M1A1-SA” (Situational Awareness) tanks are a modification set designed by the US Army, in response to their experiences in Iraq. It is potentially complementary to the M1 TUSK (Tank Urban Survivability Kit) upgrade, which adds a set of advanced sensors and machine gun operated from inside the vehicle, a loader’s armored gun shield, explosive-reactive armor tiles, a remote thermal sight, and an improved power distribution box, as well as other key modifications. See the accompanying article’s graphic for more.

The Iraqis have evidently responded to these tanks’ success on the ground, and Iraq’s tanks appear to borrow a number of these characteristics. Modifications for the American set include:

    * 2nd-generation FLIR sights, which make a difference on the battlefield. General Dynamics releases specifically mention this feature for Iraq’s tanks.

    * Far Target Locate.

    * An eye-safe laser rangefinder.

    * Driver’s vision enhancements. These may include BAE System’s DVRC rear-view thermal camera. General Dynamics releases specifically mention this feature for Iraq’s tanks.

    * A power distribution box (note all of the associated electronics in these modifications)

    * A rear slave receptacle. An auxiliary power (slave) receptacle is used to start a vehicle when its batteries are unable to supply starting current. A D-N-I.NET article had a couple of interesting points from the field re: the slave receptacle’s design and positioning, and indeed the M1 upgrade initiatives generally.

    * A tank-infantry phone that is mounted on the outside of the tank, and can be picked up by accompanying infantry. This modification has been used on tanks for decades, but was left out of the M1. It improves coordination, without forcing the tank crew to come out and expose themselves to enemy fire. This had been a frequent request from infantry troops in Iraq, whose urban situations make this feature especially useful; it is featured on both M1A1-SA and M1 TUSK tanks.

One addition specifically mentioned for Iraqi M1s is turbine engines developed through the US Army’s TIGER (Total Integrated Engine Revitalization) program, along with pulse-jet filter cleaning systems added to improve performance in Iraq’s dust and grit.

There are also 2 enhancements that are normal on US Army tanks, but may not feature on Iraqi vehicles:

    * Blue Force Tracking (BFT)/Force Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), which shows the positions of friendly forces and identified enemies on a computer screen.

    * Explosive Reactive Armor tiles, which protect against incoming anti-tank missiles, rockets, and shells. The USA uses a set developed by a partnership between General Dynamics and Israel’s RAFAEL. Other manufacturers exist for this concept, but any tile set sold will have to be designed to fit the M1 Abrams.