The M1A2 Abrams has been America’s main battle tank for a number of years and through a number of upgrades. The third-generation main battle tank has been in service in multiple variants since 1980 and remains at the tip of the spear for the American soldier.
The tank was originally built by Chrysler Defense, and is now constructed by General Dynamics Land Systems. The original incarnation, the M-1, first rolled off the production line in 1980.
Five years later, the upgraded M1A1 variant was created, with both of these tanks seeing action in Operation Desert Storm. Two years after the second variant, the M1A2 joined the lineup, and besides some enhancements has remained America’s main battle tank ever since.
Built for a crew of four, the M1A2 brought new technology, notably thermal imaging, a computerized fire control system and reactive armor. The new variant weighs more than some competing main battle tanks at 70 tons, but comes with a bit more firepower.
Weapons include its 120mm smoothbore cannon, capable of fielding a wide variety of ammunition, and it can fire at targets three to four kilometers, or around two and a half miles, away. It also includes two M-240 machine guns and a .50 Caliber M2.
Recent upgrades saw a commander’s weapons station with a thermal viewer on the left side of the turret and an inter-vehicle information system. The latter allows crews to stay in constant contact with other vehicles on the battlefield.
In terms of armor, the M1A2 SEPv3 is capable of withstanding hits from RPGs and even anti-tank missiles in some scenarios. The latest upgrades also give it extra shoot-on-the-move firepower and joint interoperability.
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