A US Army M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank is marshalled away from the aircraft, after being offloaded from a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Balad Air Base (AB), Iraq. Credit: TSGT KEITH BROWN, USAF.

Elbit Systems of America subsidiary Real-Time Laboratories (RTL) has received a contract from the US Army to develop Turret Distribution Manifolds for the M1 Abrams main battle tank.

The manifold is a hydraulic component that supports the operations of the heavily armoured M1 Abrams tank and can be controlled by both the gunner and commander using control handles.

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The RTL-designed technology allows operators to give commands to rotate the turret atop the vehicle, raise or lower the tank’s gun barrel or load ammunition.

RTL general manager Bob Knabe said: “RTL has a long history with the M1 Abrams tank.

“We understand this platform and are continuing to refine various components, so they’re optimal for the soldiers operating these large battle tanks.”

RTL is currently manufacturing seven components for the M1 Abrams tank. The company will perform the contract work in Boca Raton, Florida.

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The General Dynamics Land Systems-built M1 Abrams battle tank is in service with the US Army and US Marine Corps. Other users include land forces in Kuwait, Egypt, Australia, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

In January, GDLS received a delivery order from the US Army to modernise more than three brigades of tanks.

The contract involves upgrading an additional 174 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3) configuration.

Improvements include technological advancements in communications, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency, as well as upgraded armour.

Earlier this month, Palomar Display Products won orders to deliver military display systems for the M1A Abrams tank.