STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., 28 June 2005. General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, Mich., will upgrade 60 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks to the latest system enhancement package (SEP) configuration (M1A2 SEP) under terms of a $141 million contract.
The contract from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command. These 60 M1A2 tanks have been in service for the past 15 years.
The M1A2 SEP digitized weapon system is the latest, most technologically advanced Abrams tank. It has the latest command-and-control system, second-generation thermal sights, and improved armor.
This retrofit is part of an overall M1A2 tank upgrade program that integrates new information technologies to improve soldier warfighting capability with enhanced command and control features such as color maps and displays, high-density computer memory, increased microprocessing speed, and networked communications.
Work will begin in July in Lima, Ohio; Anniston, Ala.; Sterling Heights, Mich.; Tallahassee, Fla.; Scranton, Pa.; and Fort Hood, Texas, by existing General Dynamics employees. Vehicle deliveries to General Dynamics are scheduled for January through October 2007, with vehicle hand-off to the Army expected in January 2008.
