Difference between revisions of "IPM1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m1_ip_abrams}}
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{{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)
 +
}}
 +
{{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 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.'' -->
 +
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 and 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.
  
−
The IPM1 is an American 10.0 Medium tank introduced in update 1.83. The tank itself doesn't differ much from the M1 Abrams. The main difference is more NERA in the turret cheeks, therefore making the turret slight longer.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]], IPM1 features 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. It can also be equipped with 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 ==
 
=== 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?''
+
{{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.'' -->
  
−
''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.
 +
 
 +
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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|M68A1 (105 mm)}}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
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.
−
''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.''
+
 
 +
{| 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 || 38.1 || 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''
 +
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:M68A1 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M456A2, M393A2, M833, M416, M900}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_M1_KVT.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the M1 Abrams]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.19''' -->
 +
{| 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''' || 48&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+54)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Blowout rack only: 45&nbsp;''(+10)'' shells.
 +
 
 +
<!--==== [[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.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
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" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Commander's cupola || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || -160°/+180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|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 ==
 +
<!-- ''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 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.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
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.
−
''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).''
 
  
 
=== 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:'''
  
−
* Has 800 mm of NERA in the turret cheeks, which is enough to stop any chemical round in the game
+
* Composite armour in turret cheeks and UFP are capable of stopping all but the most powerful chemical rounds and ATGMs
−
* Has very fast reload, 6.5 seconds stock
+
* Has a very fast reload, 6.5 seconds stock down to 5.0 seconds aced
−
* Fast reverse speed
+
* 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 won't stop most APFSDS rounds fired from encountered enemies
+
* Armour provides suboptimal kinetic protection
−
* Stock shell ''M735'' is inadequate for penetrating equivalent enemies
+
* 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 ==
 
== 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
 +
{{main|M1 Abrams#History|l1=History of the M1 Abrams}}
 +
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" />
 +
 
 +
[[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
 +
 
 +
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.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1_ip_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|5hWb_841D7w|'''The Shooting Range #119''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 06:57 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}. - ''Tactics & Strategy'' section at 09:41 discusses how to defeat the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
 +
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[M1 Abrams]] - Predecessor without the "Improved Performance" upgrades.
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
''ETC.''
+
* [[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.
  
−
== Sources ==
+
=== References ===
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<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>
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
{{TankManufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)}}
−
* ''other literature.''
+
{{USA medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 17:58, 20 May 2024

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).
IPM1
us_m1_ip_abrams.png
GarageImage IPM1.jpg
ArtImage IPM1.jpg
IPM1
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
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 and 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", IPM1 features 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. It can also be equipped with 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:
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Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
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Crew Replenishment
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
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ESS
Research:
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Cost:
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Horizontal Drive
Research:
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Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
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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:
17 000 Sl icon.png
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105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
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Smoke grenade
Research:
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Cost:
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Elevation Mechanism
Research:
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Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
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NVD
Research:
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Cost:
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
25 000 Sl 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) 1 (+54) No

Notes:

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


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)

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
Main article: History of the M1 Abrams

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
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.

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

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