- M1A3 Abrams II computer-generated model, click to expand.
Specifications:
Length: 7.93 m (10.08 m)
Width: 3.65 m
Height: 2.514 m
Weight: 68.2 tonnes
Powerplant: Amax AHP1650 High Performance multi-fuel turbine engine
Armor: Dorchester Level 3, RHA, Steel Encased Depleted Uranium Mesh Plating
Speed: 74.7 kph
Cost: 9.26 million USD
Export Cost: 9.3 million USD
Upgrade Package: 5.1 million USD
Overview:
The M1A3 Abrams is the newest Main Battle Tank (MBT) in service with the Rechan military. Developed from the M1A2 Abrams SEP, the M1A3 combines next generation technology and weapons systems with the old.
One of the many upgrades from the M1A2 Abrams SEP is the addition of an Active Protection System that utilizes both the Iron Fist system developed by Israel Military Industries, and the regionally developed Cavalier Weapon System. Also in use by the M1A3 is a chaff/smoke grenades launches as well as the ability to produce a smoke screen by using it's 1,650 horsepower turbine engine.
The Iron Fist APS combines both soft and hard kill capabilities into one, using a jamming system to defeat guided missiles, as well as having the ability to launch an explosive charge to deflect munitions such as unguided rockets and even kinetic penetrators. Several modifications have been made to the system, which includes increasing the number of projectiles per tube to two by using a method similar to Metal Storm, and the expansion of it's soft countermeasures to include a wider variety of missiles.
The upgraded Abrams employs Dorchester Level III armor, a upgraded version of what is known as Chobham armor, with reactive-armor tiles on the exterior of the tank to increase protection. Slat armor has been added to the rear of the tank to detonate ordnance before striking the vulnerable powerplant to decrease the amount of damage dealt to the tank. The M1A3 also sports full Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical protection which allows the improved Abrams to operate in environments that have suffered the detonation of a weapon of mass destruction or that has been contaminated in some way.
A M360 120 millimeter smoothbore gun makes up the main armament of the M1A3 Abrams, replacing the L44 Rheinmetall found on the lesser A2 variant. In addition to the main cannon, a M312 .50 caliber machine gun serves as the coaxial gun, further complemented by a pintle-mounted M240 machine gun. A M307 25x59 millimeter grenade launcher or M312 .50 caliber machine gun can be mounted in the vehicles Remote Weapon Station, a modified version of the CROWS weapon system designed to be more durable under stressful combat conditions. A small missile pod containing Starkstreak II missiles is in place on the left side of the M1A3's turret to serve as a defense from helicopters and in some cases jet aircraft.
Using millimeter wave RADAR, the Abrams can guide now guide shells such as the XM1111 Mid-Range Munition on target or act as an artillery piece by using the GPS guidance system. The M360 gun is capable of firing any current smart munitions, and electronic systems are able to be upgraded to accept future rounds. Also included in the A3 upgrade of the Abrams, an EMP Generator similar to the T-90's EMT-71 system used to destroy magnetic mines affords the platform the ability to render mines inert, and can be used to destroy electronic equipment used by enemy militaries. The view ports on the Abrams are now complemented by digital cameras which allow the crew a 360 degree view of the battlefield in Infrared, Optical, and Night Vision modes thanks to the improved 'glass cockpit' of the MBT.
The Intervehicle Information System (IVIS) is also integrated into the A3, which significantly increases the combat effectiveness of M1A3 units as IVIS allows vehicle crews to connect to a tactical map able to be updated with positions of various combat obstacles and enemies, and even friendless nearly nullifying the "Fog of War". An overhauled communications suite gives tankers the ability to access satellite data networks as well as numerous secure radio channels; also added are new datalinks which can transfer and deliver information on par with wired data networks used by the military.
Units are now available for sale on the international market to stable, established nations pending approval from the Federation of Rechart.
