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Can anyone tell me what the "far target locator" does?

Army Newpaper
Top Stories
Tonnes of tanks
By Lt Joseph Ternowetsky

Edition 1162, March 22, 2007



TPR James Hannah was all smiles as he off-loaded the first of 41 M1 Abrams tanks on to East Arm Wharf near Darwin.

After days of weather related delays, the cargo ship was finally able to port and unload the new military hardware on March 4.

And soldiers like Tpr Hannah, 1 Armd Regt, could not be happier.

“Morale is really high right now because of these tanks,� said the 18-year-old, who was the youngest member helping unload the equipment.

“I can’t describe the feeling of driving one – it just glides, it’s awesome.�

The following day, the tanks were moved to their new home in Robertson Barracks as part of a plan to eventually phase out the Leopard tanks.

These new M1A1 Abrams AIM tanks are part of a $530 million package that includes 59 tanks, seven Hercules M88A2 recovery vehicles, 14 heavy tank transporters, eight refuelling vehicles, and tank simulators for training purposes.

Brig Craig Orme, Commander 1 Bde, said the tanks were an example of the maturing of the Hardened and Networked Army concept.

“The most valuable thing in the Army is its people,� Brig Orme said. “So we need combat systems that develop high combat power with low manpower.�

The Abrams are designed to do just that. They include many new systems and components to increase mission capability, crew safety and operational awareness. And they are among the fastest and most powerful tanks in the world.

The arrival of the Abrams in Darwin was an historic occasion for the armoured corps.

“But most importantly this represents a quantum increase in the combat power available to the land force,� Brig Orme said.

CO 1 Armd Regt Lt-Col Duncan Hayward said Australian soldiers were highly skilled and the Abrams would only add to their effectiveness on the battlefield.

“We are providing equipment that matches our soldiers’ standards,� Lt-Col Hayward said.

“This technology will now project our regiment into an advanced state of readiness to support the Hardened and networked army."

- MARKMILES77

Abrams at the Australian formula One GP 2007

16 May 2007
M1A1 Abrams gets its sea legs

The Australian Army's new M1A1 Abrams Tank passed another stage of its introduction into service by completing a successful joint exercise inside Darwin Harbour with the Royal Australian Navy.

The Navy's amphibious ship HMAS Manoora embarked both the 61.3-tonne M1A1 Abrams Tank and M88 Hercules Recovery Vehicle during the exercise. The tank was then transferred by the ship's crane into the Navy's Landing Craft Heavy, HMAS Betano, which was berthed alongside Manoora.

HMAS Betano then sailed across Darwin Harbour to the shore establishment at HMAS Coonawarra, where the M1A1 drove ashore.

11 July 2007
1st Armoured Regiment at Mount Bundy

Over 500 guests have joined 1st Armoured Regiment at Mount Bundy on Monday to see soldiers firing the Leopard AS1 Main Battle Tank for the last time. This historical event will also include a live-fire demonstration with four M1A1 Abrams Tanks.

In 1977 Australia acquired 103 leopard AS1 Main Battle Tanks as a replacement for the Centurion Tank. Fitted with a 105mm gun and two 7.62mm machine guns, the light and fast tank served the Australian Army exceptionally well in environment with little threat of mines and improvised explosives. After 30 years of service in the Australian Army, the Leopard Tank's last live-fire is a historical occasion.

Deputy Chief of Army Major General John Cantwell, and the Head of the Armoured Corps Major General David Chalmers flew to Darwin with numerous previous serving soldiers to observe the live-fire.

This final live-fire activity brings to an end the 1st Armoured Regiment's 58th birthday celebrations that included a formal parade to signify the readiness of the first M1A1 Abrams Squadron, a 1st Brigade Capability Display and Regimental Ball.

1st Armoured Regiment tank crews break from their parade formation to run and start their Leopard tanks on the 1st Brigade parade ground at Robertson Barracks.

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The new M1A1 Abrams squadron to come online at 1st Armoured Regiment salutes during the parade on the 1st Brigade parade ground at Robertson Barracks.

The last Leopard Tanks in service for the Australian Army are farewelled by a guard of 1st Armoured Regiment's new M1A1 Abrams Tanks from the 1st Brigade parade ground at Robertson Barracks.

The 1st Armoured Regiment Standard is marched through a guard of M1A1 Abrams Tanks on the 1st Brigade parade ground at Robertson Barracks.

The last Leopard Tanks in service for the Australian Army depart formalities of the 1st Brigade parade ground to return to 1st Armoured Regiment at Robertson Barracks.

M1A1 Abrams Tank crews wait cautiously for their turn to fire during the feu-de-joie on the 1st Brigade parade ground at Robertson Barracks.

A retiring Leopard Tank from 1st Armoured fires its final rounds for the Australian Army while an M1A1 Abrams Tank waits for its turn at the Mount Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory.

A retiring Leopard Tank falls-in behind 1st Armoured Regiment's new M1A1 Abrams Tanks after firing its last rounds in the Australian Army at the Mount Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory.

The last Leopard Tank crew to serve the Australian Army pose with their tank after firing its last rounds at the Mount Bundy Training Area (MBTA) in the Northern Territory. (from left) Trooper James Moore (operator), Trooper Michael Colley (gunner), Corporal Nicholas Zerafa (crew commander), Trooper Craig Hancock (driver).

Commanding Officer of the 1st Armoured Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Hayward answers questions from the media about the unit's transition from Leopard to Abrams at Robertson Barracks.