nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) (11/29/90)
From: nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) >From: jumper@hobbes.ncsu.edu (Michael Lanham) >christ@sci.ccny.cuny.edu (Chris Thompson) writes: > >Actually I think CNN is getting thier tank designators wrong. The new M1s >being sent are in fact M1A2s not the A1 variants. Besides the 120mm main gun..... [remainder deleted] >Michael Lanham mjlanham@eos.ncsu.edu & jumper@.catt.ncsu.edu M1A2s are not in production, yet. According to General Dynamics, the first engineering development tank was completed in June 1990 with ten prototypes to follow (information as of Sep '90). -- Mark Aldo
nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) (12/13/90)
From: nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) ************************ Begin VOL II ********************************** Continuing.... Because the M1A2 system is fully integrated, mutual position navigation on the battlefield is now a reality. Each commander is provided with position information on his tank, the tanks in his command network and fixed enemy positions. This permits designated battlefield synchroni- zation of all platoon and company assets. The CITV image and position navigation information are displayed at the commander's integrated display. Position information can be instantane- ously transmitted to other command elements through the SINCGARS radio system. Steer-to navigation data along with system status is transmitted to the driver through the driver's integrated display. This unit combines the operation of three panels into one line replaceable unit. The tank commander's view of the battlefield is enhanced through an entirely re- designed weapon station...offering the tank commander a dramatic increase of his field of view. The M1A2 gunner's primary sight employs a dual axis stabilized head, enabling the gunner to effectively track evasive ground and air targets. Algorithms in the core system calculate target motion and permit the gunner to engage and destroy evasive targets. The gunner's control and display panel has automated ballistic solutions of both ground and air targets. It also has the capability to accommodate smart munitions currently in developement. ************************ End VOL II ********************************** "The M1A2 tank gives us a 54% increase in offensive capability and 100% increase in defensive capability...the upgrade will put double the number of rounds on target...and double the rate of kill" --- The U.S. Army testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee in 1989. -- Mark Aldo UUCP: (osu-cis)!dsacg1!waldo INTERNET: waldo@dsac.dla.mil "...Hotel Quebec One Six...You are clear to begin your night run on Range Eight Zero....Good luck, good shooting...Tower, out" -- radio transmission from Control Tower - Range 80 at Grafenwoehr, Germany
nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) (12/18/90)
From: nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo)
The following is from one of the brochures provided by General
Dynamics -- "DEFENSE & DIPLOMACY", Vol 8 No 9, Sep '90 -- concern-
ing Research and Engineering:
"The M1A2 is the next step in the most extensive armored
vehicle research and development in the free world, but
it is only one of many R&D projects the division* is pur-
suing. Another is electrothermal (ET) gun technology. The
company announced in July 1990 that it intends to build a
small research and development center near Huntington, WV,
to study ET technology as it applies to main battle tanks,
howitzers and other Department of Defense applications.
Land Systems has tested an electrothermal gun system. Be-
cause there are no explosive propellants, ET technology is
one of the few technologies that actually enhances lethality
and survivability at the same time. It increases firepower
while reducing hazards to the crew."
* = General Dynamics -- Land Systems Division
This could get reeeaaall interesting....also noted, "While armament
and armor upgrades are classified, enhanced armor on the tank (M1A2)
will provide protection against more lethal threat weapons and in-
crease the probability of crew survival during combat."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That same brochure contains a GD 'ad' (naturally) with a headline
stating "The Best Tank for the British Army" as the British govern-
ment decides on the new tank that will take the British Army into
the next century (again, Sep '90 issue). I assume that this would be
something additional, if purchased, to their 'new' Challenger IIs.
Sweden had just finished a six-month trial/demo -- no word on what
their thoughts are on the Abrams. Prior to the invasion of its 'home-
land', Kuwait expressed interest, as did Pakistan and several others.
--
Mark Aldo UUCP: (osu-cis)!dsacg1!waldo INTERNET: waldo@dsac.dla.mil
I'm not authorized to have an opinion....;-)nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) (04/17/91)
From: nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo)
With all the new talk on the net about the M1A2, the following data
is for posting if you wish, and is supplied by General Dynamics
(without permission) ..... [ A little hype-heavy, but enough technical
data to justify the length, I think. --CDR]
Additional: Newer models of the M1A1 will include 'depleted uranium
armor, encased in steel. Combined, these elements will more easily shat-
ter and absorb the intensity of projectile hits. Depleted uranium armor
has more than twice the density of steel, yet is more ductile. The
Abrams' special armor is effective against both kinetic energy and
chemical energy, or shaped charge, warheads.'
Continuing in the evolution of the M1 series, the M1A2 will be even
more lethal and more survivable.
A commander's independent thermal viewer (CITV) will give the com-
mander 360 degree surveillance. He will be able to see and acquire tar-
gets independently of the gunner. An eye-safe CO2 laser rangefinder
will improve fire-control performance by enhancing the ability to
penetrate fog and other adverse battlefield conditions. A driver's
thermal viewer will improve the driver's vision and provide another
set of eyes during silent watch operations. A position navigation
(Pos/Nav) system will display vehicle position and heading references
to the driver and commander, giving them the correct ground location
at all times.
The most innovative feature of the M1A2 system is the core vetronics
system; which is to the close combat weapon system what avionics is
to the jet fighter. Instead of separate, hard wiring of components,
all controls are linked through two electronic buses; one controlling
power, the other data. The M1A2 possesses the inherent high reliability
of digital electronics and the redundancy of critical components devoted
to combat functions. Data and power are transmitted on a dual buss. For
example: digital fire control information is transmitted on the data
bus. If one path is interrupted...signals are automatically diverted
to a parallel path...maintaining system function with minimum opera-
tional degradation. Commander, gunner, and driver can analyze most
problems through built-in testing embedded in the system.
Significant features will include:
* Improved armor
* Improved Commander's Weapon Station (ICWS)
* Commander's Integrated Display (CID)
* Hull-Turret Position Sensor
* Improved Suspension
* Position/Navigation Sensor (Pos/Nav)
* Driver's Thermal Viewer (DTV)
* Driver's Integrated Display (DID)
* Digital Engine Control Unit
* Onboard Malfunction Detection System
* Intervehicular Information System
* Digital Communication
* Single Channel Ground/Air Radio System (SINCGARS)
M1A2 ABRAMS - Characteristics
Weight: 69.54 Tons
Length(hull): 312 Inches
Length(gun forward): 387 Inches
Turret Height: 93.5 Inches
Width: 144 Inches
Ground Clearance: 19 Inches
Ground Pressure: 15.4 PSI
Gas Turbine Engine: 1500 HP
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 21.6 hp/ton
Hydro Kinetic Transmission: 4 Speed Forward
2 Speed Reverse
Speed
Maximum: 42 MPH (Governed) ...REMOVE it;-)
Cross Country: 30 MPH
10% Slope: 17 MPH
60% Slope: 4.1 MPH
Acceleration(0-20 mph) 7.2 Seconds
Main Armament: 120mm M256 Smoothbore Cannon
Coaxial Weapon: 7.62mm M240 Machinegun
Loader's Weapon: 7.62mm M240 Machinegun on Skate Mount
Commander's Weapon: 12.7mm M2 Machinegun
Cruising Range: 256 Miles
Vertical Obstacle: 42 Inches
Trench Crossing: 9 Feet
NBC System: 200 SCFM - Clean Cooled Air
Crew: 4 Men - Commander Driver
Gunner Loader
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The M1A2 gets better with improvements in:
* Improved and special ammunition to meet the new threat
* New displays - better information, faster for
Commander, Driver, Gunner
* Improved radio system - simultaneous voice/digital transmissions
* Other classified improvements
Continuing....
Because the M1A2 system is fully integrated, mutual position navigation
on the battlefield is now a reality. Each commander is provided with
position information on his tank, the tanks in his command network and
fixed enemy positions. This permits designated battlefield synchroni-
zation of all platoon and company assets.
The CITV image and position navigation information are displayed at the
commander's integrated display. Position information can be instantane-
ously transmitted to other command elements through the SINCGARS radio
system.
Steer-to navigation data along with system status is transmitted to the
driver through the driver's integrated display. This unit combines
the operation of three panels into one line replaceable unit. The tank
commander's view of the battlefield is enhanced through an entirely re-
designed weapon station...offering the tank commander a dramatic
increase of his field of view.
The M1A2 gunner's primary sight employs a dual axis stabilized head,
enabling the gunner to effectively track evasive ground and air targets.
Algorithms in the core system calculate target motion and permit the
gunner to engage and destroy evasive targets. The gunner's control and
display panel has automated ballistic solutions of both ground and
air targets. It also has the capability to accommodate smart munitions
currently in developement.
"The M1A2 tank gives us a 54% increase in offensive capability and
100% increase in defensive capability...the upgrade will put double
the number of rounds on target...and double the rate of kill" --- The
U.S. Army testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee in 1989.
--
Mark Aldo UUCP: (osu-cis)!dsacg1!waldo INTERNET: waldo@dsac.dla.milsysmgr@KING.ENG.UMD.EDU (Doug Mohney) (04/19/91)
From: sysmgr@KING.ENG.UMD.EDU (Doug Mohney) >From: nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) >...... The gunner's control and >display panel has automated ballistic solutions of both ground and >air targets. It also has the capability to accommodate smart munitions >currently in developement. Mark, could you please post any available info about "smart munitions" which are being worked on? (ie: What guidance, what type?) -- SYSMGR@CADLAB.ENG.UMD.EDU
nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) (04/30/91)
From: nzt1939@dsacg3.dsac.dla.mil (William M. Aldo) >It also has the capability to accommodate smart munitions >currently in developement. I don't have any data on smart munitions in development for the M1A2 yet; however, should I come across anything, I will be sure to submit it. Likewise, if anybody else hears/sees anything, please let the rest of us dot mil-netters know ;-);-) -- Mark Aldo UUCP: (osu-cis)!dsacg1!waldo INTERNET: waldo@dsac.dla.mil