General Dynamics to refurbish Abrams tanks

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Land Systems has been awarded a follow-on contract by the U.S. Army for M1A1 Abrams main battle tank refurbishment.

The $34 million contract, from the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Lifecycle Management Command, is for M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management main battle tanks. Under the deal, General Dynamics will completely refurbish all 30 tanks, stripping them down and then rebuilding the tanks so they are overhauled to a "like new" condition.

The refurbishment deal also includes armor upgrades and new technology advances for modern combat readiness and situational awareness. If all options are exercised, the contract could include an additional 30 vehicles to bring the total contract to $69.5 million.

The situational awareness upgrades include "second-generation forward-looking infrared, far target locate, blue force tracking/force battle command brigade and below, a tank-infantry phone, a .50 caliber thermal sight, a power distribution box, a rear slave receptacle, an eye-safe laser rangefinder, and driver's vision enhancement," the release said.