M1
Abram
By: Sartillies
The M1 Abram is
the current main battle tank for the United
States Army.
Originally developed in 1976 as the XM1, and
still made today by "General Dynamics
Land Systems", the Abram was named after
Creighton Abrams, and was set out to replace
the older M60 tanks that were beginning to
show signs of aging. Even though its main purpose
is to serve the U.S. Army, several Abrams have
been exported to countries such as Saudi Arabia,
Egypt, and Kuwait to assist their countries
armed forces against possible attack.
The basic four-man Abram
crew consists of the following:
- Commander
- Driver
- Loader
- Gunner
As for armaments, the M1
Abram's main cannon is the 105mm M68A1, a rifled
cannon found on the standard M1 model. The tank
carries up to 55 rounds for its main cannon.
Along with that, the ever so popular M2 "Ma
Duce" .50 Caliber machine gun found just
about everywhere on everything is left to the
Abram commander, with a total of 1,000 rounds
of ammunition. The Abram also features twin M240
7.62mm machine guns; one under the control of
the loader, and another being its coaxial weapon,
located near the main cannon. The average amount
carried for these twins are 11,400 rounds of
7.62mm ammunition. Along with firepower, the
M1 has two M250 smoke grenade launches that can
be discharged out to cover its movements, along
with the ability to block out any thermal readings
that any unfriendly armor tries to pick up.
The Abram features a powerful
gas turbine AGT 1500 Honeywell engine. Its transmission,
the X-1100-3B, allows the Abram to have up to
four gears forward, and up to two in reverse.
Her armor is made up of ceramic blocks, and other
standard armor types. This combination is both
lightweight and still strong enough to take the
hits.
M1A1 / M1A2:
In 1985, a new version of
the tank known as the M1A1 hit the production
lines. This was the first step at a major upgrade
for the Abram, and gave it improvements in both
its offence and defense. The German made M256,
a 120mm smoothbore cannon, now replaced the tanks
main cannon, the M68A1. When equipped with this
new cannon, the amount of rounds carried for
it goes down to about 40. Mix the new cannon
with the A1's improved suspension and fire control,
and the new version has greater chance at hitting
targets wile on the move. Later, the armor on
the M1A1 started using depleted uranium instead
of the old standard, and wile the extra armor
knocked its speed down and increased the weight
of the already heavy tank, the extra protection
was well worth it.
Another step up of the new
M1A1 is its new NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical)
system, which keeps all the nasty stuff out and
keeps the air clean for the guys inside. It can
also warm or cool the air incase the troops are
stuck wearing there bio suits for the day. A
nice treat indeed. Finally, the new Abrams blow
out panels has been decreased from the older
model. The standard M1 had 3; wile the newer
M1A1 now only has 2.
Later in 1986, the M1A2 model
came about. The upgrades in the model were nothing
major like the cannon switch on the M1A1, but
instead mostly electronically. Upgrades include
things like new processors, more memory for the
electronics, For example, most of the electrical
controls are no longer in the same area, so one
good smack won't ruin everything. New upgrades
with the System Enhancement Package include things
like more memory, better processors, new flat
panels, new power units, and a lot of 2nd generation
gear like better infrared sights and thermal
systems. All this leads up to great improvements
in acquisition (over 70%!) and engaging targets.
The M1 Abram has proven its
self in many conflicts now, and remains as a
strong right arm in the military's arsenal. Be
sure to check out the M1 Abram in mission 8:
Zebra Straw, and mission 10: Fever Claw.
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