Abram Tank to get Urban Survivability Kits
General Dynamics Land Systems, has been awarded two contracts valued at $57 million for Abrams Tank Urban Survivability Kits (TUSK). The first award, valued at $45 million, funds 2,832 Loader’s Armor Gun Shields. The second award, valued at $12 million funds Loader’s Thermal Weapon Sights and Counter-Sniper Anti-Material Mounts.
Lessons learned during combat operations in Iraq led the US Army’s project manager for the Heavy Brigade Combat Team and General Dynamics to create TUSK. The add-on kit for M1A1- and M1A2-series tanks enhances crew survivability in urban environments and consists of added armor protection, a mine safety seat, Abrams reactive armor tiles and a tank infantry phone.
The combination of an added gun shield and thermal weapon sight allows the tank’s loader to engage targets from behind a transparent shield during limited visibility or at night. The counter-sniper anti-materiel mount enables the gunner to precisely engage with a .50 caliber machine gun while remaining under armor protection.
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