M1 Abrams

   The M1 Abrams main battle tank was developed by Chrysler Defence. Production of the M1 started in 1980 and ceased in 1992. This MBT was named in honor to the General Abrams, commander of US forces during Vietnam War. The M1 Abrams MBT replaced the M60 Patton in service with US Army.

   The M1 Abrams features composite armor similar to British Chobham, which features multiple layers of steel and ceramics. It may also be fitted with explosive reactive armor. Interior of the tank is lined with Kevlar protecting the crew against spalling. Ammunition is stored in the turret bustle with blow-out panels.

   It is fitted with the M68E1 105-mm gun, which is a license-built version of the British L7 tank gun. This gun is loaded manually. 44 rounds are stored in the turret bustle, while remaining 11 rounds are stored in protective containers inside the hull. The M1 Abrams has a modern fire control system with a high first hit probability. It can destroy MBT-size targets located 2 km firing on the move.

   Secondary armament consists of 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7-mm and another 7.62-mm MGs mounted on top of the roof.

   Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner and driver.

   The M1 Abrams is powered by Avco Lycoming (now Honeywell) AGT1500 gas turbine engine. It is a multi-fuel engine, which can run on kerosene, diesel, petrol or aviation fuel. It has servicing intervals significantly longer than of diesel engines, however is troublesome to maintain and has very high fuel consumption comparing with diesels. Engine can be replaced in field conditions within 30 minutes. Vehicle can be fitted with mine plow and mine roller attachments.

   The M1 was followed in production by the improved M1 with additional armor, M1A1 and finally M1A2.

   Currently the M1 Abrams is no longer in service and a number of vehicles are upgraded to the M1A2 standard.

Variants

   Grizzly combat engineering vehicle, specially designed to clear pathways through minefields. This program was canceled in 2001, before the Grizzly reached production;

   M1 Panther II mine detection and clearing vehicle;

   M104 Wolverine heavy assault bridge;

   M1A1 Abrams, a successor to the M1. It is armed with a 120-mm gun and has improved armor protection.