General Dynamics to upgrade Abrams Tank

General Dynamics Land Systems has announced that it has been awarded an additional award under an existing contract with the US Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command for upgrade work on the M1A1 tanks. The work will see GDLS continue their current work to upgrade the M1A1 tanks to the M1A2 Systems Enhancement Package (SEP) V2 configuration.

The M1A2 SEP V2 includes improved colour displays, day and night thermal sights, commander remote operated weapon station (CROWS II), a Thermal Management System (TMS) and a tank-infantry phone.  The M1A2 SEP V2 is a technologically advanced digital tank that maximises the fighting ability of the tank on today's battlefield while preparing the platform for tomorrow's challenges. 

According to the company, the original order was made under a multi-year contract awarded in February 2008, which authorized the upgrade of 435 M1A1 tanks that have been in the Army's inventory for more than 20 years.  General Dynamics is continuing the conversion of the tanks in the Army's active component to the M1A2 SEP V2 configuration.  Work is expected to be completed by June 2013.