| The
first M1 tank was delivered to the U.S. Army in February 1980, and was
officially named and christened the "Abrams" by the widow of the late
General Creighton Abrams. This new Abrams tank benefited from the latest
technological wonders of the time, giving it enormous advantage on any
battlefield. The turret, being very angular and squat, had a very roomy
interior. This angular design was combined with Chobham armor for
excellent protection against the kinetic energy from hollow charge
projectiles. The hull sides and rear panels are vertical, with only the
front angled to deflect anti-tank shots. The 1500 horsepower Avco-Lycoming
AGT-1500 turbine engine provides remarkable speed and maneuverability
plus being regarded as one of the quietest tank powerplants available
today. During the mid 1980's the M1 underwent an improvement program to
upgrade the 105mm gun to the type M256 120mm smoothbore cannon. The
armor at the frontal area of the lower hull front and turret was also
increased, and it was given the new designation of "M1A1." Other
improvements are seen in the enlarged rear turret bustle stowage rack, a
new style crosswind sensor, a revised gunner's sight mount, plus
reinforced suspension and transmission unit. Both the M1 and M1A1 Abrams
were deployed during the Persian Gulf Conflict and they demonstrated
outstanding performance and combat success. |
