The M1A2 SEP Version FOUR will be the major enhancements version with new ammunition, Active Protection Systems (APS as standard? I don't know), new FLIR and thermal imaging sensors with higher resolution, and the much anticipated (and finally time), the laser warning (lase) receivers.

I don't totally agree with the SEP V2 and V3 upgrades as I strongly believe that the M1A2 SEPs need a new turret just like the Leopard 2 Next Generation MBT. Why strip, rework, and rewire when a brand new turret could be made and plunked in? This just adds to time and labor costs.

To answer SNAFU, so far the LCACs can't really carry a 70-ton M1A2 SEPV3 unlike the Ship to Shore Connectors (SSCs) which can, so I doubt the USMC will hop aboard until they get the SSCs.

The US Marines can benefit from the MPF and NGCV if they come into service.

It really is nice to see the M1A2 SEPV3s though (and I may sound like a hypocrite with the new turret comments above) because it is time to upgrade to meet the latest threats and one problem with NATO is that their modern MBTs are failing due to lack of spare parts and maintenance. The US Army and USMC don't let this happen because the depot upgrades are still ongoing and getting funded.

So for me, personally, I'd pass on the M1A2 SEPV3 model kit and wait for the M1A2 SEPV4 because of my first paragraph. The V4 should look vastly different than the V3 with the APS and other features that may change the exterior.

I served on brand new M1A1s in 1987 and I’m amazed on how different these guys look now.
Dan

Didn’t mess with the hull front, can’t really tell anything was done there, the turret is very obvious. After doing the front face, I realized it threw the front inner faces off, the notches at the bottom inside, I didn’t anticipate that, so I had to add more styrene there and I think it made it look much better, and elongated the inner notches along the gun mantlet. I really tried to keep an eye on how the new turret face lined up with the bolt heads on the gun mantlet, all judged by pics found on the internet. I hope that all makes sense. Also, found the drivers hatch, when I turned on the garbage disposal, must have dropped off when I was rinsing the sanding dust. Looks like I’m buying a new new M1! The rear dust flaps are sheet styrene, heavily scored with an exacto saw blade, the rest is scrap PE and styrene.

Kenaicop... I have a dragon M1 hatch... message me your addy.

Is it now called M1A2 SEP v3 or M1A2C?

Just send Gilles at blast a message and I'm quite sure he will send you replacement parts as he is a very nice guy and his stuff are top class..

Hi James,

Happy New Year!

Just checking if you have made any progress with your M1a2c conversion?

Thanks!