Introduction Of The M1A2
The M1A2 was permitted for production in 1990. It improved the standard M1A1 design to take advantage of newer technology. For instance, the M1A2’s interiors were a drastic departure from the M1A1 so that it could include improvements such as an onboard Position/Navigation (POSNAV) system. M1A2s also received a weapon station, independent thermal view, a full set of controls plus displays connected by a digital data bus. Along with these items, the M1A2 got a System Enhancement Package (SEP), which included things like digital maps, an upgraded cooling system, a Linux communication system for commanders, and Force XXI Battle Command Brigade. Talk about taking something great and making it better.