What is the newest Abrams tank?

Abrams M1A2 SEPV3
Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 (System Enhanced Package) is the latest upgraded version of the Abrams main battle tank. Credit: US Army.

Is the US designing a new tank?

The U.S. Army has wrapped up cold-weather testing of its latest tank. The M-1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 tank—or M-1A2SEPv3—works just fine the subarctic temperatures of the Alaskan interior, Army testers concluded. The M-1A2 is the latest version of a tank that first entered U.S. service way back in 1980.

Who builds tanks for the US military?

General Dynamics Land Systems
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) manufactures the M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank.

What is the new M1A3 vehicle?

M1A3: Under development, with development planned to start by 2020. Improvements are to include a lighter 120 mm gun, added road wheels with improved suspension, a more durable track, lighter armor, long-range precision armaments, and infrared camera and laser detectors.

What are the advantages of the M1A2?

The M1A2 offers the tank commander an independent thermal sight and ability to, in rapid sequence, shoot at two targets without the need to acquire each one sequentially, also 2nd generation depleted uranium armor components.

Should the US Army build a new tank?

Instead of searching for the elusive Holy Grail of ultralight armor or laser weapons, technologies that would justify building a brand new tank, the Army would be best served by aggressively pursuing a major redesign and improvement program for the Abrams, an M1A3. As the poet Robert Browning once said, a man’s reach should exceed his grasp.

What should the Army do with the A3 variant of the tank?

The Army should look at ways of inserting autonomy into the A3 variant to reduce crew workload and improve performance. As the poet Robert Browning once said, a man’s reach should exceed his grasp. This saying should apply, in general, to the development of a future tank.