Difference between revisions of "IPM1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m1_ip_abrams}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=us_m1_ip_abrams}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about= American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| other
 +
| usage-1= other vehicles of the family
 +
| link-1= M1 Abrams (Family)
 +
| usage-2= other uses of the designation
 +
| link-2= M1 (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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]]
 +
{{Break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
 +
 
 +
The IPM1 (Improved Performance M1) is a minor upgrade upon the protection of the [[M1 Abrams]]. This is primarily confined to improved composite protection in the turret cheeks, resulting in a slightly lengthened turret. The IPM1 maintains the same engine, weapon and other internals of the M1.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!-- ''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 IPM1 maintains the protective measures and survivability of the original M1 Abrams, with the exception of a minor increase in the levels of composite protection. The result is a notable improvement in chemical protection and a minor improvement in kinetic protection. As with its predecessor, the turret cheeks and UFP are quite effective at deflecting ATGMs and HEAT rounds with only a few exceptions (such as the ADATS' 900 mm penetration missiles). Despite the improved protection, the IPM1 is still vulnerable to turret ring, gun mantlet and lower front plate shots, and particularly powerful kinetic rounds through the turret cheeks.
 +
 
 +
The Abrams' survivability comes not from armour, but rather from the spread-out crew members and critical components, and blowout panel protecting the crew from ammunition detonation. Often this results in enemies needing to make the choice of either disabling the vehicle's mobility ''or'' its offensive ability with their initial round; allowing the Abrams either to escape further damage or fire back.
  
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
Rounds that penetrate the rear panel between the turret crew compartment and blowout compartment will negate the blowout protection, causing any potential ammunition detonation to knock the vehicle's crew out as well.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
<!-- ''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=2058|rbMinHp=1343}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} retains the same engine as the original M1 Abrams with a minor increase (+0.9t) in weight due to the armour improvements. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} suffers from a minimal reduction in top speed but will still comfortably reach 70km/h on-road. Despite the hugely powerful engine, the vehicle's manoeuvrability suffers prior to the Tracks upgrade being researched; once Tracks have been purchased the IPM1 will perform significantly better in close quarters or in off-road applications.
 +
 
 +
As with the original Abrams, the {{PAGENAME}} largely relies on its powerful engine to get it to the battlefield earlier than other vehicles and into advantageous positions.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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 flexibilty 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.''
+
<!-- ''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|M68A1 (105 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
Like its predecessor, the IPM1 is equipped with a reliable 105 mm M68A1 cannon, and also has access to the same ammunition. The 105mm cannon is somewhat sub-par relative to the weaponry other top rank vehicles are equipped with, but an experienced tanker can make use of the decent round ballistics and incredibly good reload speeds to quickly despatch targets. It's important to know what the cannon is capable of and where weak spots are on enemy vehicles, particularly when facing more modern vehicles such as the Leopard 2A5 and T-80U.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M68A1 (105 mm)|105 mm M68A1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 55 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 ||70.8
 +
| 75.29 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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
 +
|-
 +
| M393A2 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 +
|-
 +
| M456A2 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 +
|-
 +
| M735 || APFSDS || 353 || 350 || 342 || 333 || 322 || 312
 +
|-
 +
| M774 || APFSDS || 357 || 355 || 347 || 338 || 328 || 319
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| 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%
 +
|-
 +
| M393A2 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,306 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 +
|-
 +
| M456A2 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || N/A || 0.1 || 1,271 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 +
|-
 +
| M735 || APFSDS || 1,501 || 3.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
 +
|-
 +
| M774 || APFSDS || 1,509 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" 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)
 +
|-
 +
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
'''Last updated: 1.77.2.68'''
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_M1Abrams.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M1 Abrams.]]
 +
{| 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
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''55''' || 33&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+52)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+55)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
=== Additional armament ===
+
Blowout rack only: 45&nbsp;''(+10)''
''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 how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
 
 +
First ammo rack will replenish when not reloading
 +
 
 +
<!--==== [[Optics]] ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
 +
|-
 +
!
 +
! Default magnification
 +
! Maximum magnification
 +
|-
 +
! Main Gun optics
 +
| x3.0 || x10.0
 +
|-
 +
! Comparable optics
 +
| colspan="2" | ___
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
-->
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!-- ''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)}}
 +
 
 +
The IPM1 is equipped with no less than three machine guns - while most often these are only valuable for clearing obstacles or tagging enemy vehicles, on occasion they might prove valuable dealing with close air support or nearby helicopters, as well as some light vehicles.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, due to the barrage of rounds produced when all three machine guns are fired simultaneously, they can sometimes be used to obstruct an enemy vehicle's gun sight simply by shooting their main gun (AB/RB) or their optics (SB)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount
 +
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 +
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 +
! Vertical<br>guidance
 +
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 +
|-
 +
| Commander's cupola || 1,000 (200) || 576 || -9°/+65° || -160°/+180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount
 +
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
 +
! Rate of fire<br>(shots/minute)
 +
! Vertical<br>guidance
 +
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 +
|-
 +
| Loader's cupola || 1,400 (200) || 750 || -9°/+65° || -77°/+135°
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 10,000 (200) || 750 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== 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 IPM1 should primarily rely on its speed and reload time to quickly despatch enemies and move back into cover. Where possible, make flanking maneuvers or use the Abrams' mobility to get into forward positions with the intention to catch unsuspecting targets off. Be aware, however, that the Abrams is only marginally faster than vehicles like the Leopard 2K and T-80U.
 +
 
 +
When forced into open or ranged engagements, use cover to protect your hull; while the turret may provide insufficient protection keeping the hull safe will often allow you to move back into cover if hit or damaged and repair or relocate, rather than losing your mobility and ability to escape.
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Modules ===
''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 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).''
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 +
! Protection
 +
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
|
 +
| Parts
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 +
| M393A2
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Suspension
 +
| Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
| M416
 +
| Smoke grenade
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Filters
 +
|
 +
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 +
| NVD
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 +
| ESS
 +
| Artillery Support
 +
| Laser rangefinder
 +
| M774
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Composite armour in turret cheeks and UFP are capable of stopping all but the most powerful chemical rounds and ATGMs
 +
* Has a very fast reload, 6.5 seconds stock down to 5.0 seconds aced
 +
* Very powerful engine, high top speed and good acceleration characteristics
 +
* Extremely good reverse speed
 +
* Fast turret traverse
 +
* Extremely fast gun elevation/depression
 +
* Well spread crew and critical components result in good survivability
 +
* Blowout compartment can save crew from some ammunition detonation cases
 +
* Array of machine guns, effective against CAS, nearby helicopters and some light vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Armour provides suboptimal kinetic protection
 +
* The 105mm APFSDS rounds aren't particularly powerful; may struggle to penetrate some modern targets
 +
* Extra armour reduces top speed and acceleration
 +
* Extremely vulnerable gun mantlet and turret ring
 +
* Turbine engine is extremely loud, often audible from long distance and can be used to discern the direction of the vehicle
 +
* Has the slowest reverse speed of (36km/h RB) out of all Abrams with (41km/h RB).
 +
* 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 an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--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: M1 ===
 +
 
 +
With the cancellation of the MBT-70/XM-803 program in 1971, a new program to research and create prototypes for a main battle tank was created in 1972 known as the Main Battle Tank Task Force (MBTTF) at Fort Knox. General Motors and Chrysler were eventually selected to submit drafts and designs and by the end of 1973 there were scale mock-ups of the XM1 prototypes. The design was featured around the previously used 105 mm M68 gun along with a high powered engine for increased mobility.<ref name="Hunnicut1" /> It was decided to explore new types of composite armour, and the Chobham armour being developing in Britain at the time was examined although it was not used in the XM1 prototypes.<ref name="Hunnicut2" /> The XM1 was tested in 1976, and by the end of the year Chrysler was chosen to create extensive engineering test vehicles.<ref name="Hunnicut3" />
 +
 
 +
Testing of the Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) prototypes took place in 1978 and 1979 with 11 vehicles being produced. By this time the Honeywell AGT-1500 gas turbine engine was installed. After successful modifications and testing, initial production was approved in 1979 for a series of 110 units.<ref name="Hunnicut4" /> Following more testing and finalization, production of the standardized '''105 mm Gun Tank, M1''' Abrams was approved in 1981, with the production run lasting until January 1985 and over 2,300 vehicles being made.<ref name="Hunnicut5" />
 +
 
 +
=== Development: IPM1 ===
 +
 
 +
The '''105 mm Gun Tank M1, Improved Performance''' was a modification of the original M1 Abrams tank that was produced between October 1984 through May 1986 with a total of 894 vehicles being produced. The changes made to create the Improved Performance models were taken from the ongoing Block I development program for the M1 Abrams, which would eventually produce the M1A1. Additional NERA armour protection in the turret was added, an upgraded suspension and changes to the transmission gears all added substantial weight and the maximum speed was reduced from 45 to 41.5 mph (72.4 to 67.8 km/h). In addition, more stowage racks were added to the turret, which was elongated to fit the additional composite armour arrays.<ref name="Hunnicut6" />
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|5hWb_841D7w|'''The Shooting Range #119''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 06:57 discusses the IPM1. - ''Tactics & Strategy'' section at 09:41 discusses how to defeat the IPM1.}}
  
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''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.'' -->
''ETC.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
* [[M1 Abrams]] - Predecessor without the "Improved Performance" upgrades.
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/5782-development-to-minnesota-for-the-abrams-en|[Devblog] To Minnesota for the “Abrams”]]
 +
* Hunnicut, R.P. ''Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank.'' Novato: Presidio Press, 1990.
 +
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="Hunnicut1">R.P. Hunnicut, "Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank" (Novato: Presidio Press, 1990), pp. 161-162.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Hunnicut2">''Ibid.,'' pp. 176-177.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Hunnicut3">''Ibid.,'' p. 181.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Hunnicut4">''Ibid.,'' pp. 195-202.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Hunnicut5">''Ibid.,'' p. 216.</ref>
 +
<ref name="Hunnicut6">''Ibid.,'' p. 230.</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
 
 +
{{USA medium tanks}}

Revision as of 15:41, 8 August 2020

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
us_m1_ip_abrams.png
IPM1
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Research:175 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American medium tank IPM1. For other vehicles of the family, see M1 Abrams (Family). For other uses of the designation, see M1 (Disambiguation).

Description

GarageImage IPM1.jpg


The Tank, Combat, Full Tracked, 105-mm Gun IPM1, or just IPM1, is a rank VII American medium tank with a battle rating of 11.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

The IPM1 (Improved Performance M1) is a minor upgrade upon the protection of the M1 Abrams. This is primarily confined to improved composite protection in the turret cheeks, resulting in a slightly lengthened turret. The IPM1 maintains the same engine, weapon and other internals of the M1.

General info

Survivability and armour

The IPM1 maintains the protective measures and survivability of the original M1 Abrams, with the exception of a minor increase in the levels of composite protection. The result is a notable improvement in chemical protection and a minor improvement in kinetic protection. As with its predecessor, the turret cheeks and UFP are quite effective at deflecting ATGMs and HEAT rounds with only a few exceptions (such as the ADATS' 900 mm penetration missiles). Despite the improved protection, the IPM1 is still vulnerable to turret ring, gun mantlet and lower front plate shots, and particularly powerful kinetic rounds through the turret cheeks.

The Abrams' survivability comes not from armour, but rather from the spread-out crew members and critical components, and blowout panel protecting the crew from ammunition detonation. Often this results in enemies needing to make the choice of either disabling the vehicle's mobility or its offensive ability with their initial round; allowing the Abrams either to escape further damage or fire back.

Rounds that penetrate the rear panel between the turret crew compartment and blowout compartment will negate the blowout protection, causing any potential ammunition detonation to knock the vehicle's crew out as well.

Mobility

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 56.8 2058 2,898 36.23 51.02
Realistic 69 39 1343 1,519 23.64 26.74

The IPM1 retains the same engine as the original M1 Abrams with a minor increase (+0.9t) in weight due to the armour improvements. As such, the IPM1 suffers from a minimal reduction in top speed but will still comfortably reach 70km/h on-road. Despite the hugely powerful engine, the vehicle's manoeuvrability suffers prior to the Tracks upgrade being researched; once Tracks have been purchased the IPM1 will perform significantly better in close quarters or in off-road applications.

As with the original Abrams, the IPM1 largely relies on its powerful engine to get it to the battlefield earlier than other vehicles and into advantageous positions.

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: M68A1 (105 mm)

Like its predecessor, the IPM1 is equipped with a reliable 105 mm M68A1 cannon, and also has access to the same ammunition. The 105mm cannon is somewhat sub-par relative to the weaponry other top rank vehicles are equipped with, but an experienced tanker can make use of the decent round ballistics and incredibly good reload speeds to quickly despatch targets. It's important to know what the cannon is capable of and where weak spots are on enemy vehicles, particularly when facing more modern vehicles such as the Leopard 2A5 and T-80U.

105 mm M68A1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 55 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.08 52.71 64.00 70.8 75.29 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

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
M393A2 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M456A2 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M735 APFSDS 353 350 342 333 322 312
M774 APFSDS 357 355 347 338 328 319
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M393A2 HESH 732 14.85 0.4 0.1 4,306 73° 77° 80°
M456A2 HEATFS 1,173 10.5 N/A 0.1 1,271 65° 72° 77°
M735 APFSDS 1,501 3.7 N/A N/A N/A 76° 77° 80°
M774 APFSDS 1,509 3.4 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Screen radius
(m)
Screen deploy time
(s)
Screen hold time
(s)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M416 730 11.4 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Last updated: 1.77.2.68

Ammo racks of the M1 Abrams.
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
55 33 (+22) 25 (+30) (+52) (+55) No

Blowout rack only: 45 (+10)

First ammo rack will replenish when not reloading


Machine guns

The IPM1 is equipped with no less than three machine guns - while most often these are only valuable for clearing obstacles or tagging enemy vehicles, on occasion they might prove valuable dealing with close air support or nearby helicopters, as well as some light vehicles.

Additionally, due to the barrage of rounds produced when all three machine guns are fired simultaneously, they can sometimes be used to obstruct an enemy vehicle's gun sight simply by shooting their main gun (AB/RB) or their optics (SB)

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity
(Belt capacity)
Rate of fire
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Commander's cupola 1,000 (200) 576 -9°/+65° -160°/+180°
7.62 mm M240
Mount Capacity
(Belt capacity)
Rate of fire
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Loader's cupola 1,400 (200) 750 -9°/+65° -77°/+135°
Coaxial 10,000 (200) 750 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The IPM1 should primarily rely on its speed and reload time to quickly despatch enemies and move back into cover. Where possible, make flanking maneuvers or use the Abrams' mobility to get into forward positions with the intention to catch unsuspecting targets off. Be aware, however, that the Abrams is only marginally faster than vehicles like the Leopard 2K and T-80U.

When forced into open or ranged engagements, use cover to protect your hull; while the turret may provide insufficient protection keeping the hull safe will often allow you to move back into cover if hit or damaged and repair or relocate, rather than losing your mobility and ability to escape.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive M393A2
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire M416 Smoke grenade
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism NVD
IV Transmission Engine ESS Artillery Support Laser rangefinder M774

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Composite armour in turret cheeks and UFP are capable of stopping all but the most powerful chemical rounds and ATGMs
  • Has a very fast reload, 6.5 seconds stock down to 5.0 seconds aced
  • Very powerful engine, high top speed and good acceleration characteristics
  • Extremely good reverse speed
  • Fast turret traverse
  • Extremely fast gun elevation/depression
  • Well spread crew and critical components result in good survivability
  • Blowout compartment can save crew from some ammunition detonation cases
  • Array of machine guns, effective against CAS, nearby helicopters and some light vehicles

Cons:

  • Armour provides suboptimal kinetic protection
  • The 105mm APFSDS rounds aren't particularly powerful; may struggle to penetrate some modern targets
  • Extra armour reduces top speed and acceleration
  • Extremely vulnerable gun mantlet and turret ring
  • Turbine engine is extremely loud, often audible from long distance and can be used to discern the direction of the vehicle
  • Has the slowest reverse speed of (36km/h RB) out of all Abrams with (41km/h RB).
  • 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

Development: M1

With the cancellation of the MBT-70/XM-803 program in 1971, a new program to research and create prototypes for a main battle tank was created in 1972 known as the Main Battle Tank Task Force (MBTTF) at Fort Knox. General Motors and Chrysler were eventually selected to submit drafts and designs and by the end of 1973 there were scale mock-ups of the XM1 prototypes. The design was featured around the previously used 105 mm M68 gun along with a high powered engine for increased mobility.[1] It was decided to explore new types of composite armour, and the Chobham armour being developing in Britain at the time was examined although it was not used in the XM1 prototypes.[2] The XM1 was tested in 1976, and by the end of the year Chrysler was chosen to create extensive engineering test vehicles.[3]

Testing of the Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) prototypes took place in 1978 and 1979 with 11 vehicles being produced. By this time the Honeywell AGT-1500 gas turbine engine was installed. After successful modifications and testing, initial production was approved in 1979 for a series of 110 units.[4] Following more testing and finalization, production of the standardized 105 mm Gun Tank, M1 Abrams was approved in 1981, with the production run lasting until January 1985 and over 2,300 vehicles being made.[5]

Development: IPM1

The 105 mm Gun Tank M1, Improved Performance was a modification of the original M1 Abrams tank that was produced between October 1984 through May 1986 with a total of 894 vehicles being produced. The changes made to create the Improved Performance models were taken from the ongoing Block I development program for the M1 Abrams, which would eventually produce the M1A1. Additional NERA armour protection in the turret was added, an upgraded suspension and changes to the transmission gears all added substantial weight and the maximum speed was reduced from 45 to 41.5 mph (72.4 to 67.8 km/h). In addition, more stowage racks were added to the turret, which was elongated to fit the additional composite armour arrays.[6]

Media

See also

  • M1 Abrams - Predecessor without the "Improved Performance" upgrades.

External links

References

  1. R.P. Hunnicut, "Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank" (Novato: Presidio Press, 1990), pp. 161-162.
  2. Ibid., pp. 176-177.
  3. Ibid., p. 181.
  4. Ibid., pp. 195-202.
  5. Ibid., p. 216.
  6. Ibid., p. 230.


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