Difference between revisions of "M1A1 HC"

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{{About
 +
| about= American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage= other vehicles of the family
 +
| link= M1 Abrams (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_m1a1_hc_abrams
 
|code=us_m1a1_hc_abrams
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_Dozer.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
−
''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 mid-1980s, the US Marine Corps (USMC) considered the M1 Abrams as a replacement to their M60A1 tank fleet. Requesting some modifications to better suit the USMC purposes, the M1A1 Abrams incorporating the changes began production in November 1990. As this new design was used and sent to both US Army and USMC, the tanks became known as the M1A1 HC within the US Army, with "HC" standing for "Heavy Common". The USMC simply referred to the tank as the "Common".
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]], is an upgrade of the preceding [[M1A1 Abrams]]. It has armour improvements due to incorporating the "Heavy Armor" (HA) upgrade that includes depleted uranium inserts. The firepower is also improved with access to the M830A1 HEATFS round that includes a proximity fuse, meaning it is useful not only on enemy armoured vehicles, but also low-flying aircraft to swat them out of the sky. The mobility of the M1A1 HC is not too different from its predecessors. For users who have enjoyed the M1A1 Abrams gameplay, the M1A1 HC features improved capabilities to make the most of the firepower, armour, and mobility of the Abrams platform.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
−
''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.''
+
The armour of the M1A1 HC is a drastic improvement from its predecessor. Like the succeeding M1A2, the M1A1 HC has 2nd generation depleted uranium (DU) inserts in the turret, making the turret practically impervious to most attacks. It also retains the same crew layout of its predecessors along with the blowout ammo rack, meaning it is quite survivable. The hull remains unchanged however, and due to the increase in BR, most enemies will be able to penetrate it even at long range.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2533|rbMinHp=1343}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
−
''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|Link to cannon}} -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[CANNON PAGE|Cannon Name]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[M256 (120 mm)|120 mm M256]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | __ || rowspan="2" | -__°/+__° || rowspan="2" | ±___° || rowspan="2" | __ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
|-
+
The M1A1 HC is armed with the same 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun as the M1A1 and has access to the same ammunition of APFSDS and HEATFS. However, the M1A1 HC also gets access to a new HEATFS shell, M830A1. The M829A1 APFSDS round is an excellent anti-tank munition, boasting high penetration figures, at 598 mm of flat penetration at point-blank and decreasing to just 560 mm at 2 km. Its angled performance is also excellent, penetrating 346 mm of armour at 60 degrees point-blank and 324 mm at 2 km. It is sufficient to reliably engage any vehicle in the game frontally. The M830 HEATFS shell penetrates a meagre 480 mm of armour. It is not recommended to use this shell after unlocking the M829. The M830A1 is a special type of HEATFS round. Instead of using a conventional impact fuse, M830A1 is a sub-calibre HEATFS round that has been saboted into a 120 mm casing and fitted with a proximity fuse. This allows it to effectively engage low flying aircraft and helicopters up to a range of 4.5 km. The sub-calibre nature of the round means it travels extremely quickly at 1,400 m/s. However, its effectiveness against armoured vehicles is limited as it penetrates a mere 350 mm of armour.
−
! colspan="6" | [[CANNON PAGE|Cannon Name]] (x_) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
|-
 
−
! ''Arcade''
 
−
| rowspan="2" | ___ (__) || rowspan="2" | ___ || rowspan="2" | -__°/+__° || rowspan="2" | ±___° || rowspan="2" | __ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! ''Realistic''
 
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
==== Ammunition ====
+
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M830A1, M829, M829A1, M908}}
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || ___ || _.__ || _._ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || _.__ || __ || _ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M1A1_Abrams.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''__''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''40''' || 35&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 18&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+39)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
=== Machine guns ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|}}
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
−
<!-- {{main|Link to cannon}} -->
+
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 +
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[CANNON PAGE|Cannon Name]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
|-
 
−
! ''Arcade''
 
−
| rowspan="2" | __ || rowspan="2" | -__°/+__° || rowspan="2" | ±___° || rowspan="2" | __ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
| Pintle (Commander) || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || -160°/+180°
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[CANNON PAGE|Cannon Name]] (x_) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
−
|-
 
−
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
|-
 
−
! ''Arcade''
 
−
| rowspan="2" | ___ (__) || rowspan="2" | ___ || rowspan="2" | -__°/+__° || rowspan="2" | ±___° || rowspan="2" | __ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
 
−
|-
 
−
! ''Realistic''
 
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
==== Ammunition ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| ___ || ___ || ___ || _.__ || _._ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Full<br>ammo
 
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''__''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Machine guns ===
 
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|}}
 
−
<!-- ''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.'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
−
''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|Link to machine gun}} -->
 
−
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[MACHINE GUN PAGE|Machine Gun Name]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ || ___ (___) || ___ || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 10,000 (200) || 941 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ || ___ (___) || ___ || -__°/+__° || ±__°
+
| Pintle (Loader) || 1,400 (200) || 941 || -9°/+65° || -77°/+135°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 253: Line 122:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
−
''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).''
+
The M1A1 HC is essentially the [[M1A2 Abrams|M1A2]] without the CITV but with a soft-kill active protection system (APS) that is only useful against early missiles but useless against laser-guided missiles like Hellfires or Vikhrs. The M1A1 HC also has good acceleration which allows for flanking manoeuvres. Due to its increased turret protection and better APFSDS round, it is also suited for sniping at long ranges especially when hull down. With a higher BR than its predecessor, it faces tanks that have no problem penetrating its hull necessitating proper utilization of hard cover found in maps. Its M829A1 round allows it to more comfortably engage targets at range and penetrate armour more reliably up close.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''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".'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' The text within these arrows are not to be deleted -->
−
''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Powerful and versatile ammunition selection
 +
* Has an active protection system that can provide protection against some ATGMs, also comes stock
 +
* Better turret protection when compared to the M1A1
 +
* M829 is a Tier I modification, with NVDs being Tier III
 +
* Carries 4 charges of smoke grenades (4/16 compared to the 6/12 carried by its brothers)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* No commander's sight
 +
* APS is visible through night vision devices and cannot intercept modern ATGMs
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
===Development & Procurement===
 +
Though the [[M1 Abrams]] became accepted into service of the United States Army in November 1981,<ref name="Green_Abrams1">Green 2015, Loc 241 of 1808</ref> the United States Marines Corps (USMC) were not able to immediately look into procurement of the Abrams tanks due to budget constraints. It was not until February 1985 that Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Paul Kelly sought to officially replace the [[M60A1 (AOS)|M60A1]] in USMC service with the [[M1A1 Abrams]], with plans for 490 M1A1 to replace 760 M60A1 beginning in November 1990.<ref name="Green_Abrams2">Green 2015, Loc 1187-1201 of 1808</ref>
 +
[[File:M1A1 HC V18 amphibious assault 130519-M-DA099-026.jpg|x250px|right|none|thumb|A USMC M1A1 HC in an amphibious exercise. The ability of the M1A1 to accept a deep water fording kit, a feature the USMC requested, is an indicator of a "Heavy Common" variant.]]
 +
 
 +
The USMC's plan to acquire the M1A1 (or the M1A1 {{Annotation|HA|Heavy Armor}} model with {{Annotation|DU|depleted uranium}} armour since October 1988<ref name="AFVDB_Abrams">Conners 2021</ref>) also requested design changes to the tank to fit the USMC's needs. These requests culminated to eighty engineering changes, such as deep-wading adapters for fording kits, stronger chain tie-downs, and a position location reference system.<ref name="Green_Abrams2" /><ref name="AFVDB_Abrams" /><ref name="Zaloga_M1vsT72">Zaloga 2009, Loc 908-916 of 1274</ref> Instead of producing this modified Abrams tank just for the USMC, {{Annotation|GDLS|General Dynamic Land Systems}} integrated these changes into the overall M1A1 HA production lines beginning in November 1990. These new M1A1s were not distinguished by the service branch, being sent to both the US Army and US Marine Corps. As such, the US Army began referring to the M1A1s produced after November 1990 as the '''M1A1 HC''', with '''HC''' for "'''H'''eavy '''C'''ommon" in reference to the commonality of the M1A1 HA tank design between the service branches. The USMC came to referencing the tank as the '''M1A1 Common''', while referring to any pre-November 1990 builds of the M1A1 HA as a "Plain Jane".<ref name="Green_Abrams2" /> The primary distinction between a US Army and a US Marine Corps M1A1 HC is the smoke grenade launchers, the US Army uses the M250 smoke grenade launcher while the USMC uses the M257 smoke grenade launcher.<ref name="inetres_smoke">Cooke 2008</ref>
 +
 
 +
Though the USMC requested for 490 M1A1 HC tanks, they would only receive 269 units by the delivery end date of 1992.<ref name="Green_Abrams2" /> An insufficient number for their needs, the USMC would receive additional support from US Congress between 1994 to 1995, which allocated enough funding for the transfer of 134 M1A1 tanks from the US Army. As these were "Plain Jane" M1A1 HAs, an upgrade program was started between 1995 to 1997 to apply "Common" design changes into the "Plain Janes". Another transfer would occur in between 2002 to 2005 for 181 M1A1 HA from the US Army to the USMC, which were likewise modified to HC standards.<ref name="Green_Abrams3">Green 2015, Loc 1201-1208 of 1808</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The USMC's stock of M1A1 Abrams tank would see first use during the 1991 Gulf War. However, their primary tank deployed to the theater was the [[M60A1 RISE (P)]] as they were still procuring and transitioning to the M1A1 tanks. To bolster the US Marine's number of Abrams, the US Army provided 60 "Plain Jane" M1A1 HA to the US Marine's 2nd Tank Battalion while the two companies of the 4th Tank Battalion of the USMC Reserve was equipped with 16 of the newer M1A1 HC. As such, the Abrams made up of 76 of the total 353 USMC tanks in the Gulf War, the rest of which was composed of M60A1s.<ref name="Zaloga_M1vsT72" />
 +
[[File:USMC M1A1 Afghanistan - DIVDSHUB 364427.jpg|x250px|left|thumb|Two M1A1 HC of the USMC in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The front tank has a dozer blade attached. The two large cylindrical antennas on the turret bustle of each tank is for the CREW-1 jammer unit.]]
 +
 
 +
The USMC's Abrams were committed into action during the ground phase of Operation Desert Storm. 4th Tank Battalion's Bravo Company<!--Zaloga's 2009 source state it was 2nd Tank Battalion's Bravo company (meaning a M1A1 HA engagement), but more recent sources state it was the reserve 4th Tank Battalion's Bravo company--> saw action in the pre-dawn hours of February 25th when a T-72 battalion from the 3rd Saladin Armored Division approached their location.<ref name="Zaloga_M1vsT72combat">Zaloga 2009, Loc 1160-1168 of 1274</ref><ref name="NHHC_Feb1991">Naval History and Heritage Command 2015</ref> The M1A1 HCs, benefitting from their thermal imager gun sights, were able to engage and decimate the battalion, destroying up to 34 of the 35 total T-72 tanks in a span of 90 seconds.<ref name="NHHC_Feb1991" /><ref name="Green_Abrams4">Green 2015, Loc 1214 of 1808</ref> One crew was even credited with hitting seven tanks with seven rounds in about a minute.<ref name="Zaloga_M1vsT72combat" />
 +
 
 +
The M1A1 HC would continue to see use wherever the USMC deployed their armoured units, such as in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The M1A1 HC's usage in Afghanistan stand out as the US Army did not bring any Abrams, and the Abrams were present from 2011 to 2013. The tanks deployed to these two operations are distinguished by the fitting of a CREWS 1 electronic receiver/jammer unit, intended to prevent the transmission of electronic frequencies from detonating improvised explosive devices (IED). These are distinguished by two large antennas usually located at the turret rear.<ref name="Green_Abrams5">Green 2015, Loc 1222-1258 of 1808</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Further upgrades and the Future===
 +
The USMC stuck with the M1A1 HC throughout its service life, lacking the budget to upgrade to the US Army's [[M1A2 Abrams]]. However, the USMC integrated several M1A2 and other US Army features such as the Stabilized Commander's Weapon Station (SCWS) and Tank-Infantry Phone (TIP). One unique upgrade the USMC implemented on their tanks was the Abrams Suspension Upgrade (ASU), intended to improve the Abrams' supported weight to 77 tons. A Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP) was also implemented to improve the fire control system and {{annotation|IFF|Identification friend or foe}} recognition.<ref name="Green_Abrams5" />
 +
 
 +
In 2020, the United States Marine Corps was reorganized under Commandant Gen. David Berger as part of Force Design 2030, with the decision made to deactivate all tank units under the USMC.<ref name="Military_TankGone">Harkins Mar. 2020</ref> The process began in July with 4th Tank Battalion's deactivation and ended in on 21 May 2021 with the 1st Tank Battalion's deactivation.<ref name="Military_4thTank">Harkins Jul. 2020</ref><ref name="USMC_1stTank">Athey 2021</ref> The 452 M1A1 HC tanks in USMC inventory are to be transferred to the US Army by 2023.<ref name="USMC_TankEnd">South 2021</ref> Should tanks be required to support USMC operations in the future, it is expected that the US Army's M1 Abrams can provide the needed capabilities.<ref name="USMC_ForceDesign2030">Commandment of the Marine Corps 2020, 8</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1a1_hc_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|LufGqZTfvoI|'''MBTs with Best Armor''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 02:11 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|pZxE5eUhnFQ|'''The Shooting Range #270''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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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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;[[M1 Abrams (Family)|Related development]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[M1 Abrams]]
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* [[IPM1]]
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* [[M1A1 Abrams]]
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* [[M1A2 Abrams]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
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{{Template:TankManufacturer GDLS}}
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* [http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m1abrams.html [American Fighting Vehicle Database<nowiki>]</nowiki> M1 Abrams] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211109164841/http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m1abrams.html Archive])
 +
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
 
 +
;Citations
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
 +
 
 +
* Athey, Philip. "Marine Corps deactivates its final active-duty tank battalion". ''Marine Corps Times'', 25 May 2021, [https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/05/25/marine-corps-deactivates-its-final-active-duty-tank-battalion/ Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211114234337/https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/05/25/marine-corps-deactivates-its-final-active-duty-tank-battalion/ Archive]).
 +
* Chief of Naval Operations. "THE UNITED STATES NAVY IN "DESERT SHIELD" / "DESERT STORM" » Appendix A: Chronology - February 1991". ''Naval History and Heritage Command'', 02 Mar. 2015, [https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/us-navy-in-desert-shield-desert-storm/february-1991.html Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211114233638/https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/us-navy-in-desert-shield-desert-storm/february-1991.html Archive]).
 +
* Commandment of the Marine Corps. "Force Design 2030". ''Headquarters Marine Corps'', 26 Mar. 2020, [https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Portals/142/Docs/CMC38%20Force%20Design%202030%20Report%20Phase%20I%20and%20II.pdf?ver=2020-03-26-121328-460 Website]. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220814083603/https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Portals/142/Docs/CMC38%20Force%20Design%202030%20Report%20Phase%20I%20and%20II.pdf?ver=2020-03-26-121328-460 Archive]).
 +
* Conners, Chris. "M1 Abrams". ''American Fighting Vehicle Database'', 13 Nov. 2021, [http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m1abrams.html Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211114233648/http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m1abrams.html Archive]).
 +
* Cooke, Gary W. "U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers". ''Gary's Place'', 03 May 2008, [https://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/weapon/launchers.html Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211115001048/https://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/weapon/launchers.html Archive]).
 +
* Green, Michael. ''Images of War: M1 Abrams Tanks - Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives''. E-book ed., Pen & Sword Military, 2015. Kindle.
 +
* Harkins, Gina. "Marines to Shut Down All Tank Units, Cut Infantry Battalions in Major Overhaul". ''Military Advantage'', 23 Mar. 2020, [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/23/marines-shut-down-all-tank-units-cut-infantry-battalions-major-overhaul.html Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211114234334/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/03/23/marines-shut-down-all-tank-units-cut-infantry-battalions-major-overhaul.html Archive]).
 +
* Harkins, Gina. "Marine Corps Begins Shutdown of All Tank Battalions". ''Military Advantage'', 21 Jul 2020, [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/07/21/marine-corps-begins-shutdown-of-all-tank-battalions.html Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211114234339/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/07/21/marine-corps-begins-shutdown-of-all-tank-battalions.html Archive]).
 +
* South, Todd. "Goodbye, tanks: How the Marine Corps will change, and what it will lose, by ditching its armor". ''Marine Corps Times'', 22 Mar. 2021, [https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/03/22/goodbye-tanks-how-the-marine-corps-will-change-and-what-it-will-lose-by-ditching-its-armor/ Website]. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211114234339/https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/03/22/goodbye-tanks-how-the-marine-corps-will-change-and-what-it-will-lose-by-ditching-its-armor/ Archive]).
 +
* Zaloga, Steven J. ''M1 Abrams VS T-72 Ural - Operation Desert Storm 1991''. E-book ed., Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2009. Kindle.
 +
 
 +
{{TankManufacturer GDLS}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 +
[[Category:Ground vehicles with active protection system]]

Latest revision as of 09:45, 26 June 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American medium tank M1A1 HC. For other vehicles of the family, see M1 Abrams (Family).
M1A1 HC
us_m1a1_hc_abrams.png
GarageImage M1A1 HC.jpg
GarageImage M1A1 HC Dozer.jpg
ArtImage M1A1 HC.png
ArtImage2 M1A1 HC.png
M1A1 HC
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.7 11.7 11.7
Class:
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In the mid-1980s, the US Marine Corps (USMC) considered the M1 Abrams as a replacement to their M60A1 tank fleet. Requesting some modifications to better suit the USMC purposes, the M1A1 Abrams incorporating the changes began production in November 1990. As this new design was used and sent to both US Army and USMC, the tanks became known as the M1A1 HC within the US Army, with "HC" standing for "Heavy Common". The USMC simply referred to the tank as the "Common".

The Tank, Combat, Full Tracked, 120-mm Gun M1A1 HC, introduced in Update "Direct Hit", is an upgrade of the preceding M1A1 Abrams. It has armour improvements due to incorporating the "Heavy Armor" (HA) upgrade that includes depleted uranium inserts. The firepower is also improved with access to the M830A1 HEATFS round that includes a proximity fuse, meaning it is useful not only on enemy armoured vehicles, but also low-flying aircraft to swat them out of the sky. The mobility of the M1A1 HC is not too different from its predecessors. For users who have enjoyed the M1A1 Abrams gameplay, the M1A1 HC features improved capabilities to make the most of the firepower, armour, and mobility of the Abrams platform.

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
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull133 / 60 / 32
Turret139 / 120 / 13
Crew4 people
Visibility82 %

The armour of the M1A1 HC is a drastic improvement from its predecessor. Like the succeeding M1A2, the M1A1 HC has 2nd generation depleted uranium (DU) inserts in the turret, making the turret practically impervious to most attacks. It also retains the same crew layout of its predecessors along with the blowout ammo rack, meaning it is quite survivable. The hull remains unchanged however, and due to the increase in BR, most enemies will be able to penetrate it even at long range.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 43 km/h
RB and SB69 / 39 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight61.2 t
Engine power
AB2 898 hp
RB and SB1 519 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB47.4 hp/t
RB and SB24.8 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 61.2 2533 2,898 41.39 47.35
Realistic 69 39 1343 1,519 21.94 24.82

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 131 → 6 857 Sl icon.png
RB4 037 → 6 701 Sl icon.png
SB5 107 → 8 477 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications280 900 Rp icon.png
462 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 210 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_HEAT_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M908_HE_OR_ammo_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M829A_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
440 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

120 mm M256 cannon
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)
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 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

The M1A1 HC is armed with the same 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun as the M1A1 and has access to the same ammunition of APFSDS and HEATFS. However, the M1A1 HC also gets access to a new HEATFS shell, M830A1. The M829A1 APFSDS round is an excellent anti-tank munition, boasting high penetration figures, at 598 mm of flat penetration at point-blank and decreasing to just 560 mm at 2 km. Its angled performance is also excellent, penetrating 346 mm of armour at 60 degrees point-blank and 324 mm at 2 km. It is sufficient to reliably engage any vehicle in the game frontally. The M830 HEATFS shell penetrates a meagre 480 mm of armour. It is not recommended to use this shell after unlocking the M829. The M830A1 is a special type of HEATFS round. Instead of using a conventional impact fuse, M830A1 is a sub-calibre HEATFS round that has been saboted into a 120 mm casing and fitted with a proximity fuse. This allows it to effectively engage low flying aircraft and helicopters up to a range of 4.5 km. The sub-calibre nature of the round means it travels extremely quickly at 1,400 m/s. However, its effectiveness against armoured vehicles is limited as it penetrates a mere 350 mm of armour.

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
M830A1 HEAT MP 350 350 350 350 350 350
M829 APFSDS 491 488 481 473 464 454
M829A1 APFSDS 598 596 589 580 570 560
M908 HE-OR 300 300 300 300 300 300
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°
M908 HE-OR 1,410 11.4 0.4 5 1.99 65° 72° 77°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M830A1 HEAT MP 1,410 11.4 0.05 0.1 400 10 1.99 65° 72° 77°

Ammo racks

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

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-9° / 65°
7.62 mm M240 machine gun
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
7.62 mm M240 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition10 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M240 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle (Commander) 1,000 (200) 577 -9°/+65° -160°/+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

The M1A1 HC is essentially the M1A2 without the CITV but with a soft-kill active protection system (APS) that is only useful against early missiles but useless against laser-guided missiles like Hellfires or Vikhrs. The M1A1 HC also has good acceleration which allows for flanking manoeuvres. Due to its increased turret protection and better APFSDS round, it is also suited for sniping at long ranges especially when hull down. With a higher BR than its predecessor, it faces tanks that have no problem penetrating its hull necessitating proper utilization of hard cover found in maps. Its M829A1 round allows it to more comfortably engage targets at range and penetrate armour more reliably up close.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful and versatile ammunition selection
  • Has an active protection system that can provide protection against some ATGMs, also comes stock
  • Better turret protection when compared to the M1A1
  • M829 is a Tier I modification, with NVDs being Tier III
  • Carries 4 charges of smoke grenades (4/16 compared to the 6/12 carried by its brothers)

Cons:

  • No commander's sight
  • APS is visible through night vision devices and cannot intercept modern ATGMs

History

Development & Procurement

Though the M1 Abrams became accepted into service of the United States Army in November 1981,[1] the United States Marines Corps (USMC) were not able to immediately look into procurement of the Abrams tanks due to budget constraints. It was not until February 1985 that Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Paul Kelly sought to officially replace the M60A1 in USMC service with the M1A1 Abrams, with plans for 490 M1A1 to replace 760 M60A1 beginning in November 1990.[2]

A USMC M1A1 HC in an amphibious exercise. The ability of the M1A1 to accept a deep water fording kit, a feature the USMC requested, is an indicator of a "Heavy Common" variant.

The USMC's plan to acquire the M1A1 (or the M1A1 HA model with DU armour since October 1988[3]) also requested design changes to the tank to fit the USMC's needs. These requests culminated to eighty engineering changes, such as deep-wading adapters for fording kits, stronger chain tie-downs, and a position location reference system.[2][3][4] Instead of producing this modified Abrams tank just for the USMC, GDLS integrated these changes into the overall M1A1 HA production lines beginning in November 1990. These new M1A1s were not distinguished by the service branch, being sent to both the US Army and US Marine Corps. As such, the US Army began referring to the M1A1s produced after November 1990 as the M1A1 HC, with HC for "Heavy Common" in reference to the commonality of the M1A1 HA tank design between the service branches. The USMC came to referencing the tank as the M1A1 Common, while referring to any pre-November 1990 builds of the M1A1 HA as a "Plain Jane".[2] The primary distinction between a US Army and a US Marine Corps M1A1 HC is the smoke grenade launchers, the US Army uses the M250 smoke grenade launcher while the USMC uses the M257 smoke grenade launcher.[5]

Though the USMC requested for 490 M1A1 HC tanks, they would only receive 269 units by the delivery end date of 1992.[2] An insufficient number for their needs, the USMC would receive additional support from US Congress between 1994 to 1995, which allocated enough funding for the transfer of 134 M1A1 tanks from the US Army. As these were "Plain Jane" M1A1 HAs, an upgrade program was started between 1995 to 1997 to apply "Common" design changes into the "Plain Janes". Another transfer would occur in between 2002 to 2005 for 181 M1A1 HA from the US Army to the USMC, which were likewise modified to HC standards.[6]

Combat usage

The USMC's stock of M1A1 Abrams tank would see first use during the 1991 Gulf War. However, their primary tank deployed to the theater was the M60A1 RISE (P) as they were still procuring and transitioning to the M1A1 tanks. To bolster the US Marine's number of Abrams, the US Army provided 60 "Plain Jane" M1A1 HA to the US Marine's 2nd Tank Battalion while the two companies of the 4th Tank Battalion of the USMC Reserve was equipped with 16 of the newer M1A1 HC. As such, the Abrams made up of 76 of the total 353 USMC tanks in the Gulf War, the rest of which was composed of M60A1s.[4]

Two M1A1 HC of the USMC in Helmand province, Afghanistan. The front tank has a dozer blade attached. The two large cylindrical antennas on the turret bustle of each tank is for the CREW-1 jammer unit.

The USMC's Abrams were committed into action during the ground phase of Operation Desert Storm. 4th Tank Battalion's Bravo Company saw action in the pre-dawn hours of February 25th when a T-72 battalion from the 3rd Saladin Armored Division approached their location.[7][8] The M1A1 HCs, benefitting from their thermal imager gun sights, were able to engage and decimate the battalion, destroying up to 34 of the 35 total T-72 tanks in a span of 90 seconds.[8][9] One crew was even credited with hitting seven tanks with seven rounds in about a minute.[7]

The M1A1 HC would continue to see use wherever the USMC deployed their armoured units, such as in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The M1A1 HC's usage in Afghanistan stand out as the US Army did not bring any Abrams, and the Abrams were present from 2011 to 2013. The tanks deployed to these two operations are distinguished by the fitting of a CREWS 1 electronic receiver/jammer unit, intended to prevent the transmission of electronic frequencies from detonating improvised explosive devices (IED). These are distinguished by two large antennas usually located at the turret rear.[10]

Further upgrades and the Future

The USMC stuck with the M1A1 HC throughout its service life, lacking the budget to upgrade to the US Army's M1A2 Abrams. However, the USMC integrated several M1A2 and other US Army features such as the Stabilized Commander's Weapon Station (SCWS) and Tank-Infantry Phone (TIP). One unique upgrade the USMC implemented on their tanks was the Abrams Suspension Upgrade (ASU), intended to improve the Abrams' supported weight to 77 tons. A Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP) was also implemented to improve the fire control system and IFF recognition.[10]

In 2020, the United States Marine Corps was reorganized under Commandant Gen. David Berger as part of Force Design 2030, with the decision made to deactivate all tank units under the USMC.[11] The process began in July with 4th Tank Battalion's deactivation and ended in on 21 May 2021 with the 1st Tank Battalion's deactivation.[12][13] The 452 M1A1 HC tanks in USMC inventory are to be transferred to the US Army by 2023.[14] Should tanks be required to support USMC operations in the future, it is expected that the US Army's M1 Abrams can provide the needed capabilities.[15]

Media

Skins
Videos
MBTs with Best Armor discusses the M1A1 HC at 02:11 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #270 - Metal Beasts section at 00:29 discusses the M1A1 HC.

See also

Related development

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Green 2015, Loc 241 of 1808
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Green 2015, Loc 1187-1201 of 1808
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Conners 2021
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Zaloga 2009, Loc 908-916 of 1274
  5. ↑ Cooke 2008
  6. ↑ Green 2015, Loc 1201-1208 of 1808
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Zaloga 2009, Loc 1160-1168 of 1274
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Naval History and Heritage Command 2015
  9. ↑ Green 2015, Loc 1214 of 1808
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Green 2015, Loc 1222-1258 of 1808
  11. ↑ Harkins Mar. 2020
  12. ↑ Harkins Jul. 2020
  13. ↑ Athey 2021
  14. ↑ South 2021
  15. ↑ Commandment of the Marine Corps 2020, 8
Bibliography
  • Athey, Philip. "Marine Corps deactivates its final active-duty tank battalion". Marine Corps Times, 25 May 2021, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • Chief of Naval Operations. "THE UNITED STATES NAVY IN "DESERT SHIELD" / "DESERT STORM" » Appendix A: Chronology - February 1991". Naval History and Heritage Command, 02 Mar. 2015, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • Commandment of the Marine Corps. "Force Design 2030". Headquarters Marine Corps, 26 Mar. 2020, Website. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022 (Archive).
  • Conners, Chris. "M1 Abrams". American Fighting Vehicle Database, 13 Nov. 2021, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • Cooke, Gary W. "U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers". Gary's Place, 03 May 2008, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • Green, Michael. Images of War: M1 Abrams Tanks - Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives. E-book ed., Pen & Sword Military, 2015. Kindle.
  • Harkins, Gina. "Marines to Shut Down All Tank Units, Cut Infantry Battalions in Major Overhaul". Military Advantage, 23 Mar. 2020, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • Harkins, Gina. "Marine Corps Begins Shutdown of All Tank Battalions". Military Advantage, 21 Jul 2020, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • South, Todd. "Goodbye, tanks: How the Marine Corps will change, and what it will lose, by ditching its armor". Marine Corps Times, 22 Mar. 2021, Website. Accessed 14 Nov. 2021 (Archive).
  • Zaloga, Steven J. M1 Abrams VS T-72 Ural - Operation Desert Storm 1991. E-book ed., Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2009. Kindle.


General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)
MBTs  IPM1 Abrams · M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP
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USA medium tanks
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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
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Canada  M4A5
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Turkey  M60 AMBT

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