m1a2 sep M1A2 SEP: America's Liberator

[Yontzee 1,669]

 

***This post was designed to meet moderator criteria***

M1A2 SEP: America's Liberator

An M1A2 SEP "Absolute Delta" in Iraq.

 

• Description : 
  • The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) is the upgraded version of the baseline M1A2 Abrams. Entering service in 1999, the M1A2 SEP was designed to be "next generation" equipment due to the new digital architecture allowing continuous enhancements. Due to the success of the design, a multi-year contract was awarded in 2001 allowing the manufacture of new M1A2 SEP main battle tanks, and, post 2004 conversions of previous tanks such as the baseline M1A2 Abrams and the series of M1A1 Abrams. The M1A2 SEP saw active service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, especially heavy combat in urban areas which the vehicle performed surprising well. Especially after being equipped with TUSK I Armor Packages. It is not known if the M1A2 SEP has been equipped with TUSK II. Several M1A2 SEP's, alongside USMC M1A1's were also used during the Anbar Campaign, Battle of Sadr City, and several other battles. However, by late 2008, most M1A2 SEP's were moved to patrol and security duties due to the winding down of violence. The U.S. Army currently still uses the M1A2 SEP, with just under 600 still in service supplementing the M1A2 SEPv2. These vehicles however, will eventually be upgraded to the SEPv3 and SEPv4 standard.
  • Some upgrades/additions the M1A2 SEP has over the base model M1A2:
    • 3rd Generation Depleted Uranium Armor Inserts
    • Digitized Fire Control System
    • COE Digital Open Architecture
    • 2nd Generation Thermals/Block I FLIR for Gunner and Commander
      • Hunter Killer Capability
    • Reinforced Allison DDA X-1100-3C Transmission
    • Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit (UAAPU)
    • Thermal Management System (TMS)
    • Turret and Hull addon Armor
    • Tusk I Armor Package (Cannot be equipped with M153 CROWS RWS)
    • M829A3 APFSDS Round
• Armament:
  • Main Weapon: 120 mm M256 L/44 Smoothbore Gun (w/ 42rds)
    • Rounds:
      • M829A3 APFSDS-T
      • M830 HEAT-T
      • M830A1 HEAT-MP-T
      • M908 HE-ORT
      • M1028 Cannister
    • Depression/Elevation: -10°/20°
  • Additional Weapons:
    • Coaxial 7.62mm M240C Medium Machine Gun
    • 12.7mm M2HB Heavy Machine Gun
    • 7.62mm M240C Medium Machine Gun
• Maneuverability:
  • Engine: 1,500hp Honeywell AGT1500C Gas Turbine Engine
  • Transmission: Allison DDA X-1100-3C (8-forward, 4-reverse)
  • Chassis: High-hardness-steel Torsion Bars w/ Rotary Shock Absorbers
  • Max Speed: 68km/h
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 7.93m (9.77m w/ Gun Forward)
  • Width: 3.7m
  • Height: 2.4m
  • Weight: 62.2t (67.7t w/ TUSK) [Updated due to @Jackvony]

• Crew (4x):
  • Commander
  • Driver
  • Gunner
  • Loader

• Features:
  • 3^rd Generation Depleted Uranium Armor inserts in the Hull and Turret
    • Capable of stopping most Kinetic Energy rounds currently in-game. Mainly in the Turret Cheeks.
  • Optics (Block I FLIR for Commander and Gunner):
    • Gunner: Raytheon Gunner's Primary Sight- Line of Sight (GPS-LOS) (2^nd Generation Thermal Imager)
    • Commander: Raytheon Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (2^nd Generation Thermals)
    • Driver: AN/VVS-2(V)2A Night Vision Periscope (Standard Night Vision Device)
  • Optional Tusk I Package (options are not applied to all vehicles, variations in levels of TUSK equipment may occur due to mission requirements):
    • Tusk I:
      • M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT)
        • Covers the hull sides in Reactive armor tiles that provides a minimum of 260mm protection against HEAT rounds.
      • Remote Controlled M2HB
        • Additional 12.7mm M2HB placed over the main gun for a total of 4 Machine Guns (2x 12.7mm Machine Guns & 2 7.62mm Machine Guns).
      • Loader’s Armored Gun Shield
        • Protection shield around the M240C to protect the loader against small arms fire.
      • Engine Compartment SLAT Armor
        • Covers the engine compartment to protect against HEAT rounds and explosives.
  • Laser Rangefinder
  • 12x Smoke Grenade Launchers
  • ESS
  • Dozer Blade Capable
• Reason for Implementation:
  • Some of the largest factors for implementing this tank is the 2nd generation thermal imagers, 3rd-generation Depleted Uranium Armor, and M829A3 APFSDS round. These features will push the M1A2 SEP as one of the leading top tier tanks in-game. I won't focus on the APFSDS round due to the fact its a balancing item, however, the new armor and thermals will be ground breaking for the U.S. tree. This tank can also fire the M829A4 APFSDS round. The U.S. Main Battle Tank line is currently missing any vehicle with 2nd generation thermals which become crucial at higher ranks. The rest of the post explains itself is to why this vehicle needs to be in-game. Not to mention with TUSK I, the M1A2 SEP will have higher capability to survive against HEAT rounds. It's unknown if it can use the TUSK II or if it has been equipped previously. The M1A2 SEPv2 and M1A2 SEPv2 are difficult to differentiate physically, most of the features are close to the same with the exception of the CROWS II Remote Weapon System. 
• Imagery/Videos:

  ·

  Video of the M1A2 SEP.

   

  Video of an M1A2 SEP firing on insurgent positions.

 

 

Another video of an M1A2 SEP firing on insurgents, Balad, Iraq 2006.

 

General Dynamics Promotion video for the M1A2 SEP Main Battle Tank.

 

M1A2 SEP performing trials.

 

Showcase model of the M1A2 SEP.

 

M1A2 SEP on display.

 

M1A2 SEP rear.

 

M1A2 SEP during the Battle of Sadr City, Iraq. 

 

List of upgrades for the M1A2 SEP.

 

M1A2 SEP equipped with elements of the TUSK I package.

 

TUSK I/II Rear Slat armor for engine compartment.

 

M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles.

 

M829A3 APFSDS-T specifications. Updated due to @Jackvony.

 

Esimated penetration of the M829A3 APFSDS-T round. Updated due to @Jackvony.

 

 

 

 

 

• Sources: 
  • https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/digital-abrams-the-m1a2-sep-program-updated-02834/ - General Data
  • http://www.military-today.com/tanks/m1a2_sep.htm - General Data
  • https://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_army_heavy_armoured_vehicles_tank_uk/m1a2_sep_main_battle_tank_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures_video_11610154.html - General Data
  • https://army-guide.com/eng/product2936.html - General Data
  • https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2013/12.pdf - General Data
  • https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m1a2-tusk.htm - TUSK I/II
  • http://www.military-today.com/tanks/tusk.htm - TUSK I
  • http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product4072.html - TUSK I
  • https://www.ebad.com/m-19-abrams-reactive-armor-tile-arat/ - M-19 ARAT I
  • https://www.dacis.com/budget/budget_pdf/FY06/PROC/A/7390E78012.pdf - 120mm Rounds
  • https://bulletpicker.com/cartridge_-120mm-apfsds-t_-m85.html - M829A3
  • https://patents.google.com/patent/US6662726B1/en - M829A3
  • https://bulletpicker.com/cartridge_-120mm-heat-t-mp_-m8.html - M830
  • - M830A1
  • https://www.gd-ots.com/munitions/large-caliber-ammunition/120mm-m1028/ - M1028

 

• Additional Notes:
  • This suggestion is focusing on a specific vehicle rather than a group of vehicles which other users have suggested which meets suggestion guidelines.
  • Please see my other American vehicle suggestions (the M1A1 SA holds very similar capabilities as the M1A2 SEPv2):

 

Edited November 16, 2021 by Yontzee

[Yontzee 1,669]

If anyone has any specific documentation providing information on capabilities, equipment nomenclature, etc. please comment below and I will add it. Current information needed: 

• 3rd Generation Depleted Uranium Armor and addon armor estimated protection values.
• M-19 Abrams Reactive Armor Tile protection values vs. HEAT and Kinetic rounds. 
• 66mm 32rd Defense Grenade Launchers capable of firing Fragmentation and Smoke Grenades.
• M829A3 APFSDS & M1028 capabilities. 
• TUSK I Protection Values.
• TUSK I total overall weight.
• TUSK II compatibility.
• M1A2 SEP overall weight.

 Thank you! Also no classified data!

Edited November 13, 2021 by Yontzee

[ItssLuBu 1,793]

Approved and open for discussion. 

[Milocat 4,842]

+1 of course as the game gets more and more modern.

[Jackvony 599]

Combat weight of SEP and SEPv2: https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2013/12.pdf

SEP - 62.205

SEPv2 - 62.859

 

TUSK adds 4.91 metric tons (at least on SEPv3):

Spoiler

 

Patent describing defeat mechanism used by M829A3: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6662726B1/en

OG Program description: https://www.dacis.com/budget/budget_pdf/FY06/PROC/A/7390E78012.pdf

"Production and fielding of the M829A3 will maintain the ability of the Abrams Main Battle Tank to defeat current and postulated armor threats. This round incorporates revolutionary advances in technology and will represent the most lethal anti-armor tank cartridge in production."

Some stuff I have on it:

Spoiler

 

 

Edited November 16, 2021 by Jackvony

[Yontzee 1,669]

2 hours ago, Jackvony said:

Combat weight of SEP and SEPv2: https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2013/12.pdf

SEP - 62.205

SEPv2 - 62.859

 

TUSK adds 4.91 metric tons (at least on SEPv3):

Hide contents

 

Patent describing defeat mechanism used by M829A3: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6662726B1/en

OG Program description: https://www.dacis.com/budget/budget_pdf/FY06/PROC/A/7390E78012.pdf

"Production and fielding of the M829A3 will maintain the ability of the Abrams Main Battle Tank to defeat current and postulated armor threats. This round incorporates revolutionary advances in technology and will represent the most lethal anti-armor tank cartridge in production."

Some stuff I have on it:

Reveal hidden contents

 

 

Sweet! I appreciate it! I’ll add the data.

 

Just confirming. This is the M829A4 right?

Edited November 16, 2021 by Yontzee

[Jackvony 599]

5 hours ago, Yontzee said:

Sweet! I appreciate it! I’ll add the data.

 

Just confirming. This is the M829A4 right?

Negative, that is A3. I have stuff for A4 as well if you want it. I noticed I uploaded the wrong stat card my bad I'll put the A3 up as well in an edit on the previous post.

 

Edited November 16, 2021 by Jackvony

[Yontzee 1,669]

10 minutes ago, Jackvony said:

Negative, that is A3. I have stuff for A4 as well if you want it. I noticed I uploaded the wrong stat card my bad I'll put the A3 up as well in an edit on the previous post.

 

Corrected my post. Thanks again m8! I linked you in my suggestions (M1A2 SEPv2 as well).

[eleks12 1,076]

+1

[Being_LongGone 17]

Why is this still not in the game yet?

[SPANISH_AVENGER 11,786]

To be honest, I hope SEP comes as a researchable modification for M1A2. America doesn't need yet ANOTHER Abrams, but it sure needs a true 11.0... so making SEP a mod for M1A2 would be the best option in my opinion.

[NAYEONnaise 1,936]

2 minutes ago, SPANISH_AVENGER said:

To be honest, I hope SEP comes as a researchable modification for M1A2. America doesn't need yet ANOTHER Abrams, but it sure needs a true 11.0... so making SEP a mod for M1A2 would be the best option in my opinion.

why not another abrams especially with gen2s and good armor this time? Russia is still mercilessly stomping top tier while the common adversaries remain castrated to gen1. at least it won't just be Russia with the monstrous lineup. SEP should be okay as a separate tank atm, the turret ring weakspot still exists. Maybe limit it to M829A3 (potentially 652mm pen in-game) for balance, don't gib M829A4 yet

[SPANISH_AVENGER 11,786]

14 minutes ago, NAYEONnaise said:

why not another abrams especially with gen2s and good armor this time? Russia is still mercilessly stomping top tier while the common adversaries remain castrated to gen1. at least it won't just be Russia with the monstrous lineup. SEP should be okay as a separate tank atm, the turret ring weakspot still exists. Maybe limit it to M829A3 (potentially 652mm pen in-game) for balance, don't gib M829A4 yet

 

Next Abrams vehicle should be SEPv2.

 

I'm not spending 2,500,000 SL and 1,000,000 RP worth of grind just to get better thermals and cheek armor in a tank that retains the 10.0-level hull armor xD

 

Those modifications aren't worth all that grind, they should be a mod for the current M1A2, so that it would be a true 11.0 (it currently is subpar at best).

 

All America has been getting all this time is sidegrades: M1A1HC, M1A1 AIM... we need a REAL step forward next.

 

SEPv2 would have even better cheeks than SEP and, finally, improved hull protection; that should be the next independent vehicle.

 

EDIT: if SEP happened to have improved hull armor, I could see it as a new tree vehicle, but since it's an unclear matter, I don't know if Gaijin would implement it with it, which makes me fear M1A2 SEP would be implemented as basically just M1A2 with better thermals.

Edited September 26, 2022 by SPANISH_AVENGER

[oom1992 649]

32 minutes ago, SPANISH_AVENGER said:

To be honest, I hope SEP comes as a researchable modification for M1A2. America doesn't need yet ANOTHER Abrams, but it sure needs a true 11.0... so making SEP a mod for M1A2 would be the best option in my opinion.

 

25 minutes ago, NAYEONnaise said:

why not another abrams especially with gen2s and good armor this time? Russia is still mercilessly stomping top tier while the common adversaries remain castrated to gen1. at least it won't just be Russia with the monstrous lineup. SEP should be okay as a separate tank atm, the turret ring weakspot still exists. Maybe limit it to M829A3 (potentially 652mm pen in-game) for balance, don't gib M829A4 yet

 

19 minutes ago, SPANISH_AVENGER said:

 

Next Abrams vehicle should be SEPv2.

 

I'm not spending 2,500,000 SL and 1,000,000 RP worth of grind just to get better thermals and cheek armor in a tank that retains the 10.0-level hull armor xD

 

Those modifications aren't worth all that grind, they should be a mod for the current M1A2, so that it would be a true 11.0 (it currently is subpar at best).

 

All America has been getting all this time is sidegrades: M1A1HC, M1A1 AIM... we need a REAL step forward next.

 

SEPv2 would have even better cheeks than SEP and, finally, improved hull protection; that should be the next independent vehicle.

 

EDIT: if SEP happened to have improved hull armor, I could see it as a new tree vehicle, but since it's an unclear matter, I don't know if Gaijin would implement it with it, which makes me fear M1A2 SEP would be implemented as basically just M1A2 with better thermals.

I had an idea M1A2 renamed is M1A2 SEP, features, engine, transmission & armament from M1A2 SEP all enhanced on M1A2 in main tech tree, let me guess maybe BR change to 11.3 or 11.7

 

 

[BDPershing 2]

"The T-80BVM is an upgraded version of the T-80BV main battle tank. It was first publicly revealed in 2017." - http://www.military-today.com/tanks/t80bvm.htm

"Approved for implementation in 1995, the M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) is a technology upgrade and standardization program, whereby the Army's fleet of M1s and M1A2s will all be brought to a common standard." - https://www.military.com/equipment/m1a2-abrams-main-battle-tank

 

Just curious why the 1995 SEP package hasn't been added vs the T80BVM that came out in 2017....

I do know WT doesn't follow a timeline of by tech appearance like Air RB, but were talking about a tank from 2017 facing a version from the 1990... If we follow by release it should be M1A2 SEPv3 vs T-80BVM, both were released in 2017...

 

Edited September 29, 2022 by BDPershing

[Alan_Tovarishch 860]

On 29/09/2022 at 19:15, BDPershing said:

Just curious why the 1995 SEP package hasn't been added vs the T80BVM that came out in 2017....

I do know WT doesn't follow a timeline of by tech appearance like Air RB, but were talking about a tank from 2017 facing a version from the 1990... If we follow by release it should be M1A2 SEPv3 vs T-80BVM, both were released in 2017...

 

Because the order in which tanks get added to the game doesn´t correspond with real life dates. Just with Gaijin´s economic benefit (that is, which tank generates the most hype for the upcoming update) with gameplay balance being a secondary  consideration.

As a footnote, the SEPv3 was publicly unveiled in 2017 but the production version has its armor changed, and it didn´t enter service until much recently. Nevertheless, its quite obvious that the SEPv3 purpose is to regain advantage over the newer level of russian tanks such as the T-80BVM and T-90M.

[Yontzee 1,669]

https://warthunder.com/en/news/7906-development-m1a2-sep-tusk-up-close-personal-en

YO! It’s here! M1A2 SEP bois! ERA and all!

 

Now that we have ERA for the Abrams, maybe we’ll get it for the M3A3 Bradley like it had 

Edited October 14, 2022 by Yontzee

[warthogboy09 196]

53 minutes ago, Yontzee said:

https://warthunder.com/en/news/7906-development-m1a2-sep-tusk-up-close-personal-en

YO! It’s here! M1A2 SEP bois! ERA and all!

 

Now that we have ERA for the Abrams, maybe we’ll get it for the M3A3 Bradley like it had 

No mine plow why live?

[TyphoonCro 6,833]

5 hours ago, modern_primat said:

the real question is which M60 variant will be there?

 

m1a2 sep is good, but what non abrams MBT will be there for supporting SEP? i hope it is gonna be M60T or M60TM.

 

i know, it is turko-israeli. but actually, it is turkish. only turkey is user. the real israeli one is sabra, and it can go to israel. and M60T(10.0) or M60TM(10.3) can be there in M60 line... maybe with 120s and M60AX variants???

 

What does your post have to do with M1A2 SEP?

Please enlighten me

[modern_primat 182]

+1 

[leroyonly 4,310]

As the M1A2 SEP has been implemented as per Update 2.21 Fire and Ice,

 

Moved to Implemented Suggestions.