Forces of Valor U.S. M1A2 Abrams - Baghdad, 2003, Scale 1:72
The M1 Abrams is a third-generation main combat vehicle produced in the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of U.S. Military Forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine (multifuel capable, usually fueled with JP8 jet fuel), the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main combat vehicles in service.The M1 Abrams is a third-generation main combat vehicle produced in the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of U.S. Military Forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine (multifuel capable, usually fueled with JP8 jet fuel), the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main combat vehicles in service.The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980. The M1A1, an improved vehicle over the M1, is capable of making assaults at ranges in excess of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft.). This range was crucial in combat against previous generation tanks of Soviet design in the Desert Storm, as the effective range of the main gun in the Soviet/Iraqi tanks was less than 2,000 meters (6,600 ft.). This meant Abrams combat vehicles could hit Iraqi tanks before the enemy got in range — a decisive advantage. M1A2 a further improvement over the M1A1 incorporates improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older versions have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service.The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980. The M1A1, an improved vehicle over the M1, is capable of making assaults at ranges in excess of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft.). This range was crucial in combat against previous generation tanks of Soviet design in the Desert Storm, as the effective range of the main gun in the Soviet/Iraqi tanks was less than 2,000 meters (6,600 ft.). This meant Abrams combat vehicles could hit Iraqi tanks before the enemy got in range — a decisive advantage. M1A2 a further improvement over the M1A1 incorporates improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older versions have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service.