General Dynamics to upgrade Abrams main battle tanks and vetronics to new SEPv3 versions

Armored combat vehicle experts at General Dynamics Corp. will upgrade 45 M1 Abrams main battle tanks and vetronics to the most advanced M1A2 SEPv3 configuration under terms of a $270.2 million contract announced last month. The U.S. Army Contracting Command in Warren, Mich., is asking General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, Mich., to install and integrate SEPv2 legacy unique components resulting in 45 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle tanks. The M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tank is the latest version of the M1 Abrams, and has increased power generation and distribution, better communications and networking, new vehicle health management system (VHMS), line replaceable modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance, and an ammunition datalink (ADL) to use airburst rounds. The contract also asks General Dynamics Land Systems to procure, stock and store 60 sets of SEPv2 legacy and SEPv3 unique components; procure integrated product support requirements of Lisa, special tooling and test equipment, and the systems support package.