US M1A1 Abrams might get ‘hunter-kill’ anti-helicopter sensors

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WASHINGTON — The American M1A1 Abrams tanks could be equipped with the Multi-Sensor Target Acquisition System [MTAS] fire control radar [FCR]. Ronkainen shared a similar opinion in his Twitter post, sharing a photo of a photocopy of a U.S. document. Army Communication-Electronics Command [CECOM]. The US Army has 750 M1A1 tanks in service.

Photo: Twitter

The Multi-Sensor Target Acquisition System [MTAS] fire control radar [FCR] is a multipurpose millimeter-wave sensor system currently under development to support extended-range target surveillance, acquisition, and engagement requirements of future armored systems. The prototype system will be integrated with advanced fire control systems as part of the effort.

The MTAS FCS operates as an independent “hunter-kill” sensor to provide automatic search, detection, recognition, and engagement prioritization of multiple ground and helicopter threats. Operation at millimeter-wave frequencies allows the sensor system to function effectively in all degraded battlefield conditions [such as adverse weather and smoke screen], searching selected areas for moving and stationary objects, classifying targets, and relaying the information on the commander’s or gunner’s display.

The MTAS FCS has quite similar solutions at the moment, but mainly for air purposes rather than ground. Experts compare MTAS with ships’ radar-based FCS for ground vehicles. Others believe that the Multi-Sensor Target Acquisition System can be used against air targets for faster acquisition using the M830A1 MP-T.

Photo: Wikipedia

The M830A1, the M830’s successor, provides greater lethality through a higher initial velocity and a multi-purpose fuse. The M830A1 is a fin-stabilized round with a discarding sabot and tactical service round with a tracer. [M830 is an American high explosive anti-tank high explosive multi-purpose cartridge that has anti-armor and anti-personnel capabilities].

The integration of MTAS FCS in the American M1A1 Abrams tanks will take them to a completely different level, and this update may be key to the future of M1A1. Until now, threats, mostly from the air [by helicopter], have been a weak link in the protection of armored combat vehicles around the world. However, MTAS FCS can provide an adequate solution to this problem. However, only the future will show how effective it will be.

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