M1A1 Product Improvement

GD Canada has had a long association with the Abrams Main Battle Tank. In 1979 we were selected by the prime contractor to develop the world's first digital Ballistic Computer System for the M1 Tank Program. This system was enhanced when the tank was upgraded to the M1A1 configuration in 1985.

Concomitant with these activities GD Canada was often contracted by US Government agencies to modify the computer system for the purpose of conducting Fire Control experiments and evaluations. This led to an extensive domain knowledge of the vehicle electronic systems which, when coupled with hardware and software design capabilities, led to proposals that were accepted to replace other electronic units in the tank ahead of the obsolescence curve.

Since 2002 GD Canada has been producing (in addition to the Ballistic Computer System) an Upgraded Tank Commanders Panel, a Redesigned Turret Networks Box and a Redesigned Hull Networks Box. The system design approach for these units has ensured: replacement of obsolescent circuitry, expansion capability for future digital enhancements, increased signal bandwidth, power distribution improvements, enhanced space claim allocation and the introduction of embedded diagnostics. Also all the units are backward compatible and non-disruptive with respect to the baseline functionality of the vehicle. An additional aspect of the programs has been the provision of a full Logistics data package and field support.

The current projected life span of the M1A1 tank is out to approximately 2050 and by 2012 it is expected to be in use by the Armed Forces of five different countries.