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 The field-installed kit includes armor
upgrades to the rear and bottom of the hull; an installation of slat
armor to protect the engine compartment and use of appliqué reactive
armor tiles to improve flank protection. A CROWS remote controlled
weapon station (RWS) mounting a .50 caliber machine gun is replacing the
commander's 0.5" cupola mounted heavy machine gun, enabling the
commander to operate the weapon when "buttoned up" under closed
hatches. RWS is provided only for M-1A2 TUSK sets. The M-1A1s will be
fitted with a thermal sight coupled with remote- viewing and firing
capability.
The TUSK kit includes a bolt on armored gun shield attached to the
M240 (7.62mm) external machine gun, which will help to protect the
loader when he is in the open-hatch firing position. When "buttoned
up" the loader will be able to use the weapon from inside, aiming it
via a thermal sight which projects the target image into a pair of
goggles. A tank-infantry phone linked to the tank's intercom will also
be added to improve connectivity with supporting forces.
On August 29, 2006 General Dynamics Land Systems received a US Army
order for 505 Tank Urban Survivability Kits (TUSK) for Abrams main
battle tanks supporting operations in Iraq, under a US$45 million
contract. The add-on kit will be provided for M1A1 and M1A2-series
tanks to enhance crew survivability in urban environments. The kit
ordered by the Army consists of a Loader's Armor Gun Shield (LAGS), a
Tank Infantry Phone (TIP), Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles (ARAT), a
Remote Thermal Sight (RTS) and a Power Distribution Box (PDB).
Deliveries are expected to be complete by April 2009.
Under a separate order, the US Army awarded General Dynamics Armament
and Technical Products (GDATP) US$30 million to produce reactive armor
kits to equip M-1A2. The total contract value could reach $59 million
if all contract options are exercised. The reactive tiles for the M-1 will be
locally produced at GDATP's Burlington Technology Center. Tiles will
be produced at the company's reactive armor facility in Stone County
Operations, McHenry, Miss. On
December 8th 2006
the U.S. Army added Counter Improvised Explosive Device enhancements
to the M1A1 and M1A2 TUSK, awarding GDLS U.S. $11.3 million, part of
the $59 million package mentioned above. In
December GDLS
also received an order amounting about 40% of a US$48 million order
for loader's thermal weapon sights being part of the TUSK system
improvements for the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams Tanks.
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