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Exhibit

M1A1 ABRAMS MAIN BATTLE TANK

Current Markings: U. S. Marine Corps

Technical Specifications

  • Enter Service:
    1985
  • Crew:
    4
  • Weight:
    67.6 tons
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 32ft 0.5in (gun forward), Width: 12ft, Height: 8ft (over turret hatch)
  • Armament:
    Main: 120mm M256 smoothbore gun; Secondary: 1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 1 x 12.7mm machine gun (commander), 1 x 7.62mm machine gun (loader)
  • Armor:
    Thickness unknown, depleted uranium steel
  • Powerplant:
    AGT 1500 gas turbine, 1,500 hp
  • Performance:
    Speed: 42mph, Range: 289 miles

Description

The M1A1 Abrams, named after General Creighton Abrams, is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT) designed by Chrysler Defense (now General Dynamics Land Systems). It was manufactured to counter Soviet forces in armored warfare and replaced an aging fleet of American tanks. Constructed with steel-encased depleted uranium armor, the M1A1 crew is better protected from High-Explosive Anti-Tank weapons. The initial protype, the M1 tank, entered service in 1978. Seven years later, the M1A1 was released. The next year, 1986, the M1A2 was rolled out.

Assembled in a modular fashion, the M1A1 Abrams tank can easily be retrofitted with advanced technologies and components. It has remained a state-of-the art main battle tank with increased firepower from the upgraded Rheinmetall 120mm L/44, M256, smoothbore gun. A newly designed gas turbine engine increased horsepower and enhanced maneuverability. Additionally, the dated fire control system has been replaced with futuristic digitized electrical components. These innovative updates ensure the M1A1 Abrams remains the most formidable tank in the world.

Service History

The Abrams tank remained untested in combat until Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In order to liberate Kuwait, the U.S. Army and USMC deployed over 3,200 Abrams tanks (multiple variants) to the gulf. An advanced range finder coupled with night vision capabilities allowed M1A1 crews to dominate tanks operated by the Iraqi armored forces. No Abrams tanks were lost to enemy tanks during the campaign. Tank operations during Operation Enduring Freedom were extremely limited. The USMC deployed a small number, less than 15 Abrams, to combat operations in southern Afghanistan. In 2003, the M1A1 tanks were deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. No Abrams were lost during the limited engagements with Iraqi tanks. Over 60 Abrams were immobilized by anti-tank weapons. The M1A1 remains the MBT for U.S. forces.

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