| − | In 1982, Chrysler Defense was sold to [[General Dynamics]]. Significant [[innovation]]s give the tank new life and new models numbers; M1, M1A1, M1A1D, M1A2, M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package). The current modification is M1A1 SA, incorporating second-generation forward-looking infrared thermal sight, a driver's vision-enhancer thermal viewer and Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) improvements, providing better crew shielding, improved situational awareness and a Remote Weapons Station for the .50" HMG which can be operated from under armour. The aim of the upgrade is to make the tank more effective in urban warfare environments. Modifications will take place at General Dynamics plants in [[Ohio]], Pennsylvania, Alabama, [[Florida]] and completed in 2011.<ref>[https://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/general-dynamics-wins--million-iraqi-tank-contract/ General Dynamics Wins $198 Million Iraqi Tank Contract, Fox Business, January 04, 2010]</ref> | + | In 1982, Chrysler Defense was sold to General Dynamics. Significant [[innovation]]s give the tank new life and new models numbers; M1, M1A1, M1A1D, M1A2, M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package). The current modification is M1A1 SA, incorporating second-generation forward-looking infrared thermal sight, a driver's vision-enhancer thermal viewer and Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) improvements, providing better crew shielding, improved situational awareness and a Remote Weapons Station for the .50" HMG which can be operated from under armour. The aim of the upgrade is to make the tank more effective in urban warfare environments. Modifications will take place at General Dynamics plants in [[Ohio]], Pennsylvania, Alabama, [[Florida]] and completed in 2011.<ref>[https://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/industrials/general-dynamics-wins--million-iraqi-tank-contract/ General Dynamics Wins $198 Million Iraqi Tank Contract, Fox Business, January 04, 2010]</ref> |
| | On February 28, 1980, the first M1 tank rolled out of the government-owned Lima Tank Plant in Lima, Ohio. It was designated the M1 Abrams, in honor of General [[Creighton Abrams]], a commander in [[Vietnam]].<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/lima.htm#prof Lima Army Tank Plant (LATP), GlobalSecurity.org]</ref> Over 9,000 Abrams tanks have been manufactured. | | On February 28, 1980, the first M1 tank rolled out of the government-owned Lima Tank Plant in Lima, Ohio. It was designated the M1 Abrams, in honor of General [[Creighton Abrams]], a commander in [[Vietnam]].<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/lima.htm#prof Lima Army Tank Plant (LATP), GlobalSecurity.org]</ref> Over 9,000 Abrams tanks have been manufactured. |