IS there any truth in the story

[Col Tigwell]

That our new tanks are so heavy, that they cannot be lifted by road with our existing road transporters, and we have to use civilian heavy lift.

Or is the alternative to move them by C17.

I also note with great sadness, that the captain in charge of the escort team on the ship transporting them from the USA, unfortunately became so ill that he died.

Regards

Col Tigwell

[John McGillivray]

I take it that you are referring to the new Australian M1 tanks and not to the almost new Canadian Leopards 2s (which have not being delivered yet).

[Col Tigwell]

Yes I am sorry that I did not make my point clearly. It is the Aussie ones I was talking about.

Thanks

Col

[Ryan]

To move the Abrams Australia has MAN tank transporters with Drake trailers (which I think are made in Queensland), fully owned and operated by the Army.

[alleramilitaria]

looks like you are getting our old gulf war M-1s. thats good due to the fact that they are tried and tested without all the nitendo BS the new ones have on them.
dave

[Ryan]

The Abrams we have recieved are "zero houred" by the manufacturer and filled with Nintendo and Playstation stuff to the hilt. I've read the US are looking to upgrade their Abrams to Australia's level.

[alleramilitaria]

ummmm dont think so.
there is no way that the oz MOD can support the FBCB2 system that is standard in in the new M1s (an extra 200,000 to 400,000 per vehicle + at least 4 send units at a cost of 2,000,000.00 ea). also the new power pack systems that the US uses are too new and have problems due to the SEP program being underfunded. also i have been on zero hr M2 brads and M6 linebackers. that means all 30 level (division lvl maint), turret pulled, and is just double checked and there is a new coat of paint added. the brad i had required a 30 day shake out and about $500,000.00 worth of replacement parts (trans, ISU, feeder, TDB, and slip ring). its just like getting a clasic car from a dealer that has been restored and running the daytona 500 with it. remember some of the hulls you are getting are about 30 years old. but still its a good solid tank for what you guys may be expected to run into.

[cliff]

My understanding is that the tanks are complete rebuilds to new condition, not just tidied up and the only difference between the ones we are getting and the latest US ones is that ours do not have the reactive armour.

[phoenix]

My recollection is the same, they have been refurbished to a Zero hour state, as to what technology is in them, well the DOD keep pretty tight lipped about that.

How often have you seen a photo of the inside of a frontline tank or Radio vehicle if ever? I think I have 1 photo of the inside of a radio land rover from the last 30 years odd, because photos of them aren't allowed (or at least not published)

Back to the tanks, I wouldn't be at all surprised of the australian bodffins are steaking these tanks as much as everything else we have.

http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/H...CurrentId=4021

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/down...p/20060922.cfm

[Ryan]

All have gone through the Abrams Integrated Management program (AIM) and have been upgraded to the Situation Awareness (SA) standard. Equipment includes:
TALIN far target locater
Biocular image control unit systems
Raytheon Block 1B HTI 2nd Gen FLIR
Blue force tracker movement tracking system transponder
Defence advanced GPS receiver
Force 21 Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) computer

Australian only options include:
F-88A2C rifle mounts
Extended turret bustle rack
Rear mounted tank infantry phone
External NATO Slave connector box
Modified fording kit
Crew fans
A fridge
And Commander's umbrella

Thanks to Aussie defender for the info.