Difference between revisions of "M1A1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m1a1_abrams}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
|about = medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| about = American main battle tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other uses
+
| usage = other vehicles of the family
|link = M1 (Disambiguation)
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| link = M1 Abrams (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_m1a1_abrams
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
 +
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The first [[M1 Abrams]] tank originally featured a [[M68A1 (105 mm)|105 mm M68A1 gun]] as part of cost concerns to get the Abrams into service. However, after its acceptance in 1981, the US military began looking into the more powerful [[Rh120_L/44_(120_mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun]] for use in the Abrams. Following a trial period with the M1E1 prototype with the [[M256 (120 mm)|120 mm M256 gun]] installed, the vehicle was officially accepted into service in 1984 as the M1A1 Abrams, with production lasting from 1985 to 1993. The M1A1 would set the standard of the modern Abrams design, becoming the most numerous produced base version of the Abrams tank at around 5,000 units manufactured (including retrofits to older M1 and [[IPM1]] into M1A1 standards), and would most notably see combat in the US campaign in the Middle East such as the 1991 Operation Desert Storm and 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom. The M1A1's ubiquity paved the way for various [[M1A1 HC|M1A1 upgrades]], [[M1A1 AIM|foreign sales]], as well as the improved [[M1A2 Abrams]].
{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') has been present in the game since [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]] and gives the highly mobile Abrams platform the deadly 120 mm M256 gun to use against enemy tanks. The round selection is limited to APFSDS and HEAT-FS, the APFSDS rounds allow for a more even fight against opposing tanks, though may still require the M1A1 to aim at weak points against more protected opponents. The composite armour of the M1A1 retains the effective chemical protection and against downtier opponents, the protection against kinetic shells, especially those in uptiers, would force players to rely on the M1A1 mobility to avoid being hit, as well as excellent "soft" protection like the blow-out panels for the turret bustle ammo racks that can help prevent an ammunition cook-off from outright destroying the tank. The M1A1 remains an impressive vehicle for players to use and outpace their opponents with its mobility and destroy them with the 120 mm gun.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
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The M1A1 is essentially an [[IPM1]] armed with a 120 mm M256 gun, meaning the armour is almost identical to its tech-tree predecessor. The tank features composite armour in gun mantlet, turret cheeks, sides and lower front plate, with composite side skirts affording some protection along the frontal half of the vehicle's hull. The M1A1 retains the Abrams series' exceptional protection against chemical energy projectiles, with the turret cheeks affording some 1,200 mm RHAe against shaped charges and the hull providing around 600 mm. However, the kinetic energy protection of the tank is quite lacklustre compared to its top tier compatriots, especially against the best rounds fielded by other nations' main battle tanks; all of which can easily penetrate the Abrams frontally in practically any location. This makes the tank quite vulnerable to enemy fire. However, the M1A1 also retains the excellent survivability of the Abrams series, with a spread out crew, separate ammunition compartment and shielding for fuel tanks and the engine compartment that make the tank unlikely to die in a single shot. However, don't expect to be able to fire back if you get penetrated: most penetrating hits will knock out at least one of these components/crew members: gun breech/barrel, turret traverse/elevation, gunner or loader, track(s), engine.
The M1A1 is essentially an [[IPM1]] armed with a 120 mm M256 gun, meaning the armour is almost identical to its tech-tree predecessor. The tank features composite armour in gun mantlet, turret cheeks, sides and lower front plate, with composite side skirts affording some protection along the frontal half of the vehicle's hull. The M1A1 retains the Abrams series' exceptional protection against chemical energy projectiles, with the turret cheeks affording some 1,200 mm RHAe against shaped charges and the hull providing around 600 mm. However, the kinetic energy protection of the tank is quite lacklustre compared to its top tier compatriots, especially against the best rounds fielded by other nations' main battle tanks; all of which can easily penetrate the Abrams frontally in practically any location. This makes the tank quite vulnerable to enemy fire. However, the M1A1 also retains the excellent survivability of the Abrams series, with a spread out crew, separate ammunition compartment and shielding for fuel tanks and the engine compartment that make the tank unlikely to die in a single shot.  
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
The M1A1 features the same 1,500 horsepower AGT-1500 gas turbine equipped on the other Abrams tank, though the tank has gotten several tons heavier. When stock, the vehicle accelerates quite sluggishly and features a horrendously slow hull traverse. Fully upgraded however, the M1A1 is quite nimble with decent power to weight ratio and traverse capability. At 68 km/h of top speed and 40 km/h in reverse, the tank is comparable to its counterparts.
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,058|rbMinHp=1,343}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} features the same 1,500 horsepower AGT-1500 gas turbine equipped on the other Abrams tank, though the tank has gotten several tons heavier. When stock, the vehicle accelerates quite sluggishly and features a horrendously slow hull traverse. Fully upgraded however, the {{PAGENAME}} is quite nimble with decent power-to-weight ratio and traverse capability. At 68 km/h of top speed and 40 km/h in reverse, the tank is comparable to its counterparts.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|M256 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|M256 (120 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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The M1A1's gun handles very well, with a very efficient stabiliser that allows accurate fire at any speed and a very fast 40 degrees per second turret traverse. The gun has good depression and elevation angles. An aced crew can reload the gun in just six seconds, which is comparable to the Leopard 2A5, Leclerc and T-80U, although slower than the Type 90 and Challenger 2. The penetration of the M829 APFSDS, even though is comparable if not a little better that its contemporaries, is not enough to handle most of the soviet MBTs it is going to face.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M256 (120 mm)|120 mm M256]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M256 (120 mm)|120 mm M256]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 40 || -/+20° || ±180° || Two-plane
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || 70.80 || 75.29 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
|-
+
| 23.80 || 28.00 || 34.00 || 37.60 || 40.00
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ''Arcade'' || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 || __.__ || 75.29
 
|-
 
| ''Realistic'' || 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| 7.80 || 6.9 || 6.36 || 6
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M829, M829A1}}
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 
|-
 
! 10m
 
! 100m
 
! 500m
 
! 1000m
 
! 1500m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
| M830 || HEATFS || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650 || 650
 
|-
 
| M829 || APFSDS || 493 || 492 || 484 || 476 || 467 || 458
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
''in m:''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
''in mm:''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
|-
 
! 0%
 
! 50%
 
! 100%
 
|-
 
| M830 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,640 || +0° || 65° || 72° || 75°
 
|-
 
| M829 || APFSDS || 1,679 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
+
! Full<br>ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br /> rack empty
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br /> rack empty
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
|| '''40''' || XX&nbsp;''(+XX)'' || XX&nbsp;''(+XX)'' || style="text-align:left" | No  
+
| '''40''' || 35&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 18&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)''  || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount (Commander)''
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle (Commander) || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
| colspan="4" | 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || ±180°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
 
! colspan="7" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="4" | 10,000 (200) || 750 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Pintle mount (Loader)''
+
| Coaxial || 10,000 (200) || 941 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
| Pintle (Loader) || 1,400 (200) || 941 || -9°/+65° || -77°/+135°
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
| colspan="4" | 1,400 (200) || 750 || -9°/+65° || -77°/+135°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Optics and night vision===
+
== Usage in battles ==
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
! colspan="7" |{{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
+
 
|-
+
'''Stock Gameplay:'''
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
+
 
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
+
As with any vehicle, the M1A1 finds itself at a serious disadvantage while stock. Without access to thermal imaging or to the M829 and M829A1 APFSDS rounds, users will need to play more carefully. While the M830 HEATFS round is powerful, it struggles against composite armour and ERA, as well as having lacklustre post-penetration effects. Generally stock M1A1 tank commanders should avoid areas with lots of foliage, as here the lack of thermals will be especially detrimental. Additionally players will have to aim more carefully to deal effective damage with the M830 HEAT round.
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
+
 
|-
+
'''Spaded Gameplay:'''
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
+
 
! rowspan="2" |Thermal Imager
+
The M1A1 is a glass cannon without the cannon part most of the time. The M829A1 APFSDS round has plenty of penetration against opponents. A shot to the LFP should be adequate to knock out most tanks . The gun, ammo, and reload rate are comparable to other 10.7 vehicles.. The turret protection on the M1A1 is not capable of stopping any of the best APFSDS rounds at its tier. Rounds like 3BM42 Mango are able to penetrate at ranges up to 3,500 m. With this in mind, players should not rely on their armour.
Resolution
+
 
! rowspan="2" |Notes
+
'''Close Range Engagements:'''
|-
+
 
!Resolution
+
The M1A1 is not a brawler. It has impressive acceleration and gun handling, giving it an edge over other vehicles. The hull armour gives the M1A1 a fighting chance against HEAT rounds,even though most times it will hit the UGP and bounce right into the player's turret ring, knocking out the cannon breech, the gunner or the turret traverse. It is suggested to use its speed to get to a vantage position or a choke point and eliminate any target that gets through there.
!Light Mult
+
 
!Noise Level
+
'''Long Range Engagements:'''
|-
+
 
!Gunner's Sight
+
The M1A1 is capable at long range, but is outclassed very few tanks at its BR. The cannon is powerful, but not especially so compared to German counterparts. The biggest issues the M1A1 will face in regards to long range engagements are the turret armour and lack of commanders thermals. While the M829A1 APFSDS round will fail to penetrate the turret cheeks of vehicles like the T-80U and the Leopard 2A5, their rounds will have no such trouble with the M1A1. The lack of commanders thermals makes it difficult to scout for enemies while in full hull down, although players can bind a button to switch to the machine gun as their main weapon. This will allow them to see through the machine gun sight with a thermal imager, giving them an elevated vantage point through the thermals.
|X3.0 - X10.0
+
 
|Not fitted
+
'''Gameplay summary:'''
|N/A
 
|N/A
 
|500 x 300
 
|
 
|-
 
!Commander's View
 
|X6
 
|1600 x 1200
 
|
 
|
 
|Not Fitted
 
|
 
|-
 
!Driver's View
 
|X1
 
|1600 x 1200
 
|
 
|
 
|Not Fitted
 
|
 
|}
 
  
== Usage in battles ==
+
Although the M1A1 is somewhat weak when stock, it is an adequate frontline tank while spaded. The powerful round and gun give it a strong position in the U.S. top tier lineup. However M1A1 tank commanders should remember that their turret cheeks can be penetrated by some rounds. This means it does best in close to medium range fights.
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* 120 mm gun with access to good rounds, including one of the best APFSDS rounds in the game
 
 
* Turret exceptionally well protected against chemical rounds
 
* Turret exceptionally well protected against chemical rounds
 
* Decent mobility when upgraded
 
* Decent mobility when upgraded
 
* Ammunition in the turret, when detonated, generally will not spread to the crew compartment
 
* Ammunition in the turret, when detonated, generally will not spread to the crew compartment
 
* The fuel tanks and engine compartment are separated from the crew compartment by steel plates, increasing the time it takes for a fire to destroy the vehicle
 
* The fuel tanks and engine compartment are separated from the crew compartment by steel plates, increasing the time it takes for a fire to destroy the vehicle
* Reload speed of the 120 mm is decent; 6 seconds with an aced crew level
+
* Reload speed of the 120 mm is great; 5 seconds with an aced crew level
 +
* Very powerful M829A1 APFSDS round
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Stock vehicle is sluggish  
+
* Stock vehicle is sluggish
 
* Stock rounds are quite inadequate against many of the main battle tanks the vehicle faces
 
* Stock rounds are quite inadequate against many of the main battle tanks the vehicle faces
* Ammunition variety is limited to two choices, a HEAT-FS and APFSDS round
 
* Reload time slower than 105 mm armed predecessors
 
 
* Hull and turret armour less effective against kinetic rounds, plus are lacking in protection against the armaments of current Rank VII vehicles
 
* Hull and turret armour less effective against kinetic rounds, plus are lacking in protection against the armaments of current Rank VII vehicles
 +
* Lacks the M830A1 proximity-fused HEATFS round that the M1A1HC and M1A1 AIM has at the same BR
 +
* Weak turret ring armour and upper hull plate ricochets will often/sometimes lead to fatal shot traps and ammo racks.
 +
* Like with most Abrams series tanks, the engine deck is slightly raised, meaning that you will not be able to depress the gun over the rear of the tank.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
Almost as soon as the first production M1 Abrams MBTs began rolling off the assembly line, did American engineers begin working on an up-gunned version of the Abrams. They succeeded in this endeavour in 1981, after a prototype Abrams, designated M1E1, was successfully fitted with a 120mm Rheinmetall smoothbore cannon.
 
Almost as soon as the first production M1 Abrams MBTs began rolling off the assembly line, did American engineers begin working on an up-gunned version of the Abrams. They succeeded in this endeavour in 1981, after a prototype Abrams, designated M1E1, was successfully fitted with a 120mm Rheinmetall smoothbore cannon.
 +
[[File:M1A1 M2 Browning - National Archives 6458905.jpeg|x250px|right|none|thumb|An M1A1 Abrams at Fort Knox.]]
  
 
Showing promising performance, work on the vehicle continued. At the same time, an upgraded version of the original Abrams, the IPM1, which featured improved protection and a larger turret was briefly produced between 1984 - 1986. The resulting M1A1 Abrams inherited the upgrades from the IPM1 and combined them with the M256 120 mm smoothbore cannon, a licence-built version of the German original.
 
Showing promising performance, work on the vehicle continued. At the same time, an upgraded version of the original Abrams, the IPM1, which featured improved protection and a larger turret was briefly produced between 1984 - 1986. The resulting M1A1 Abrams inherited the upgrades from the IPM1 and combined them with the M256 120 mm smoothbore cannon, a licence-built version of the German original.
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Production of the M1A1 seized in 1992, with over 5,800 units being produced, including Egyptian and Australian export models. The original M1A1 chassis still serves today, albeit as upgraded variants which have undergone several modernization efforts.
 
Production of the M1A1 seized in 1992, with over 5,800 units being produced, including Egyptian and Australian export models. The original M1A1 chassis still serves today, albeit as upgraded variants which have undergone several modernization efforts.
  
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6087-development-m1a1-abrams-leaping-forward-en Devblog]''
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''- From [[wt:en/news/6087-development-m1a1-abrams-leaping-forward-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:M1A1 on Alaska.png|thumb|250px|M1A1 Abrams on the move in [[Alaska]].]] </li>
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1a1_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Images
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<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
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File:M1A1 on Alaska.png|<small>M1A1 Abrams on the move in [[Alaska]]</small>
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</gallery>
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|SqCcFtMWLqU|'''The Shooting Range #140''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the M1A1 Abrams.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ␙M1A1 - <small>([[wt:en/news/6286-esport-war-thunder-youtube-cup-results-en|YouTube Cup 2019]] prize)</small>
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/6087-development-m1a1-abrams-leaping-forward-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> M1A1 Abrams: Leaping Forward]
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* [[wt:en/news/6087-development-m1a1-abrams-leaping-forward-en|[Devblog] M1A1 Abrams: Leaping Forward]]
  
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{{TankManufacturer GDLS}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}

Revision as of 23:51, 4 April 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American main battle tank M1A1. For other vehicles of the family, see M1 Abrams (Family).
us_m1a1_abrams.png
GarageImage M1A1.jpg
ArtImage M1A1.png
M1A1
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The first M1 Abrams tank originally featured a 105 mm M68A1 gun as part of cost concerns to get the Abrams into service. However, after its acceptance in 1981, the US military began looking into the more powerful 120 mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun for use in the Abrams. Following a trial period with the M1E1 prototype with the 120 mm M256 gun installed, the vehicle was officially accepted into service in 1984 as the M1A1 Abrams, with production lasting from 1985 to 1993. The M1A1 would set the standard of the modern Abrams design, becoming the most numerous produced base version of the Abrams tank at around 5,000 units manufactured (including retrofits to older M1 and IPM1 into M1A1 standards), and would most notably see combat in the US campaign in the Middle East such as the 1991 Operation Desert Storm and 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom. The M1A1's ubiquity paved the way for various M1A1 upgrades, foreign sales, as well as the improved M1A2 Abrams.

The Tank, Combat, Full Tracked, 120-mm Gun M1A1 (shortened to M1A1) has been present in the game since Update 1.87 "Locked On" and gives the highly mobile Abrams platform the deadly 120 mm M256 gun to use against enemy tanks. The round selection is limited to APFSDS and HEAT-FS, the APFSDS rounds allow for a more even fight against opposing tanks, though may still require the M1A1 to aim at weak points against more protected opponents. The composite armour of the M1A1 retains the effective chemical protection and against downtier opponents, the protection against kinetic shells, especially those in uptiers, would force players to rely on the M1A1 mobility to avoid being hit, as well as excellent "soft" protection like the blow-out panels for the turret bustle ammo racks that can help prevent an ammunition cook-off from outright destroying the tank. The M1A1 remains an impressive vehicle for players to use and outpace their opponents with its mobility and destroy them with the 120 mm gun.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull133 / 60 / 32
Turret139 / 120 / 13
Crew4 people
Visibility82 %

The M1A1 is essentially an IPM1 armed with a 120 mm M256 gun, meaning the armour is almost identical to its tech-tree predecessor. The tank features composite armour in gun mantlet, turret cheeks, sides and lower front plate, with composite side skirts affording some protection along the frontal half of the vehicle's hull. The M1A1 retains the Abrams series' exceptional protection against chemical energy projectiles, with the turret cheeks affording some 1,200 mm RHAe against shaped charges and the hull providing around 600 mm. However, the kinetic energy protection of the tank is quite lacklustre compared to its top tier compatriots, especially against the best rounds fielded by other nations' main battle tanks; all of which can easily penetrate the Abrams frontally in practically any location. This makes the tank quite vulnerable to enemy fire. However, the M1A1 also retains the excellent survivability of the Abrams series, with a spread out crew, separate ammunition compartment and shielding for fuel tanks and the engine compartment that make the tank unlikely to die in a single shot. However, don't expect to be able to fire back if you get penetrated: most penetrating hits will knock out at least one of these components/crew members: gun breech/barrel, turret traverse/elevation, gunner or loader, track(s), engine.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 43 km/h
RB and SB69 / 39 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight57.2 t
Engine power
AB2 898 hp
RB and SB1 519 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB50.7 hp/t
RB and SB26.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 76 43 57.2 2,058 2,898 35.98 50.66
Realistic 69 39 1,343 1,519 23.48 26.56

The M1A1 features the same 1,500 horsepower AGT-1500 gas turbine equipped on the other Abrams tank, though the tank has gotten several tons heavier. When stock, the vehicle accelerates quite sluggishly and features a horrendously slow hull traverse. Fully upgraded however, the M1A1 is quite nimble with decent power-to-weight ratio and traverse capability. At 68 km/h of top speed and 40 km/h in reverse, the tank is comparable to its counterparts.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 216 → 6 657 Sl icon.png
RB4 147 → 6 548 Sl icon.png
SB4 878 → 7 702 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications248 200 Rp icon.png
414 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
34 000 Sl icon.png
660 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
34 000 Sl icon.png
660 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_HEAT_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M908_HE_OR_ammo_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
22 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
34 000 Sl icon.png
660 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M829A_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order17 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M256 (120 mm)

The M1A1's gun handles very well, with a very efficient stabiliser that allows accurate fire at any speed and a very fast 40 degrees per second turret traverse. The gun has good depression and elevation angles. An aced crew can reload the gun in just six seconds, which is comparable to the Leopard 2A5, Leclerc and T-80U, although slower than the Type 90 and Challenger 2. The penetration of the M829 APFSDS, even though is comparable if not a little better that its contemporaries, is not enough to handle most of the soviet MBTs it is going to face.

120 mm M256 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.08 52.71 64.00 70.80 75.29 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 23.80 28.00 34.00 37.60 40.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M830 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
M829 APFSDS 491 488 481 473 464 454
M829A1 APFSDS 598 596 589 580 570 560
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M830 HEATFS 1,140 13.1 0.05 0.1 2.36 65° 72° 77°
M829 APFSDS 1,670 4.27 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M829A1 APFSDS 1,575 4.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M1A1
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
40 35 (+5) 18 (+22) (+39) No

Machine guns

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-9° / 65°
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
Ammunition10 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle (Commander) 1,000 (200) 577 -9°/+65° ±180°
7.62 mm M240
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 10,000 (200) 941 N/A N/A
Pintle (Loader) 1,400 (200) 941 -9°/+65° -77°/+135°

Usage in battles

Stock Gameplay:

As with any vehicle, the M1A1 finds itself at a serious disadvantage while stock. Without access to thermal imaging or to the M829 and M829A1 APFSDS rounds, users will need to play more carefully. While the M830 HEATFS round is powerful, it struggles against composite armour and ERA, as well as having lacklustre post-penetration effects. Generally stock M1A1 tank commanders should avoid areas with lots of foliage, as here the lack of thermals will be especially detrimental. Additionally players will have to aim more carefully to deal effective damage with the M830 HEAT round.

Spaded Gameplay:

The M1A1 is a glass cannon without the cannon part most of the time. The M829A1 APFSDS round has plenty of penetration against opponents. A shot to the LFP should be adequate to knock out most tanks . The gun, ammo, and reload rate are comparable to other 10.7 vehicles.. The turret protection on the M1A1 is not capable of stopping any of the best APFSDS rounds at its tier. Rounds like 3BM42 Mango are able to penetrate at ranges up to 3,500 m. With this in mind, players should not rely on their armour.

Close Range Engagements:

The M1A1 is not a brawler. It has impressive acceleration and gun handling, giving it an edge over other vehicles. The hull armour gives the M1A1 a fighting chance against HEAT rounds,even though most times it will hit the UGP and bounce right into the player's turret ring, knocking out the cannon breech, the gunner or the turret traverse. It is suggested to use its speed to get to a vantage position or a choke point and eliminate any target that gets through there.

Long Range Engagements:

The M1A1 is capable at long range, but is outclassed very few tanks at its BR. The cannon is powerful, but not especially so compared to German counterparts. The biggest issues the M1A1 will face in regards to long range engagements are the turret armour and lack of commanders thermals. While the M829A1 APFSDS round will fail to penetrate the turret cheeks of vehicles like the T-80U and the Leopard 2A5, their rounds will have no such trouble with the M1A1. The lack of commanders thermals makes it difficult to scout for enemies while in full hull down, although players can bind a button to switch to the machine gun as their main weapon. This will allow them to see through the machine gun sight with a thermal imager, giving them an elevated vantage point through the thermals.

Gameplay summary:

Although the M1A1 is somewhat weak when stock, it is an adequate frontline tank while spaded. The powerful round and gun give it a strong position in the U.S. top tier lineup. However M1A1 tank commanders should remember that their turret cheeks can be penetrated by some rounds. This means it does best in close to medium range fights.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Turret exceptionally well protected against chemical rounds
  • Decent mobility when upgraded
  • Ammunition in the turret, when detonated, generally will not spread to the crew compartment
  • The fuel tanks and engine compartment are separated from the crew compartment by steel plates, increasing the time it takes for a fire to destroy the vehicle
  • Reload speed of the 120 mm is great; 5 seconds with an aced crew level
  • Very powerful M829A1 APFSDS round

Cons:

  • Stock vehicle is sluggish
  • Stock rounds are quite inadequate against many of the main battle tanks the vehicle faces
  • Hull and turret armour less effective against kinetic rounds, plus are lacking in protection against the armaments of current Rank VII vehicles
  • Lacks the M830A1 proximity-fused HEATFS round that the M1A1HC and M1A1 AIM has at the same BR
  • Weak turret ring armour and upper hull plate ricochets will often/sometimes lead to fatal shot traps and ammo racks.
  • Like with most Abrams series tanks, the engine deck is slightly raised, meaning that you will not be able to depress the gun over the rear of the tank.

History

Almost as soon as the first production M1 Abrams MBTs began rolling off the assembly line, did American engineers begin working on an up-gunned version of the Abrams. They succeeded in this endeavour in 1981, after a prototype Abrams, designated M1E1, was successfully fitted with a 120mm Rheinmetall smoothbore cannon.

An M1A1 Abrams at Fort Knox.

Showing promising performance, work on the vehicle continued. At the same time, an upgraded version of the original Abrams, the IPM1, which featured improved protection and a larger turret was briefly produced between 1984 - 1986. The resulting M1A1 Abrams inherited the upgrades from the IPM1 and combined them with the M256 120 mm smoothbore cannon, a licence-built version of the German original.

The M1A1 was adopted for service in 1984 and was produced alongside the IPM1 for a short while since 1985 until the older modification was phased out of production.

The M1A1 saw its first use during the U.S. deployment in the Gulf War in 1991. Faced against arguably inferior Soviet-era tanks, the M1A1 had successfully proven its worth in tank-on-tank engagements but exposed new problems concerning its performance and vulnerability in urban environments. This led to further upgrades for the vehicle being developed later on.

Production of the M1A1 seized in 1992, with over 5,800 units being produced, including Egyptian and Australian export models. The original M1A1 chassis still serves today, albeit as upgraded variants which have undergone several modernization efforts.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images
Videos

See also

External links


General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)
MBTs  IPM1 Abrams · M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP
Tank destroyers  M1128 Stryker MGS

USA medium tanks
M2  M2
M3  M3 Lee · ▃Grant I
M4  M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1
M46/47/48 Patton  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S
MBT-70  MBT-70 · XM803
M1 Abrams  XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM)
  M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1
  M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait
  M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2
Other  T95E1
Australia  M1A1 AIM
Canada  M4A5
Israel  ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D
Turkey  M60 AMBT