M1 Abrams is a modern American main battle tank of the third generation. The first prototypes of the machine were created in the 1970s, and serial production, which began in 1979, continues to this day. To date (2018), about 10,500 tanks of this type have been produced. The M1 Abrams is equipped with a turbulent (turbine) engine. Avko Lycoming AGT-1500C 1500 hp. The vehicle is armed with a 105mm M68A1 tank gun on the M1 version and a 120mm M256 tank gun on the M1A1 and later versions. Additional armament – 1 12.7-mm machine gun and 2 7.62-mm M240 machine guns. The M1 Abrams was created in response to the need for a new battle tank, announced by the US Army in the 60s of the XX century. The new machine was supposed to replace the Patton family tanks (M47-M48-M60) in the US Army. Initially, cooperation with German companies was started on a project designated as MBT-70. However, after a few years, the cooperation was terminated and further work was focused only on American companies, especially in the Chrysler Defense concern. Despite a very long process of analytical, research and experimental work, which lasted almost 15 years, it was introduced into the line in the early 1980s. M1 Abrams An almost revolutionary structure came out and was far superior to the then Soviet ones. M1 Abrams It is primarily characterized by mobility and maneuverability unseen before in 1979 in tanks of this class due to the use of a powerful engine with a capacity of 1500 hp. Another thing is that the choice of a turbine engine was not very successful, because it requires very careful maintenance and is prone to ignition. M1 Abrams also has very good armor, using composites and SKO (fire control system). In the M1A1 version, it was also armed with an excellent 120 mm gun. As a result of serial production, several modifications of the M1 Abrams tank were created. The first major improvements were made to the M1A1 variant, which began production in 1985, mainly through the use of a much more efficient 120 caliber gun instead of the 105 mm gun. In 1992, the M1A2 version entered the line, with much richer electronic equipment than previous versions and armor using depleted uranium. Then came the M1A2 SEP version with even more advanced armor. The latest developments of the Abrams tank are the M1A2 SEPv2 and M1A2 SEPv3 versions, which have improved information exchange, battlefield management, fire control systems and improved auxiliary weapons control systems. The M1 Abrams tank was exported to several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Australia, Egypt and Kuwait.
