Abrams "export armor package"

[DRG]

Does anybody know what the "export armor package" for the Abrams is exactly ??

I can find all kinds of websites that mention it but none so far that really explain it and I'm falling behind with my other work. I *suspect* it does not include DU armour but I really don't know. If anyone does know what this is please let me know


Don

[Suhiir]

I can't find the site again at the moment, but yes the export version does NOT include DU.

However...
"Friendly allied" nations may get the "non export" version.
i.e. if say Australia bought an Abrams they'd get the "non export" version (with DU).
But if say Pakistan bought one they'd get the "export" version (no DU).

So I'm afraid you can't make a blanket call that all exported Abrams will not have DU.

[DRG]

Originally Posted by Suhiir

I can't find the site again at the moment, but yes the export version does NOT include DU.

However...
"Friendly allied" nations may get the "non export" version.
i.e. if say Australia bought an Abrams they'd get the "non export" version (with DU).
But if say Pakistan bought one they'd get the "export" version (no DU).

So I'm afraid you can't make a blanket call that all exported Abrams will not have DU.

IMHO info like this is deliberately kept vague and contradictory.

As for the Australian M1A1 AIM SA here's what's being said about the armour

Armour protection is not DU but a composite package similar to chobham ie; ceramic and steel mix"

and.........

"The armour package of the Australian Abrams is among the most advanced in the world"

I found one website the other day that said the armour 1s on par with the M1A2 but without the DU inserts.

A number of tanks and tank guns are being revised for this next patch including the armor on the Abrams ( all models ). I've found some very good info from a number of different sources I am currently reviewing hence the question about the export armour package. Lot's and lot's of websites use that phrase but without specifying what it means. I suspected from the start it revolved around DU and one discussion forum hinted at that as well but I thought I'd see if anyone had some solid info on what it meant

Don

[Imp]

Ages ago saw a site that said no DU think for Middle East customers but no idea on quality of info. As you say does make sense its a no. Do they even sell DU rounds?

[DRG]

I've got one source that says Egypt got 250 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2SEP. They may not have DU however. That IDK for sure and it's still on my list to investigate

Don

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Don,
This site should help and will answer the ADF Abrams armor issue as well in the article plus it seems that in the countries using the tank the requests as alluded to already are to fully meet the USA standard for the variants in use with the USA. Here's the email addy that will directly take you to the article
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/abrams/ I have found this site and one other VERY useful for my MRAP and APC threads because they are industry linked and they want you to know who they're doing this and that for. Hope it helps.
Regards,
Pat

[DRG]

OK, Thanks Pat. I'll have a look at that this weekend

Don