 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications300 300 Rp icon.png
497 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 100 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 300 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 350 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 200 / 210 % Sl icon.png
256 / 256 / 256 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
5 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank additional armor.png
Mine protection
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_HEAT_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M908_HE_OR_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
20 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
31 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M829A_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm M256 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order18 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M256 (120 mm)

Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: {{main|Name of the weapon}}. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.

120 mm M256 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M830 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
M829 APFSDS 491 488 481 473 464 454
M830A1 HEAT MP 350 350 350 350 350 350
M829A2 APFSDS 629 627 619 610 601 590
M908 HE-OR 300 300 300 300 300 300
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M830 HEATFS 1,140 13.1 0.05 0.1 2.36 65° 72° 77°
M829 APFSDS 1,670 4.27 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M829A2 APFSDS 1,680 4.92 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M908 HE-OR 1,410 11.4 0.4 5 1.99 65° 72° 77°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M830A1 HEAT MP 1,410 11.4 0.05 0.1 400 10 1.99 65° 72° 77°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-9° / 65°
12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition200 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M240 (7.62 mm)

Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
___ (___) ___ __° __°
7.62 mm M240
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
___ (___) ___ __° __°

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Proximity-fused rounds
  • Decent armour
  • Amazing reload time (with an ace crew)
  • Amazing APFSDS round
  • A lot of secondary armaments
  • Has ERA
  • Amazing thermal
  • Commanders sights

Cons:

  • Heavy weight
  • Large size
  • Decently sized weak spots
  • ERA cannot be removed
  • ERA not as effective compared to other tanks
  • No spall liner

History

As the M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) tank came in to become the new standard US Army tank for the turn of the millennia, focus on developing the M1A2 Abrams declined as priority went into the development of the Future Combat System (FCS) that was expected to start replacing the Abrams in 2015. Instead, development steps during the early 2000s were moreso reactionary to the insurgency warfare in Iraq after the US invasion in 2003. Such modifications included IED jammers, bustle rack extensions, armored gun shields for the machine guns, and Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK).[1]

However, as FCS continued to have development problem and would eventually be cancelled in 2009, the US Army realized that the M1A2 SEP would be the main battle tank for the army a little while longer than expected. As such, in 2006, the US Army contracted General Dynamics Land System (GDLS) to begin developing the next SEP version, simply designated “SEP V2”. SEP V2 was primarily an improvement to internal components, adapting the gun controls to accept the latest ammunitions, new processing and memory improvements for the computers, new color displays, new operating system, refurbished engines, new transmission, and a battery-powered auxiliary power unit. For external components, the most prominent change was the implementation of a M153A1E1 CROWS-LP (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Low Profile) that allowed the commander to fire the machine gun from within the tank’s protection. In February 2008, the M1A2 SEP V2 was accepted into service and GDLS would be awarded a contract to upgrade 435 M1A1 Abrams into M1A2 SEP V2 standards, which was fulfilled by January 2017.[2][3] The M1A2 SEP V2 remained the primary workhorse of the US Army. It also served as the basis of tests for the hard-kill active protection systems, such as Raytheon’s Quick Kill APS system, the Rafael Trophy system, and a new Modular APS program. In September 2017, the US Army provided a contract for 261 Trophy systems to be implemented onto M1A2 SEP V2 tanks,[4] and in July 2022 GDLS was contracted to procure and provide Trophy for M1A2 SEP V2 tanks and onwards.[5]

Work already began on improving the M1A2 SEP V2 further down the service life and in June 2011, a new set of improvements in the form of Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) was set.[3] The improvements called for new power generation and monitoring capabilities, utilization of Line-Replaceable Modules maintenance scheme, IED jammers, an ammunition data link for smart munition usage, auxiliary power unit, and armor upgrades.[6] These ECP were folded into M1A2 SEP V3, of which GLDS was contracted in September 2012 to develop, with the first M1A2 SEP V3 begin deliveries in October 2017. [3]

A further development of the M1A2 Abrams started in 2022 as the M1A2 SEP V4 with the first prototype arriving at Fort Hood for the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in 1st Cavalry Division. The SEP V4 was supposed to introduce a new commander and gunner primary sight, both with new laser range finders, thermal imagers, and video cameras; a new meteorological sensor to collect weather data, new communication and data sharing systems, and an upgrade to the ammunition data link for the upcoming XM1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round.[7] However, SEP V4 was officially cancelled in September 2023 as the US Army announced a change in focus in improving the Abrams combat capability for the future with the development of the M1E3 variant.[8]

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Zaloga 2019, 21-25
  2. ↑ Green 2015, 150-153
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Zaloga 2019, 30-31
  4. ↑ Zaloga 2019, 35-36
  5. ↑ US Department of Defense 2022
  6. ↑ Givens 2017
  7. ↑ Trevithick 2022
  8. ↑ US Army Public Affairs 2023
Bibliography
  • Givens, Ashley. 2017. "Army rolls out latest version of iconic Abrams Main Battle Tank". US Army. Last modified October 09, 2017. Website (Archive).
  • Green, Michael. 2015. Images of War: M1 Abrams Tank Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives. South Yorkshire, UK: Pen & Sword Military.
  • Trevithick, Joseph. 2022. "". The War Zone. Last modified October 06, 2022. Website (Archive).
  • US Army Public Affairs. 2023. "Army Announces Plans for M1E3 Abrams Tank modernization". US Army. Last modified September 06, 2023. Website (Archive)
  • US Department of Defense. 2022. "Contracts For July 7, 2022". US Department of Defense. Last modified July 07, 2022. Website (Archive).
  • Zaloga, Steven J. 2019. M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1993-2018. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing.


USA medium tanks
M2  M2
M3  M3 Lee · ▃Grant I
M4  M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1
M46/47/48 Patton  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S
MBT-70  MBT-70 · XM803
M1 Abrams  XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM)
  M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1
  M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait
  M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2
Other  T95E1
Australia  M1A1 AIM
Canada  M4A5
Israel  ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D
Turkey  M60 AMBT

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