M1 Abrams remodel

[Tank50us]

While the current M1 Abrams isn't that bad looking (I'd compare it to a decent RTS model), seeing what was done with the Leopard 2 makes me think of what we could get with the Armored Fist of the US. So, here's some things I'd like to see when the M1 gets its remodel:

• M1 Abrams: Where else to start but where the Abrams did. While the armor and gun were both decent for the time period, they still left something to be desired. As it's the first in the franchise I'd expect to see a bunch of different European camo patterns, the 105mm rifled cannon, maybe some spare track links and gas/water cans in the turret bustle, but otherwise, pretty basic kit.
  
• M1A1 Abrams: The first of the M1s to be equipped (as standard) with the Rheinmetal 120mm Smoothbore cannon, and the first tanks to smash the Iraqi lines in Desert Storm. Visually, it would likely be similar to the original M1, and you'd have to squint a bit to see the difference in gun. But (as pictured below), it would have the extra turret rack space, and ED could even throw in the APU as an option that would be fitted to USMC M1A1s in Iraq. This is also the version in service with some of our allies.
  
• M1A2 Abrams: The one most of us grew up rolling off our tongues. Not much improvement in firepower, but with the aid of the Commanders Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV), its overall situational awareness and survivability rose dramatically. Most US Army and US ANG units that deployed to the Gulf in 2003 used this variant, and as such, I think it would be the version packed to the gills with ruck sacks, MRE boxes, ammo boxes, and just about anything the crew could stuff into the turret racks.
  
• M1A2 SEPv2: One of the more recent versions of the M1, and could complete with the TUSK upgrades as standard kit (in game). The tank could also fire the LASAT ATGM against helicopters and other tanks if required. Key upgrades over the previous A2s include the ERA plating, Remote Weapon Station with either a M2 .50cal or Mk19 40mm AGL (selectable in ME), and a host of other kit as well.
  
• Other bits: With exception to the SEPV2 (which gets it standard anyway), each of the tanks could be optionally equipped with applique armor kits, meant to resemble battlefield modifications made by the crews and mechanics. Also each tank can have optional camouflaged attached to the tank, useful for those wanting to add a bit of immersion to the hunt for enemy tanks (since commanders in the field would authorize covering the tanks in foliage to match the surroundings and break up the tanks image). A nice option that could be available for Combined Arms owners would be the option to 'name' their tanks, either by typing out a name, or by choosing from a list of known Abrams tank names. Heck, for S&G, you could even allow for a duct-taped saber on the barrel (anyone who gets that reference, you know who I'm talking about!)
• Another piece of kit that could be added would be the ability to fit a dozer blade or mine plow to the tank (again, set in the ME).
  
• For the 'unarmed' section, ED could add the bridge layer, CEV, and ABV models to the game as well, giving those in the upcoming Apache module something to watch over as they 'go to work' in a mission
  
  
  

What do you guys think? How would you like to see the M1 get its overdue makeover?

[Callsign112]

+1 for an updated Abrams along with any, or all other vehicles.

I would also like to see more attention given to the modeling of drive/power-trains. At the moment, acceleration is almost instantaneous as you shift gears, and there seems to be little effect of ground resistance on speed/horsepower-torque/gear selected.

And CA has a very logical model of gas/brake pedals/gear shift, and with the "Automatic Transmission" setting deselected, you have a very good level of control while driving.

But if you come to a complete stop from a top gear, you have to press the "Z" key several times to get back to first gear to start out again.

The Tiger for example has 7 forward and 2 reverse gears IRL iirc. It makes sense while moving, each press of the "Z" key downshifts one gear, but it would be nice when in a top gear while stationary, pressing the "Z" key once would go straight to Neutral. That way the vehicle would be in neutral, and the driver could decide if he/she wants to press the "Z" key again to go to reverse, or press the "X" key to go forward.

[Northstar98]

The current M1A2 was due a remodel according to the 2021 roadmap, though hardly any of the vehicles listed actually made it (only the Sd.kfz. 124 'Wespe' made it out of this entire list, though we did also get an updated Leopard 2A6M, 1S91 and 2P25, we did however see new units in the form of the Leopard 2A4 and 2A4TR, Chieftain Mk.7/L, VCAC 'Mephisto', 105 mm M2A1, 7.5 cm Pak 40, 10.5 cm LeFH 18 and finally the C-47).

Quote

AI Units

New and Updated assets

Because DCS World is built on a project spanning almost two decades, some units now show their age and will be updated throughout the year. It is also important that we add new units to better fill the battlefields. Here are some of the items that we intend to create or update in 2021:

Large Aircraft: B-52H, Tu-95MS, Tu-142, B-1B, IL-38, and Tu-160

Carrier Aircraft: S-3B and SH-60B

Ground Units: M1A2, AMX-56 Leclerc, Wespe Sd.Kfz.124, KS-19 100mm ADA, Son-4 “Flap Wheel” radar, C1 Ariete, Pantsir SA-22 “Greyhound”, and S-300/SA-10 “Grumble”.

Edited January 13, 2022 by Northstar98
forgot the C-47, thanks Ardartu!

[Tank50us]

On 1/5/2022 at 8:27 AM, Northstar98 said:

we did however see new units in the form of the Leopard 2A4 and 2A4TR, Chieftain Mk.7/L, VCAC 'Mephisto', 105 mm M2A1, 7.5 cm Pak 40 and 10.5 cm LeFH 18).

That's why I suggested the M1 variations the way I did, was because of all these variations of the Leopard 2 we got. I wonder if they'll do the same for the Leopard 1....

[Mike Force Team]

ED had pushed their release of certain planes such as the Apache to the end of January 2022.  At the end of the month, they might have an update.  My speculation, of course.

 

[Silver_Dragon]

Only a detail, 2.7.9 has coming whitout none 3D AI assets update or addeed. Surelly ED go to get Updated and/or new 3D models on 2.7.10/2.8.0? Waiting for news...

Edited January 13, 2022 by Silver_Dragon

[Andartu]

On 1/5/2022 at 3:27 PM, Northstar98 said:

The current M1A2 was due a remodel according to the 2021 roadmap, though hardly any of the vehicles listed actually made it (only the Sd.kfz. 124 'Wespe' made it out of this entire list, though we did also get an updated Leopard 2A6M, 1S91 and 2P25, we did however see new units in the form of the Leopard 2A4 and 2A4TR, Chieftain Mk.7/L, VCAC 'Mephisto', 105 mm M2A1, 7.5 cm Pak 40 and 10.5 cm LeFH 18).

 

And how I was looking forward for an overhaul especially to the S-3B and SH-60B, stupid me. Also missed the C-17 on that list.

A lot of assets need that, everyone knows that  

[Northstar98]

1 minute ago, Andartu said:

And how I was looking forward for an overhaul especially to the S-3B and SH-60B, stupid me.

Yeah was looking forward to that list, unfortunately none of them made it.

1 minute ago, Andartu said:

Also missed the C-17 on that list.

Oops! Corrected

[Andartu]

4 hours ago, Northstar98 said:

Oops! Corrected

I meant the C-17A not the C-47  I missed that on the roadmap cause the Globemaster is also one of the most ugliest AI models.

But yeah C-47 too  

 

Also sorry for going off-topic too much (kinda annoying when starting a topic and people start to talk too much about other stuff all of a sudden), so Abrams yes  

[Northstar98]

1 hour ago, Andartu said:

I meant the C-17A not the C-47  I missed that on the roadmap cause the Globemaster is also one of the most ugliest AI models.

Yeah, and it's far from the only one, there's still plenty more aircraft, weapons, ground units and naval units in dire need of a graphical overhaul.

 

Circling back to the OP, it would be good if we could get a few variants of the M1, either the original baseline or the IPM1. While I would like the bridgelayer and CEV variants, but for them both there's definitely core functionality missing (and not sure if its planned).

[Tank50us]

4 minutes ago, Northstar98 said:

Yeah, and it's far from the only one, there's still plenty more aircraft, weapons, ground units and naval units in dire need of a graphical overhaul.

 

Circling back to the OP, it would be good if we could get a few variants of the M1, either the original baseline or the IPM1. While I would like the bridgelayer and CEV variants, but for them both there's definitely core functionality missing (and not sure if its planned).

TBF, the Bridge can be a static object. While the bridgelayer itself can be a single unit with an option to have the bridge, or not.