Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
Here, serial numbers on the right side are an important marker - they refer to the specific armor type used in the given MBT. If only a serial number is visible, then the legacy armor variant is most probably present in the given vehicle: BRL-1, or BRL-2 (BRL - Ballistic Research Laboratory). If the serial number ends in the letter U, the vehicle probably features one of the HAP armor variants, containing elements made out of depleted uranium. For the NGAP/NEA armor, the serial number ends in the letter M. However, we do not know whether the Americans still utilize depleted uranium in the armor. It is probable, however, that the Americans departed from the said solution and replaced it with other, more effective ones. Here, an interesting fact emerges, since the serial numbers ending in letter M could have been noted on M1A1SA MBTs, M1A2SEPv2 vehicles, as well as on the latest M1A2SEPv3s. The difference stems from the fact that the front armor of the turret is thicker in the case of the M1A2SEPv3. This may also apply to the hull but needs to be confirmed, as visual confirmation is impos- sible. This, in turn, suggests that 2 generations of NGAP/NEA exist - genera- tion one, used in the case of M1A1SA, and M1A2SEPv2, and generation two, present in M1A2SEPv3, and M1A2SEPv4. When it comes to the thickness of the armor on the M1A2SEPv3, it is as follows: Table 3. Physical thickness of the armor, estimated values What protection is provided by the armor of the latest M1A2SEPv3? This is difficult to assess - for obvious reasons this data remains confidential. The publication by Ballistic Research Laboratory, entitled Ballisticians in War and Peace vol. 3, along with data disclosed by the CIA, on the armor of the origi- nal M1 MBT, allow us to estimate the increase of protection levels. The base variant of the MBT was to offer protection levels of ~400 mm for the front part of the turret, and the hull, against kinetic projectiles, and ~750 mm against SC rounds. Ballisticians in War and Peace vol. 3 points out that newer variants (M1IP, and M1A1) are reportedly having their protection levels increased, when it comes to the kinetic rounds, thanks to the solution named KE Backpacks. Unfortunately, the book does not mention any values of the potential increase. The aforesaid publication by the BRL engineers also men- tions the achieved increase in protection for the front part of the hull of the M1A2 MBT, when compared to M1A1 - a 35% increase has been achieved for kinetic projectiles and a 25% increase for HEAT. Let us assume - in the worst-case scenario - that we are dealing with just a 12.5% increase of protection levels against kinetic rounds, between M1 and M1A1 - from ~400 to ~450 mm. If we assume that the front part of the hull of the M1A1 offers protection at the level of ~450 mm against kinetic rounds, while a 35% increase has been achieved in the case of the M1A2, then the more modern variant would offer protection levels against kinetic rounds of ~607.5 mm for the front part of the hull - which is impressive, and compa- rable to the protection levels applicable to the front portion of the Leopard 2A5 turret. Similarly, if we assume that ~750 mm protection level is achieved for the front part of the M1A1 hull, and we are dealing with a 25% increase for M1A2, then, M1A2 should offer a protection level of ~937.5 mm against HEAT rounds. The latest M1A2SEPv3 would offer even better protection lev- els, both for the front part of the turret, as well as the hull. The armor is just the first element distinguishing the Abrams MBT in the survivability and crew safety department. One shall also describe another, Armor Area M1A2SEPv2 M1A2SEPv3 Turret front ~900 mm ~1150 mm Turret side ~400 mm ~400 mm Turret top ~30 – 50 mm ~30 – 50 mm Gun mount ~350 mm ~350 mm Front part of the hull (upper) ~50 mm ~50 mm Front part of the hull (lower) ~700 – 750 mm ~700 – 750 mm Hull side ~70 – 80 mm ~70 – 80 mm Side aprons ~10 – 70 mm ~10 – 70 mm Hull back ~40 mm ~40 mm Hull top ~30 mm ~30 mm Hull's bottom ~20 mm ~20 mm www.fragoutmag.com