M1A1 SA

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panzergator
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by panzergator »

It appears to me that the differences between the US and Aussie versions of the GHQ models are the commander's cupola, the extra box on in the port side turret bustle, and possibly the shape of the cutout of the sprocket skirt.

Given that, you might be better off selecting the US version of the M1A1 for your US Army National Guard units. The. US commander's station will have the M2 heavy mg, while the Aussies are more likely to follow the Brit practice of putting in a 7.62mg there. The US units are also more likely to give the loader a 7.62mg than the Aussies. You can't tell about the special armor. Now, you may just WANT an EXCUSE to buy the AIM version, but that is another matter.
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Hoth_902
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by Hoth_902 »

Hmmm.....I thought the pictures I saw of the US M1A1 AIM SA had the box on the rear port turret bustle. I will have to look at my pictures again. I will also pull up some pictures of both and look for what you pointed out.

I typically leave turret machine gun mounts off unless it's necessary to have them. Like the strikers and things like that. So that could be an easy fix.

You have definitely given me a good start. As for an excuse, not really necessary. I will probably build as aussie unit at some point. I just saw it in my new reference book and so it peaked my interest.....lol.....
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chrisswim
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by chrisswim »

Great discussion guys.
I use the M1A1 by GHQ to represent the Aussie Abrams.
As I use my recollection, the M1A1 AIM It does have the improved data sharing or at least the infrastructure for it. The CITV can be installed in the Aussie vehicle. It does not have DU armor. I do not know if it could be installed with some work in a shop or if they would need to have new turrets. I use the M1A1 AIM SA by GHQ as just a different Abrams for the US.

https://www.google.com/search?q=m1A2&rl ... q_07LongdM
Chris

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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by Hoth_902 »

Chris,

Based on my reference book and some stuff I found on line, the US National Guard M1A1s had both the AIM and SA added. Basically they took the AIM and added the SA to it. The US National Guard M1A1 AIM SA's have the DU armor installed, according to the book I am reading. So I am certain that the M1A1 AIM SA is in US inventory, its just a matter of which one the modeled. I might have to buy a pack to be able to do a better job comparing the GHQ model to the real thing. Maybe that is the route to go.. is Buy the GHQ M1A1 AIM SA and then start comparing them to pictures of the US AIM SA. One step closer. Is hard to see from the picture which one the GHQ modeled and if they have the things Panzer pointed out for the Aussie vs the US model.
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panzergator
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by panzergator »

Hoth, please post reference books for those of us that can read.
All blessings flow from a good mission statement.
Pogo was right. So was Ike.
"A Gentleman is a man who is only rude intentionally." (Churchill)
Give credit. Take responsibility.

Hoth_902
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by Hoth_902 »

Panzer, I believe I listed the reference in the first couple of post. However, here it is is for convenience.

Images of War
M1 Abrams Tank
Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives
Michael Green

Its more of a quick reference than anything. I got it because I had an amazon gift card that I needed to use. So being free, I thought why not. Mainly got it for the pictures. Then I stumbled on the M1A1 AIM SA stuff. I have been told before that some of the book I bought, in the past, are not accurate or not very good. which is why I reached out to the community.
Quantity has a Quality all its own.

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panzergator
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by panzergator »

Michael Green was in my unit in Germany. He got started by taking some pics of the T-62 at Graf for us to look over. He's been at this a long time. I read a review of that book that said it was light on info but had lots of good photos.
All blessings flow from a good mission statement.
Pogo was right. So was Ike.
"A Gentleman is a man who is only rude intentionally." (Churchill)
Give credit. Take responsibility.

Hoth_902
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by Hoth_902 »

Wow, I crazy how many people I come in contact with, through this site, that have 1 degree of separation from an author of something I am reading.

yea, that assessment is pretty accurate. Its enough to wet the palette and leave you wanting more, as this thread can validate. It has some good pictures and so I am not disappointed with what it is. Based on the fact that he was in your unit, I will take it that what I ready, however light it might be, is probably accurate.
Quantity has a Quality all its own.

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panzergator
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by panzergator »

Recommend "M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1993 - 2018.". Further study of M1 tank development. Author is Steven Zaloga, one of our foremost armor experts. One more I have to find. Legs are a problem right now and the library is in the basement, stacks of books to move because I've outgrown shelves by a country mile.
All blessings flow from a good mission statement.
Pogo was right. So was Ike.
"A Gentleman is a man who is only rude intentionally." (Churchill)
Give credit. Take responsibility.

Hoth_902
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by Hoth_902 »

Panzer,

Thanks for the references. I will certainly put them on the list for a future purchase.
Quantity has a Quality all its own.

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Hoth_902
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by Hoth_902 »

So here is two pictures I found.

Australian Army M1A1 AIM SA
Image

It is mounting a .50 cal..

This link has some M1A1 AIM SA's for the caronlina national guard. I just could not copy the photo link

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/m-1-abrams-tank.html


It looks like both the Aussie and the US version have the box on the back left side of the turret.
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chrisswim
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Re: M1A1 SA

Post by chrisswim »

Here are a few more pictures of Aussie M1A1 AIM.
AIM stands for Abrams Integrated Management Program.
https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/file ... d_1010.pdf

Image

Image

Image
Chris

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