M1A1 Abrams
StarDate 3/2
Mass: 63 tons
Movement Type: Tracked
Power Plant: 255 AVCO Lycoming ICE (315 Cell)
Crusining Speed: 43 kph (54 kph)
Flank Speed: 64 kph (86 kph)
Armor: (classified)
Armament:
1 M75E2 Autocannon 10
3 M240 Machine Guns
Manufacturer: General Dynamics Land Systems
Communications System: GD ANQZ-34
Targeting and Tracking System: StarComp 440L
Armored vehicles continue to abound on the modern battlefield, even though advances in anti-armor weaponry has made being in a tank or APC a dangerous proposition. Our "Off the Shelf' feature this month shows just what an Ml Abrams can do.
Background:
In 1963 the U.S. Army began development of a new main battle tank. The first effort, the MBT 70, was a joint development program with the West German government. The system was determined to be too expensive, too complex, and designed with too many conflicting priorities. The program was subsequently cancelled.
At the time of the cancellation, the U.S. Army began work on their own main battle tank, the XM803. Less than a year later (in 1971) the XM803 project was cancelled, again because the vehicle was too expensive and too complex, at which time work began on the Abrams.
Production:
The first production tank rolled off the line in February, 1980. In September, 1981 full-scale production ofthe M1 was undertaken. M1s and M1A1s are currently being delivered to U.S. Army units worldwide.
Engine:
The 1500 AVCO Lycoming turbine engine has twice the horsepower of the M60 tank and significantly improved performance. It is quiet, smoke-free, responsive, and lightweight, offering multifuel capability and easy starts down to -25°F without a winterization kit.
The new turbine engine combines with an Allison X1100-3B automatic transmission to provide four speeds forward and two in reverse. The transmission also provides integral brakes, variable steering, and pivot steering in neutral gear.
