M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank
The M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank is the primary tank in use by the US army and many allied countries. It is designed to offer mobile firepower as part of an armoured formation.
The M1 Abrams is named after General Creighton Williams Abrams, who was commander of the 37th Armored Battalion and became chief of staff in the US army from 1972, before his death two years later.
M1 Tank Production
The M1 Abrams was developed in the 1970's by Chrysler Defense (later purchased by General Dynamics Land Systems Division). The first M1 tank was produced in 1978. It was first used in 1980 by the US Army.
M1 Abrams Variants
Since 1985, the design of the M1 Abrams has been modified and improved to form the M1A1 and the M1A2 battle tanks.
The M1A1 added better armour (featuring a depleted uranium mesh), improved weaponry and a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection system. The M1A1D is a digitised variant of the M1A1, which adds a digital appliqué command and control package offering improved situational awareness.
The M1A2 added a thermal viewer and weapon station and additional navigational and communications equipment. The US Army has been working to upgrade its old M1 tanks to the new M1A2 configuration, as well as adding further upgrades and improvement.
In Iraq, from 2003, Abrams tanks (and other combat vehicles) were given combat identification panels to help in preventing friendly fire.
M1A1 Abrams Tank
M1 Abrams
M1A1 and Urban Survival Kit
M1 Battle Tanks Armaments
The main weapons for the original M1 battle tanks were 105mm M68A1 Rifled Cannons. These were upgraded for the M1A1 and M1A2 designs to 120mm M256 Smooth Bore Cannons. The 105mm cannons use kinetic energy cartridges containing alloyed depleted uranium. The Smooth Bore Cannons can accept a range of kinetic energy and high explosive anti-tank rounds. All tank designs also feature a 12.7mm .50 Calibre M2 Machine gun and two 7.62mm M240 medium machine guns.
Since 2003, some Abrams crews have also carried shoulder-fired anti-tank rockets for use in enclosed urban areas.
Chobham Armour
The M1 Abrams uses 'Chobham Armour' - a composite of ceramic tiles and steel plating developed at the British tank research centre on Chobham Common. The armour is highly effective against high explosive anti-tank rounds. Its composition is a well-guarded secret. The Abrams also features a strong Kevlar liner and optional reactive armour, which offers protection against shaped charges and rod penetrators. Some tanks also feature a missile countermeasure device, which can jam missile guidance systems.
M1 Specifications
The basic M1 weighs 60 tons, with a length of 384.5 inches. The M1A1 and M1A2 have weights of 63 and 69.4 tons respectively, with a length of 387 inches.
The maximum speeds of the Abrams tanks are 45mph for the M1, and 42mph for the M1A1 and M1A2. However, the actual cross-country speed is closer to 30mph. This speed is further reduced on angled surfaces to around 20mph (17mph for the heavier M1A2) up a 10% incline, and 4.5mph (4.1mph for the M1A2) up a 60% incline.
Military Deployment History
After its initial deployment in 1980, the Abrams was used in training for the cold war. However, the unit was not used in combat until the Gulf War in 1991. The superior range (4,000m) of the Abrams weaponry made the tanks highly effective against the opposing Soviet and Iraqi tanks.
M1A1 Abrams Battle Tank in Operation Desert Storm
1,841 units were deployed to Saudi Arabia in operation desert storm, with only 23 leaving service in the Gulf campaign. Some of these tanks were lost due to enemy-fire, land-mines and internal fires. Others were lost to friendly fire, or deliberately destroyed by the US after being trapped behind enemy lines. None of the lost tanks led to the death of crew to Iraqi fire during Operation Desert Storm.
The Abrams saw more action in Iraq, in 2003. Again, the tanks proved highly effective and no Abrams crew members were killed during the invasion of Iraq, 'Operation Iraqi Freedom'. This was partly the result of superior U.S. air-support.
However, since the initial conflict there have been a number of deaths due to an anti-tank mine, a failing bridge leading to the drowning of the crew, improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs and sniper attacks on exposed crewmen.
Images Courtesy of U.S. Military, U.S Navy and Department of Defense
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