Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
does not mean that the user does not have to clean or replace the filters. The system, nonetheless, extends the servicing interval, with filters' lifecycle being as long as more than 200 hours. The effectiveness of that solution has been proven by the fact that no modifications were required for the M1 MBTs back in 2003, before getting involved in operations in Iraq. Meanwhile, the British Challenger 2 MBTs fitted with the Perkins-Condor CV19 engines had to be modi- fied with extra dust-stopping aprons, diminishing the quantity of dust reaching the air filters while on the move. Tests have also proven that the system is effective. Back in 1991, during a test program taking place at the Yuma proving grounds, two M1A1 MBTs were to cover a 2,510 kilometers route, whereas one of the vehicles had no PJAC system onboard. The said vehicle had to stop five times to clean the filters. The PJAC-fitted example required no stops underway, to clean the filtration system. As a result of those tests, the PJAC system has been fitted onto virtually all of the US Army vehicles, including ones using diesel engines. The British Army, meanwhile, decided to integrate the said solution on the FV4034 Challenger MBTs, FV510 Warrior IFVs, FV432 Bulldog APCs, and other platforms. The M1 MBTs are also fitted with an integrated overpressured CRBN protection system, with a 200 SCFM filtration system. Not only does this system clean the air and pushes 5.6 cubic meters of air into the tank at a high pressure (2.4 bar) to create overpressure preventing gases, biological agents, or radiation enter the tank interior, as the said solution may also be used as an AC system, with adjustable air temperature (available range is placed between 6.1 and 48.8 degrees Celsius). The system is also fitted with an automated M8A1 contamination analysis subsystem that can react to any emerging threats in 0.5 seconds. The MBT also features a dedicated AC and Meggitt Defense TMS (Thermal Management System) electronics cooling system. It consists of an armored container housing the VCSU (Vapor Compression Sys- tem Unit) in the rear part of the turret, housing a system for cooling water and propylene glycol, also called propane-1,2-diol - these are then pumped into the AHU (Air Handling Unit) inside the vehicle, that cools down the air and pumps it inside, providing cooling capacity to the crew, and the electronics. M1A2SEPV4 ECP1B upgrade is also worth describing. That refers to the future M1A2SEPv4 MBTs. When it comes to survivability, the tank is to be fitted with an AN/VVR-4 laser warning receiver suite, new smoke gre- nade dispensers replacing the currently used M250 system, and a new engine-based smoke generator that could be operated also when the MBT uses fuels different than diesel. AFES (Advanced Fire Extinguish- ing System) integration is also expected. The enhancements would also include the fire control system, name- ly the optronics. The commander would have a new ICITV (Improved Commander Independent Thermal Viewer) sight/observation system at his disposal, sporting a 3-gen. FLIR system, color TV camera, la- ser rangefinder, and a laser target designator, allowing him to act as a guidance source for laser-guided artillery rounds, guided bomb units, or ATGMs. The gunner, meanwhile, is to receive a new IGPS (Improved Gunner Pri- mary Sight) system, also using a 3-gen. FLIR system, new daytime TV camera, and a new laser rangefinder. Furthermore, the fire control sys- tem is to feature a new weather sensor. Furthermore, extra enhance- ments of electronics are to be presented. These include the ability to ANALYSIS