Country of origin |
United States |
Entered service |
2006 |
Crew |
4 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
59 ~ 64 t |
Length (gun forward) |
~ 9.8 m |
Hull length |
~ 7.9
m |
Width |
~ 3.7
m |
Height |
~ 2.5 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
120 mm smoothbore |
Machine guns |
2 x 12.7 mm, 2 x 7.62 mm |
Elevation range |
- 9 to + 20 degrees |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
42 rounds |
Machine guns |
1 600 x 12.7 mm, 12 400 x 7.62 mm rounds |
Mobility |
Engine |
Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine |
Engine power |
1 500 hp |
Maximum road speed |
68 km/h |
Range |
425 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
40% |
Vertical step |
1 m |
Trench |
2.7 m |
Fording |
1.2 m |
Fording (with preparation) |
2 m |
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The invasion
of Iraq in 2003 exposed vulnerability of the Abrams tanks to rocket
propelled grenades and mines. These problems were partially resolved
by fitting the tanks with the Tank
Urban Survival Kit (TUSK). This kit was developed
to improve survivability in urban environment.
M1A1,
M1A2
or M1A2
SEP tanks equipped with this kit become even more deadlier.
Once the kit is fitted the tanks have improved protection, firepower and situational
awareness. This kit can be applied
by the units in field conditions. Tanks do not need to return to
depots for modifications. In 2006 US Army ordered a total of 505
kits for the tanks deployed in Iraq. By 2008 all tanks fielded in Iraq were equipped
with Tanks Urban Survival Kit.
It is worth
noting that urban battles are worst places for the tanks to fight.
Tank's front armor is much stronger than that on the sides, top or
rear. Yet in urban environment attacks can come from any direction
and from the top, hitting weak spots of the tank.
The TUSK
includes add-on explosive reactive armor, fitted to side skirts. It
provides protection against RPG rounds. A slat armor is added to the
hull rear. It also provides protection against RPG rounds.
Additionally
this tank is fitted with 32 dischargers for 66 mm defensive grenades.
These dischargers are loaded with a combination of smoke and
anti-personnel grenades. Previously US Army tanks were fitted only
with 12 grenade dischargers.
Vehicle
commander has got a transparent shielding around his 12.7 mm machine
gun. The latest M1A2 SEP tanks are fitted with remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm
machine gun. It is controlled by the vehicle commander from inside
of the turret. So vehicle commander is no longer exposed to enemy
fire. Loader uses a shielded 7.62 mm machine gun. The loader has
also got a thermal weapon sight. Now he can locate targets and fire
from his machine gun at night.
The tank is
fitted with one more remotely controlled 12.7 mm machine gun over
the main gun. It is fitted with a spotlight. This machine gun is
referred as counter sniper and anti-material weapon. It fires single
shots or in full-auto mode. It is aimed using the main gun.
There is
also a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. So in total the tank has got four
machine guns.
Vehicle
commander has got a 360 degree camera. It improves situational
awareness. The driver is fitted with new safety sear and rear vision
camera.
The tank is
fitted with an infantry phone. It allows the nearby infantry to
communicate with the tank commander and coordinate their actions in
combat.
It is worth
noting that sometimes tanks are fitted with only some components of
the TUSK kit. It is done depending on situation and mission
requirements.
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