Changes

{{AFV

{{AFV

|image=M1 Abrams.jpg

|image=M1 Abrams.jpg

|caption=M1A Abrams of the 1st Armored Division during Exercise Ready Crucible, Germany

|caption=M1A1 Abrams of the 1st Armored Division during Exercise Ready Crucible, Germany

|type=Main Battle Tank

|type=Main Battle Tank

|origin=United States

|origin=United States

|weight=61.4 tonnes  

|weight=61.4 tonnes  

|crew=4

|crew=4

|armor=Chobham, [[Rolled homogeneous armor|RHA]]

|armor=Chobham, [[Rolled homogeneous armor|RHA]], Depleted Uranium mesh.

|maxarmor=

|maxarmor=

|primary=120 mm M256 smoothbore gun,

|primary=120mm/44 M256 smoothbore gun,

|wpnrange=

|wpnrange=

|secondary=1 x .50 in (12.7mm) M2 BMG machine gun<br>

|secondary=1 x .50 in (12.7mm) M2HB machine gun<br>

2 x M240 7.62mm machine guns

2 x M240 7.62mm machine guns

|action=

|action=

|trans=Allison X-1100-3B Hydro-Kinetic Automatic; four forward/2 reverse gears

|trans=Allison X-1100-3B Hydro-Kinetic Automatic; four forward/2 reverse gears

}}

}}

The '''M1 Abrams''' is the [[Main Battle Tank]] of the [[United States Army]] and the [[United States Marine Corps]]. In the 1970's, Chrysler Defense Inc. developed this front-line battle tank to fight outnumbered against [[Warsaw Pact]] mechanized divisions. In 1982, Chrysler Defense sold to [[General Dynamics]], which still manufactures the tanks to the present day, some speculate until the year 2040. Significant varients 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 improvements, providing better crew shielding in urban warfare environments. Modifications will take place at General Dynamics plants in [[Ohio]], Pennsylvania, Alabama, [[Florida]] and completed in 2011. <ref>[http://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>  

The '''M1 Abrams''' is the [[Main Battle Tank]] of the [[United States Army]] and the [[United States Marine Corps]]. In the 1970's, Chrysler Defense Inc. developed this front-line battle tank to fight outnumbered against [[Warsaw Pact]] mechanized divisions. In 1982, Chrysler Defense sold to [[General Dynamics]], which still manufactures the tanks to the present day, some speculate until the year 2040. Significant variants 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, situational awareness and under-armour control of the .50" HMG in urban warfare environments. Modifications will take place at General Dynamics plants in [[Ohio]], Pennsylvania, Alabama, [[Florida]] and completed in 2011. <ref>[http://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>  

The Abrams Tank System Program has been using Depleted Uranium armor since the 1980's. Also, incorporating a modular designed Honeywell 1,500 HP smokeless gas turbine engine, easily removed, serviced and upgraded. Unique to the battlefield, the Abrams tank has a speed of 48 MPH, with a range of over 250 miles. The technology was unmatched, allowing the four-man crew to fire accurately while moving. The commander's station of the Abrams M1A1 is equipped with six periscopes, providing a 360° view. <ref>[http://www.army-technology.com/projects/abrams/ M1A1 / M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, USA, Army-technology.com]</ref>  The tank weighs nearly 70-Ton making it one of the heaviest in the world.

The Abrams Tank System Program has been using Depleted Uranium armor since the 1980's. Also, incorporating a modular designed Honeywell 1,500 HP smokeless gas turbine engine, easily removed, serviced and upgraded. The Abrams tank has a speed of 48 MPH, with a range of over 250 miles. The technology was unmatched, allowing the four-man crew to fire accurately while moving. The commander's station of the Abrams M1A1 is equipped with six periscopes, providing a 360° view. <ref>[http://www.army-technology.com/projects/abrams/ M1A1 / M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank, USA, Army-technology.com]</ref>  The tank weighs nearly 70 Tons making it one of the heaviest in the world.