THE TRACK RECORD OF THE M1 ABRAMS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF


By bblouin
m1 abrams

There is arguably no military tank in the world more iconic than the M1 Abrams. You can point to a few reasons for that, including visibility, particularly in America, due to the various wars over the last several decades in the Middle East, but these American tanks are also a force to be reckoned with. Their reputation is one of getting the job done, and in many ways, an M1 Abrams tank is such a dominant force that victory has been secured before the battle even begins. Learn more about these advanced armored vehicles and how they’ve been helping those who serve to execute objectives and stay safe in the process. More like this:Mobile Protected Firepower Contract Awarded for New Army Tanks

M1 Abrams Specs

The Abrams M1 is an impressive war machine for many reasons, and the technical specs begin to paint a picture of why. The M1 Abrams weight is a big deal because a tank's weight can often hinder its ability to maneuver during battle. Using composite armor as opposed to metal, the tank is lighter and weighs 55 tons. Here are a few other important specs about this ferocious weapon:

  • Armor: Composite armor (Chobham, made of steel and spaced ceramic armor tiles)
  • Capacity: 4
  • Weapon: 105mm gun (120mm gun for the M1A2)
  • Top Speed: 45 mph
  • Operational Range: Around 250-300 miles before needing to be refueled

There are the M1, M1A1, and M1A2 models available for use. The United States still relies on these models to conduct operations when necessary to defend our country. How Many M1 Abrams Have Been Destroyed? Several M1A1 Abrams have been destroyed over the lifetime of their use, but far more often than not, it's been the result of either intentional means or friendly fire. There have been unfortunate instances where troops have died while operating an M1 Abrams, but this Army tank has an otherwise impressive record:

  • None were destroyed by enemy forces during the Gulf War. There were some sent back for repairs, but overall, the M1 Abrams tanks were a rousing success.
  • While fighting in Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein, the tanks would incur more damage compared to the minor damage suffered during the Gulf War; however, in the 43-day campaign that started the conflict, they successfully defeated Iraqi forces with little resistance.
  • During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, there were some casualties. Members of the USMC drowned after their tank fell into the Euphrates River, and two Soldiers were killed by fighters after suffering heavy damage to their tank, also in the same year.
  • An IED killed two of the four troops operating an M1A2 Abrams outside of Baghdad.

As you can see, the idea that nothing can stop the Army’s M1 Abrams main battle tank may not be absolute, but it also isn’t far off. Time and time again, these American tanks take on the challenge and complete it with comparative ease. The best part about it? Our troops are also safer during these conflicts.

How Much Does an M1 Abrams Cost?

The cost of each M1 Abrams may vary, and inflation continues to play a role in how much they cost to manufacture. Overall, our estimates come out to around $9 million per tank. The operating costs of an M1 Abrams are also highly expensive, with estimates in 2013 reaching over $66,000 per mile, and that’s just for fuel. It can easily cost millions of dollars when you consider the rise in fuel prices, ammunition, supplies, maintenance costs, labor, etc., that all go into making a tank operational.

How Many M1 Abrams Does the U.S. Have?

The U.S. has an estimated 4,800 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks in its possession. Most of these tanks are operated by the U.S. Army, which has around 4,400, while the Marines operate around 400 tanks. Worldwide, there are just over 10,000 M1 Abrams in existence, and while other tanks continue to develop, the Abrams stands the test of time.

The Future of Tank Warfare

Many around the world are wondering whether or not the future has a place for tanks. For starters, the future focus for the United States, specifically, has shifted more into urban, arctic, and seafaring terrain. Secondly, weapons continue to advance, and the security of an armored vehicle can be compromised by the increase in anti-tank weapons, guerilla warfare, and the advancement of drone strikes. But it’s hard to believe that tanks are simply obsolete just because factors are changing. What also changes is the approach of the tank, most notably seen in the M1 Abrams itself. A superior armored vehicle if there ever was one, it’s uncertain if we have seen the last of the iconic war machines, but also unlikely. Evolution in technology and the cancellation of other armored solutions allow the M1 to continue its reign and improve as a result of whatever the future may hold. Read next:The Huey Helicopter & Its Crucial Role in the Vietnam War

Image: popularmechanics.com


JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest VeteranLife content and news.
Email*
CONNECT WITH US
VeteranLife Logo

©2024 VeteranLife. All rights reserved.