That is why my thought was the time saved in the conversion process might only be about 3-4 months not so much because of the armor as much as the electronics was much more advanced on the
M1A1 FEP as
compared to the rest of the
USMC tank fleet at the time.
That leaves a conversation time of
18 to 20 months to complete the process.
FEP was more than the FCS and associated systems. For an upgrade such as
FEP you're talking about installing more digital subsystems, rewiring, upgrading the powerplant to provide the extra power required to operate the systems and mechanically modifying the cooling systems to protect the circuits and equipment from overheating.
It's not much of a leap to think about a Submarine and Tank to be related when it comes to electronics onboard, they both need the same systems to
maintain a healthy onboard electronic environment.
As I've pointed out in the past, that's why onboard a Submarine we try to maintain an ambient temp. ~70 -72 degrees and cooling systems (Thing a High-End gaming computer using a
chill water system.).
I used to get some crap out here when I brought that up about tanks many years ago,
IT NEVER WAS ABOUT THE CREW; IT WAS ONLY ABOUT THE ELECTRONICS.
Thailand when they got their
OPLOT-T tanks were ordered with AC units due to the operating environment. While the Ukraine was in Thailand providing tech support for about 2 years guess what they discovered? Besides the fact as on a Submarine the crews worked more efficiently (
A side benefit.) which by extension meant so did all the onboard electrical and electronic systems.
So, what do you think happened with the
OPLOT/OPLOT-M? They also got A/C (I mean this as a general term.) and Chill water systems to support all the above including laser systems as well.
Armor advances always
DU ARMOR is sandwiched normally between applique armor materials along with ceramic coatings and tiles or both.
The primary advances are in applique and ceramic armors. We along with other countries that use DU will use a combination of the above or all together such as us and Israel (As has been rumored).
That is why I submitted those foreign sales tanks the way I did. And I feel they are still pretty robust again because we are
always advancing the science of armor.
I need to hit the rack. my vacation will be over at 1445 later today.
Have a good something wherever you are.
Regards,
Pat
