Difference between revisions of "IPM1"

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{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_m1_ip_abrams
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about= American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about= American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage-2= other uses of the designation
 
| usage-2= other uses of the designation
 
| link-2= M1 (Disambiguation)
 
| link-2= M1 (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=us_m1_ip_abrams
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
As the M1 Abrams entered service and work began on the M1E1 model with a 120 mm gun, there was a need to synergize the original M1 Abrams' specification with new features implemented into the M1E1. This became the Improved Performance project and saw the turret improvements to the M1E1 implemented into the M1, which improved the overall turret armour. There were other miscellaneous changes for crew comfort such as a rear turret bustle rack for stowages and a cut down rear side skirt for better access to the sprocket wheel. The overall tank designation became known as the '''IPM1''', and 894 units were produced between 1984 to 1986. The IPM1 did not see combat in its configuration, though it was involved in the 1987 Canadian Army Trophy competition and was deployed in Operation Desert Shield before being replaced by the M1A1 tank.
{{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.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]], the IPM1 does feature the improved composite protection in the turret cheeks. This enables a more aggressive gameplay as the turret could withstand more kinetic and shaped-charge munitions than the original version. One benefit it has over the M1 is the M900 APFSDS round, which can more easily penetrate enemy tank armour. That said, the IPM1's hull armour did not see any improvement and the large turret ring area remains a significant weakpoint, so players should keep these frontal weak points in mind even when facing weaker opponents.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,058|rbMinHp=1,343}}
  
 
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.
 
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.
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{{main|M68A1 (105 mm)}}
 
{{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.
+
Like its predecessor, the IPM1 is equipped with a reliable 105 mm M68A1 cannon, and also has access to the same ammunition. The 105 mm 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%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 55 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.08 || 52.71 || 64.00 ||70.8
+
| rowspan="2" | 55 || 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
| 75.29 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 71: Line 68:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M68A1 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M456A2, M393A2, M833, M416, M900}}
! 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
 
|-
 
| M456A2 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
|-
 
| M393A2 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
|-
 
| M735 || APFSDS || 353 || 350 || 342 || 333 || 322 || 312
 
|-
 
| M774 || APFSDS || 357 || 355 || 347 || 338 || 328 || 319
 
|-
 
| M833 || APFSDS || 395 || 392 || 387 || 381 || 375 || 369
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| 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%
 
|-
 
| M456A2 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 1,271 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
|-
 
| M393A2 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 4,306 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
|-
 
| 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°
 
|-
 
| M833 || APFSDS || 1,485 || 3.7 || 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]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.77.2.68''' -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_M1_KVT.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M1 Abrams]]
[[File:Ammoracks_M1Abrams.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M1 Abrams.]]
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.19''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''55''' || 33&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 3&nbsp;''(+52)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+55)'' || No
+
| '''55''' || 48&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+54)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
  
Blowout rack only: 45&nbsp;''(+10)''
+
* Blowout rack only: 45&nbsp;''(+10)'' shells.
 
 
First ammo rack will replenish when not reloading
 
  
 
<!--==== [[Optics]] ====
 
<!--==== [[Optics]] ====
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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)
 
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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 
|-
 
|-
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
! 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°
+
| Commander's cupola || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || -160°/+180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
 
|-
 
|-
! Mount
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
! 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°
+
| Loader's cupola || 1,400 (200) || 941 || -9°/+65° || -77°/+135°
 
|-
 
|-
| Coaxial || 10,000 (200) || 750 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 10,000 (200) || 941 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.
+
The IPM1 should primarily rely on its speed and reload time to quickly despatch enemies and move back into cover. Where possible, make flanking manoeuvres 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.
 
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 ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
! Protection
 
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Tracks
 
|
 
| Parts
 
| Horizontal Drive
 
| M393A2
 
| M735
 
|-
 
| II
 
| Suspension
 
| Brake System
 
| FPE
 
| Adjustment of Fire
 
| M416
 
| Smoke grenade
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Filters
 
|
 
| Crew Replenishment
 
| Elevation Mechanism
 
| M774
 
| NVD
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| Transmission
 
| Engine
 
| ESS
 
| Artillery Support
 
| Laser rangefinder
 
| M833
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Armour provides suboptimal kinetic protection
 
* Armour provides suboptimal kinetic protection
* The 105mm APFSDS rounds aren't particularly powerful; may struggle to penetrate some modern targets
+
* The 105 mm APFSDS rounds aren't particularly powerful; may struggle to penetrate some modern targets
 
* Extra armour reduces top speed and acceleration
 
* Extra armour reduces top speed and acceleration
 
* Extremely vulnerable gun mantlet and turret ring
 
* Extremely vulnerable gun mantlet and turret ring
Line 281: Line 170:
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
 
;Development M1
 
;Development M1
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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" />
 
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" />
  
 +
[[File:IPM1 with Major General Cooper at Fort Knox - National Archives 6446475.jpeg|x250px|right|none|thumb|An IPM1 at Fort Knox with Major General Cooper of the British Royal Armoured Corps in the driver's seat.]]
  
 
;Development IPM1
 
;Development IPM1
Line 298: Line 188:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=us_m1_ip_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1_ip_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 313: Line 203:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* [[wt:en/news/5782-development-to-minnesota-for-the-abrams-en|[Devblog] To Minnesota for the “Abrams”]]
+
* [[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.
 
* Hunnicut, R.P. ''Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank.'' Novato: Presidio Press, 1990.
  
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
 
<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="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="Hunnicut2">''Ibid.,'' pp. 176-177.</ref>
 
<ref name="Hunnicut3">''Ibid.,'' p. 181.</ref>
 
<ref name="Hunnicut3">''Ibid.,'' p. 181.</ref>

Latest revision as of 20:27, 21 January 2024

RANK 6 BRITAIN
Rooikat 105 PACK
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).
us_m1_ip_abrams.png
GarageImage IPM1.jpg
ArtImage IPM1.jpg
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

Description

As the M1 Abrams entered service and work began on the M1E1 model with a 120 mm gun, there was a need to synergize the original M1 Abrams' specification with new features implemented into the M1E1. This became the Improved Performance project and saw the turret improvements to the M1E1 implemented into the M1, which improved the overall turret armour. There were other miscellaneous changes for crew comfort such as a rear turret bustle rack for stowages and a cut down rear side skirt for better access to the sprocket wheel. The overall tank designation became known as the IPM1, and 894 units were produced between 1984 to 1986. The IPM1 did not see combat in its configuration, though it was involved in the 1987 Canadian Army Trophy competition and was deployed in Operation Desert Shield before being replaced by the M1A1 tank.

Introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries", the IPM1 does feature the improved composite protection in the turret cheeks. This enables a more aggressive gameplay as the turret could withstand more kinetic and shaped-charge munitions than the original version. One benefit it has over the M1 is the M900 APFSDS round, which can more easily penetrate enemy tank armour. That said, the IPM1's hull armour did not see any improvement and the large turret ring area remains a significant weakpoint, so players should keep these frontal weak points in mind even when facing weaker opponents.

General info

Survivability and armour

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

The 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

Speedforward / back
AB76 / 43 km/h
RB and SB69 / 39 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight56.8 t
Engine power
AB2 898 hp
RB and SB1 519 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB51.0 hp/t
RB and SB26.7 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 56.8 2,058 2,898 36.23 51.02
Realistic 69 39 1,343 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.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 302 → 6 792 Sl icon.png
RB4 229 → 6 677 Sl icon.png
SB4 958 → 7 828 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications281 900 Rp icon.png
463 000 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 / 200 / 240 % 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
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Adjustment of Fire
Research:
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Cost:
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105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Smoke grenade
Research:
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Cost:
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Elevation Mechanism
Research:
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Cost:
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NVD
Research:
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Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
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Laser rangefinder
Research:
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Cost:
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105mm_usa_M833_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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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

105 mm M68A1 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition55 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
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 105 mm 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 38.1 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

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
M456A2 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M393A2 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M833 APFSDS 395 392 387 381 375 369
M900 APFSDS 522 519 513 504 495 486
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%
M456A2 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
M393A2 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
M833 APFSDS 1,485 3.7 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M900 APFSDS 1,505 3.85 - - - 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 732 11.6 16 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the M1 Abrams
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
55 48 (+7) 45 (+10) 23 (+32) (+54) No

Notes:

  • Blowout rack only: 45 (+10) shells.


Machine guns

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-9° / 65°
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
Ammunition10 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min

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) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Commander's cupola 1,000 (200) 577 -9°/+65° -160°/+180°
7.62 mm M240
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Loader's cupola 1,400 (200) 941 -9°/+65° -77°/+135°
Coaxial 10,000 (200) 941 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 manoeuvres 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.

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 105 mm 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]

An IPM1 at Fort Knox with Major General Cooper of the British Royal Armoured Corps in the driver's seat.
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

Skins
Videos

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.


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

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