Overview
M1 Abrams Tank
The M1 Abrams is known for its stabilized gun and ability to shoot accurately on the move.
In addition to its stability and accuracy, The M1 Abrams is also known for its superior crew protection (including chemical/biological/nuclear), safe storage of ammunition to prevent explosions, speed, and maneuverability on rough ground, and efficient ventilation. It also requires a minimum of maintenance; The M1’s turbine engine is more reliable, requires fewer parts, is lightweight, and allows for a wide range of fuels. The tank has a low profile with a very shallow turret, making it a smaller target. Its tracks are rubber, and its turret can be rotated 360° in 9 seconds. It can climb obstacles 4 ft high and cross a 9 ft wide ditch.
Technical Data
Weight: 55 Tons, most of which is Chobham armor.
Crew: 4—Commander, gunner, loader, and driver.
Armament: 105mm gun (the M1A2 has a 120mm), each shell weighs about 40 lbs.
Armor: The composite armor used in the M1 is Chobham (after Chobham, England, where it was developed) or code-named Burlington. It consists of steel armor and spaced ceramic armor tiles.
Year Field: 1980
Speed: 45 mph, accelerates from rest to 20 mph in 6 seconds, and carries enough fuel to last almost 300 miles without refueling.
Range: 300 miles
Number Produced: Chrysler and General Dynamics built over 2000 M1s between 1980-1985; the last basic M1 was retired from service in 1996. Between 1984-86, General Dynamics built IPM1, 894 of them. These had more armor in front and a bustle rack for storage. Basic M1s were retired from service in 1996, M1s, and IPM1s are currently being withdrawn from the National Guard service, but many may be converted to current upgrades.