Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
The internal electronics have been replaced in their entirety. Instead of LRUs (Line Replaceable Units), LRMs (Line Replaceable Modules) have been ap- plied. The whole box does not have to be replaced, should a need for repairs or upgrades emerge, only the electronics modules need to be replaced inside the given box. MCU (Mission Control Unit), TCU (Turret Control Unit), and HCU (Hull Control Unit). Furthermore, the crew also has a new set of MFDs at its disposal: CDU (Com- mander's Display Unit), GCP (Gunner's Control Panel), DCP (Driver's Control Panel), and LCP (Loader's Control Panel). The last system is an interesting one. LCP is a portable, multifunctional device. Not only does it contain all crew-required manuals, but it also monitors the quantity of ammunition us- ing sensors within the magazines, and displays the ammunition quantity in real-time. Furthermore, thanks to LCP, the loader may, alongside the gunner, set the FCS to match the currently loaded round. This may also be automat- ed, if the latest M829A4 APFSDS and M1147 HEMP rounds are used - the FCS, thanks to the breech-integrated datalink, may autonomously recognize the loaded round. The datalink is also used for programming the M1147 fuse unit. The commander now also has the M153 CROWS-LP (Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station - Low Profile) station at his disposal, offering nu- merous, interesting capabilities. Both CROWS-LP, as well as the panoramic CITV (Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer) targeting/observation in- strument, may be switched into automatic observation mode for the given sector. The above means that the commander can, simultaneously, using two display units and two sets of electro-optical instruments, observe two sectors independently. The third sector remains within the scope of respon- sibility of the gunner. This has a decisive impact on improved situational awareness of the crew. The vehicle also features a new 10 kW 28 V DC/335 Amps generator. The communications system has been upgraded as well. SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System) radios have been replaced with the new JTRS HMS (Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit) radios, while FBCB2 BMS (Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below), has been replaced with a new JBCP (Joint Battle Command Plat- form) solution. The electronics have been enriched with a vehicle status monitoring system, informing the crew, and the logistics chain about the potential damage, parts wear, and so on. The suspension has been modernized to accommodate the higher weight of the vehicle, the same applies to the powerpack. The engine is still the multi-fuel 1500 HP AGT1500 TIGER (Total Integrated Engine Revitalization) Gas Turbine - it can use diesel, petrol, jet fuel, and so on - in essence, any popular fuel mixture is usable, whereas one needs to take into account the higher fuel consumption, compared to diesel. The X1100-3B transmission has been replaced with a modern X1100-3B1, capable of handling the higher weight of the vehicle. This is where the author would like to bust a couple of engine-related myths. First, there is a myth circulating, suggesting that the Abrams's engine offers a short lifecycle. Indeed, the early series manufactured AGT1500 units did suffer from some problems here. Nonetheless, lots, covered by the TIGER upgrade, do not differ from the leading MBT power packs, offering a lifetime of around 1,400 hours of operation. For the sake of comparison, the MTU MB873 Ka501 unit used in Leopard 2 offers a lifetime of around 1,500 hours. Another important matter refers to the air filtering system. The AGT1500 TI- GER turbine features the Donaldson Filtration Solutions PJAC (Pulse Jet Air Cleaner) unit. It consists of two layers of air filters, made out of Ultra-Web nanofibers. The filters offer 99.998% filtration levels. Furthermore, PJAC re- directs some of the air sucked in, and pushes it out through the air filters, getting rid of the contaminants and pushing them outwards. That, however, www.fragoutmag.com