Marvin Land Systems (MLS) is pleased to announce its participation in the current upgrade efforts to the battle-proven M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, in use with the U.S. Army since 1980 and with export variants in use by several international partners. The U.S. Marine Corps operates the older version of the platform, the M1A1.
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) received two contract awards from the U.S. Army to begin upgrades of its M1A2 vehicles to the SEPv3 standard. A key component of this upgrade is the inclusion of a low-profile Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), specially designed by MLS to provide an alternative source of power to the main turbine power plant or batteries. This APU will be utilized to provide power to critical systems without the need to run the noisy and high fuel consumption turbine, allowing for “silent overwatch” which enhances combat capabilities.
An initial 45 U.S. Army Abrams tanks will be upgraded to the SEPv3 standard, with the intention of upgrading the entire fleet which currently stands at more than 1,500 vehicles. Plans are underway for a SEPv4 upgrade, currently slated for testing in 2021.