Abrams M1A2 SEP V2 OBT

STERLING HEIGHT -- The U.S. Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command awarded General Dynamics Land Systems $31 million to begin upgrading 24 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and 22 M1A2 System Enhance Package (SEP) Version One (V1) tanks to the M1A2 SEP V2 configuration.

General Dynamics Land Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). The most technologically advanced digital tank available, the M1A2 SEP V2 includes improved color displays, day and night thermal sights, auxiliary power and a tank-infantry phone. The configuration is a digitally connected tank with a state-of-the-art electronic backbone, powerful computers and an open architecture designed to accept future technologies without the need for significant re-design. The SEP enhancements make the Abrams the most survivable tank in the world and enable it to fight as part of the Joint Force network for decades to come. The order authorizes the modernization of tanks that have been in the Army's inventory for up to 20 years. Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala.; Tallahassee, Fla.; Sterling Heights, Mich.; Lima, Ohio; and Scranton, Penn., with an estimated completion date of November 30, 2014. This award maintains the stability of the U.S. combat vehicle industrial base and helps protect critical commercial defense resources. Abrams production helps preserve a strong national industrial base of approximately 882 suppliers, 64 percent of which are small businesses, as well as a strong national defense.