One of the most important programs of the US Army at the moment is the modernization of the existing main Abrams tanks for several new projects. Recently, new details of this project and ongoing work were published. They were presented by the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT & E) in the 2019 report. On January 30, this document was presented to Congress.
Completed work
According to the report, December 28, 2018, i.e. at the beginning of FY 2019, DOT & E approved an updated version of the test program for the promising M1A2 SEP v.3 / M1A2C tank. Some stages of the already launched program were corrected, which was necessary for a more complete study of the capabilities and potential of the upgraded MBT.
On April 22, at the Fort Hood base, a short military test of the updated equipment started. The 1st Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division received several M1A2C tanks and carried out checks according to the approved plan. The technique was tested in offensive and defensive training battles. Each stage of these tests lasted up to a day. On May 11, the events were completed.
In the last financial year, the tank was tested for survivability. Three tanks of the serial batch were fired upon and detonated using various means and ammunition. DOT & E writes about 20 such tests, but their results are not specified.
Near future
The main focus for the first quarters of FY2020 is the completion of tests to determine and increase the survivability of the modernized tank is named. They are a direct continuation of the activities already carried out, but have different goals and focus on specific elements of the tank.
Q4 FY19 a new stage of shelling tests has started. This time attention was paid to the ammunition storage compartments and their combat survivability. During the tests, the resistance of the compartments to various influences was checked, incl. defeat by anti-tank ammunition. The results of such tests will clarify the overall operational capabilities of the tank.
The shell test was scheduled to end in Q1 FY2020. After that, in the second quarter, the army and the director of operational testing and evaluation will publish a new report reflecting all the revealed features of the MBT M1A2 SEP v.3. For the 3rd quarter of the current financial year, it is planned to issue new documents that determine the further mass production of updated tanks.
Estimates and recommendations
DOT & E notes that the M1A2 SEP v.3 project did not have special requirements in terms of protection and survivability. For all new modifications of the "Abrams" MBT, the Operational Requirements document from 1994, drawn up taking into account the characteristics of the M1A2 type tank, remains relevant.
Under these conditions, DOT & E continues to collect and analyze data from all trials, incl. to determine the level of protection and survivability. They will be used in further evaluation of the project as a whole, as well as in determining the final conclusions and recommendations.
Based on the results of the last financial year, DOT & E issued three recommendations to the Ministry of Defense. The first defines the general approach to future upgrades of the M1A2 tanks. Requirements for such projects should most accurately reflect current and future operational problems and challenges. The second recommendation concerns ongoing work. It is necessary to complete the current tests in accordance with the approved plan. Finally, the army should study all the available reports on the M1A2C in order to draw up a general idea of the ways for the further development of armored vehicles based on them.
Not only SEP v.3
The current plans for the modernization of the Abrams MBT are not limited to the SEP v.3 update package. In particular, one of the measures to increase the survivability of such equipment on the battlefield should be an active protection complex (KAZ). Work in this direction continues and gives noticeable results.
The DOT & E report recalls that back in FY17. several tanks of the army and marines received the KAZ Trophy produced by the Israeli company Rafael. Equipment with such equipment was tested at training ranges and even took part in NATO exercises, showing its capabilities. In the future, new activities were carried out, continuing to this day.
According to the report, in FY19. The US Army has completed and completed the second phase of the KAZ Trophy. These events were carried out at the Fort Bliss base in the fall and winter of 2018. The complex was tested using M1A1 and M1A2 SEP v.2 tanks, as well as using a mock-up. During the tests, the Trophy's ability to detect and strike incoming threats in different conditions was determined, incl. in the presence of various interference.
As part of the tests, 62 launches of various anti-tank weapons were carried out. Rocket-propelled grenades with inert equipment were used against real tanks; guided missiles were launched according to the layout. In addition, one launch of a full-fledged ammunition on MBT from KAZ took place.
DOT & E is currently preparing a report on these tests. He will be presented to the command shortly. Also, preparations are now underway for the third phase of testing. This time KAZ Trophy is planned to be tested on the newest M1A2C tank.
Recent tests have ended in success, and the army announces quite serious plans for the KAZ. At the end of the current fiscal year, a new order for the purchase and deployment of such equipment will appear. It will provide for the modernization of all M1A2 tanks in four formations of the Armored Brigade Combat Team type. Prospects for Trophy in the context of M1A2 SEP v.3 have not yet been determined.
For engineering parts
M1A1 / A2 tanks are also involved in a new project created in the interests of engineering units. For the army and the KMP, the Joint Assault Bridge (JAB) tank bridge-layer is being developed, built on the M1A1 MBT chassis with units from the M1A2. He has already entered the tests, but the results remain unsatisfactory.
In April 2019, the next tests of the experienced JAB took place at Fort Bliss. Significant flaws were identified, which took time to fix. Q1 FY2020 a new phase of testing has begun to test the recent changes. In the absence of new difficulties, testing of the experienced JAB will be completed in the 2-3 quarters of the current financial year.
Due to ongoing problems, DOT & E recommends continuing work and fine-tuning the structure. After that, it will be possible to collect the necessary data and give a full assessment of the project with appropriate recommendations.
Conservation and development
A new DOT & E report clearly shows how the US Army is going to develop its armored vehicles. Tanks of the M1 Abrams family of several modifications play a leading role, and to maintain this state of affairs, modernization projects are being implemented - both complex and affecting only individual elements. In addition, the Abrams tank is used as a platform for new types of specialized equipment.
According to the latest report, in the past fiscal year, the Pentagon and contractors have done enough to start production and master new types of equipment. No less important work was planned for 2020. Its 2nd quarter is already coming to an end, which means that new reports should soon appear on the development and modernization of existing main battle tanks.
