Difference between revisions of "M1 Abrams"

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| about= American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about= American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| other
 
| other
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| usage-1= other vehicles of the family
+
| usage-1= other versions
 
| link-1= M1 Abrams (Family)
 
| link-1= M1 Abrams (Family)
−
| usage-2= other uses of the designation
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| usage-2= other uses
 
| link-2= M1 (Disambiguation)
 
| link-2= M1 (Disambiguation)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_m1_abrams
 
|code=us_m1_abrams
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
+
Following the cancellation of the [[MBT-70]] and [[XM-803]], the US Army continued their search for the next main battle tank to replace their [[M60 (Family)|M60s]]. With the goal of producing a top-rate main battle tank under a fixed price limit, both [[XM-1 (GM)|General Motors]] and [[XM-1 (Chrysler)|Chrysler]] competed for the optimal design to be chosen by the US Army. In November 1976, the Chrysler model was chosen for the XM-1 contract, and was accepted for service in 1981 as the M1 Abrams tank. The basis of the new main battle tank for the US Army, 2,374 units of the M1 Abrams would be produced. Accepted under constrained budgets, the now standardized M1 Abrams would go on to feature multiple improvement programs, such as the [[M1A1 Abrams|introduction of a 120 mm gun]], as well as constant [[IPM1|refurbishments]] to keep the tank up to date.
  
−
In-game, the M1 Abrams is a fairly quick main battle tank. It accelerates quickly, and will hold a speed of 32 miles an hour (52 km/h) over rough terrain. On city maps or paved surfaces, an M1 Abrams can easily reach its top speed of 45 miles an hour (72 km/h), thanks to its monstrously powerful turbine engine. With three speeds in reverse, it is also capable of an impressive 25 miles an hour (40 km/h) to back away from troublesome situations.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]]. The start of a new common vehicle for the rest of the American tech tree, the first M1 Abrams gives players a good taste of the gameplay expected from the platform. The turbine engine gives the vehicle great speed and acceleration that players could use to get to position or perform hit-and-run on their targets. The armour, an improvement over its predecessors, can provide substantial kinetic energy protection, but excels in chemical energy protection against HEAT tank shells. The one area that the M1 Abrams is not too different is the firepower, using the same 105 mm gun and its shells from the [[M60A3_TTS|latest M60 variants]]. However, the improved armour and mobility can allow players to better use the 105 mm gun by getting around to where enemies least expect the Abrams to be for the 105 mm to do the most damages against their weak points.
−
 
 
−
As powerful as the motor may be, the M1 Abrams has a slow to respond, and relatively slow traverse rate for its neutral steering. In some circumstances, it may be more beneficial to back away before turning around, as waiting for the neutral steering to turn 180 degrees is lengthy.
 
−
 
 
−
The M1 Abrams also suffers from a raised engine deck. As such, its capacity for "over the shoulder" shots and shots directly over the rear is very limited, because the engine deck prevents lowering the cannon.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 +
The armour is decent, with the LFP being able to stop rounds such as 3BM22, 3BM15, 3BM9, offering about 430 mm of kinetic protection against these three rounds. It can also stop the 105 mm DM23 and 120 mm L23 rounds. The Abrams has around 410/415 mm of protection against these rounds. The lower front plate is nigh impenetrable to nearly all HEATFS shells and ATGMs. The UFP is decent as well: it can ricochet shots right into the huge turret ring, so when playing, keep it in mind. The turret fares much better against these shots. It offers 440 mm of protection, being able to stop these rounds.
 +
 +
When uptiered, you will face 120 mm 3BM42, M829, DM23 and DM33 rounds: they will shred through your armour like paper. Even then, your armour might ricochet when moving and save you when retreating.
 +
 +
The gun mantlet is also huge and all APFSDS and HEATFS rounds can go trough (though this is a weak spot all vehicles have). Like most western MBTs, survivability is good, with the crew being far apart from each other as well as wet ammo stowage.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
* Composite armour (hull, turret)
 
* Composite armour (hull, turret)
  
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
<nowiki>*</nowiki> <small>RHA plates part of composite armour</small>
+
<nowiki>*</nowiki> <small>RHA plates part of composite armour</small><br><nowiki>**</nowiki> <small>Composite screens</small>
−
<nowiki>**</nowiki> <small>Composite screens</small>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
−
 
 
−
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
 
−
* Turret ring is 50.8 + 50.8 mm thick.
 
−
* 19 mm RHA plates are positioned behind the front fuel tanks.
 
−
* 19 mm RHA plates surround the turret rear ammo racks.
 
−
* Additionally to RHA, the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with composite armour plates:
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Composite armour !! Front !! Sides
+
! Composite armour !! Frontal effective protection !! Sides
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Hull || '''Lower glacis:'''<br> 380 mm ''Kinetic'' / 600 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
 
| Hull || '''Lower glacis:'''<br> 380 mm ''Kinetic'' / 600 mm ''Chemical'' || N/A
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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}}
+
Overall mobility is superb, even without mobility modifications researched it can still outaccelerate most contemporary vehicles. Hull traverse is however poor, with it becoming only decent when all mobility modifications researched. The M1 Abrams is a fairly quick main battle tank. It accelerates quickly, and will hold a speed of 52 km/h (32 mph) over rough terrain. On city maps or paved surfaces, an M1 Abrams can easily reach its top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph), thanks to its monstrously powerful turbine engine. With three speeds in reverse, it is also capable of an impressive 40 km/h (25 mph) to back away from troublesome situations. As powerful as the motor may be, the M1 Abrams has a slow to respond, and relatively slow traverse rate for its neutral steering. In some circumstances, it may be more beneficial to back away before turning around, as waiting for the neutral steering to turn 180 degrees is lengthy.
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,058|rbMinHp=1,343}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|M68A1 (105 mm)}}
 +
 +
The gun performance is adequate. While the shells are good against angles, they can penetrate weak spots and the sides of enemy vehicles with ease. At long ranges the gun can struggle, especially against enemies in a hull down position. Most Soviet/Russian MBTs in a hull down position only have the following weak spots: the gun mantlet and the driver hatch window, located just below the gun. The M1 Abrams also suffers from a raised engine deck. As such, its capacity for "over the shoulder" shots and shots directly over the rear is very limited, because the engine deck prevents the lowering of the cannon.
  
 
{| 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 || 75.29 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
+
| 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''
 
! ''Realistic''
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:M68A1 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M456A2, M393A2, M735, M416, M774}}
−
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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 {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
[[File:Ammoracks_M1Abrams.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
<!-- '''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]] ====
 
−
{| 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 ===
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{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M240 (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
With three machine guns (two light 7.62 mm and one heavy 12.7 mm), the Abrams is well equipped at dealing with helicopters and lightly armoured SPAA.
 +
 
 +
{| 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° || ±180°
+
| Commander's cupola || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -9°/+65° || ±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).'' -->
−
Due to its unreliable armour, it is suggested to always try to find a sniping spot; in the maps where it is not an option, advance facing forward after checking for enemies. As long as your armour faces the enemy, you are relatively safe. When defending, go hull-down. Make sure there are places to retreat to if needed, and take advantage of the reverse speed and smoke grenades to run from ATGMs. Use the rangefinder when you can, but if the target is moving, you will probably miss. Try to guess based on experience if it comes to it. A good tactic would be to bind RMB to rangefinding and the mouse wheel for elevation adjustments. The M68A1 is a very good gun, but at 10.0, even with APFSDS, it struggles to penetrate many enemies even in the LFP, and trying to fight any soviet MBT in close quarters is just as fun as getting kicked in the teeth but thanks to its good zoom and field of view, a good way to play it safe would be sniping from far away and hoping to get lucky shots, since the ammo rack can hold 45 rounds. It is suggested to use the M735, since at distance many rounds will not hit the target and the M774 costs 600 SL to fire and has only got a better angle penetration. Although it has a low penetration, the M735 and the M774 are still APFSDS, and as such, you can get a penetrating hit on an enemy's side even with a very low impact angle.
+
Its armour, whilst reliable in downtiers and when facing tanks of the same BR, should not be relied on when uptiered. Many tanks will destroy you. But when downtiered, your armour will protect you 70-75% of the time. Many rounds at this BR and below have a hard time facing you and even penetrating you in the LFP even.
 +
 
 +
M774 is the preferred round in the M1 Abrams; it has significantly better angled penetration, an improved ballistic coefficient and reduced chance to bounce at high angle impacts. The HESH round is still useful for engaging light vehicles and helicopters; the smoke round is not very valuable thanks to the Abrams having a built-in smoke generator and smoke grenades, but it might be helpful to take one or two.
 +
 
 +
The Abrams' main strength is its extreme mobility, even by MBT standards, and the very good ballistics of the APFSDS rounds. The armour is not sufficient and will only really stop ATGMs and HEATFS rounds. But when facing tanks at this BR and below, enemies have a hard time penetrating your frontal arc.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, The M1 has somewhat sub-par penetration even with its best shell. Because of these factors, it is recommended that you do not use this tank as a frontline brawler. Instead, use your speed to quickly appear from angles your opponents are not expecting you to come from. This can take the form of flanking in order to get side shots, Rushing at the start of the game to take an advantageous position, or getting to choke points before the enemy does, in order to be ready to knock them out. Essentially, This tank should be played much like the M18 Hellcat, though unlike the Hellcat your armour can still help you occasionally when uptiered.
  
−
The Abrams main strength its its extreme mobility, even by MBT standards, and the very good ballistics of the dart rounds. However, the price comes in protection; the Abrams is quite vulnerable, and struggles to deflect incoming shells with anything: even its turret cheeks are very vulnerable to any top tier round excluding HEATFS. Additionally, The M1 has somewhat sub-par penetration even with its best shell. Because of these factors, it is recommended that you do not use this tank as a front line brawler. Instead, use your speed to quickly appear from angles your opponents are not expecting you to come from. This can take the form of flanking in order to get side shots, Rushing at the start of the game to take an advantageous position, or getting to choke points before the enemy does, in order to be ready to knock them out. Essentially, This tank should be played much like the M18 Hellcat at Rank III, though unlike the Hellcat it is not impossible for your armour to help you occasionally.
+
When downtiered, this should be played as a balanced tank, with armour and speed, only really lacking firepower.
  
−
A useful thing to note when playing the Abrams, and most MBTs in general, is that if your opponent shows any side armour, you can penetrate them almost every time. if someone is coming towards you even at a slight angle, aim for the the front drive wheel on their tracks. Your shell will be able to penetrate into the tank and likely one shot kill them. It is recommended to use APFSDS as the main loadout, as the HEAT-FS ammunition starts coming against tanks with armour types specifically designed to resist it.
+
A useful thing to note when playing the Abrams, and most MBTs in general, is that if your opponent shows any side armour, you can penetrate them almost every time. if someone is coming towards you even at a slight angle, aim for the front drive wheel on their tracks. Your shell will be able to penetrate into the tank and likely knock them out with a single shot. It is recommended to use APFSDS as the main loadout, as the HEATFS ammunition starts coming against tanks with armour types specifically designed to resist it.
  
 
In terms of threats:
 
In terms of threats:
  
−
* Most tanks at its Battle rating, due to the relatively poor armour
+
* [[Type 90]] and [[AMX-40]], as their incredibly powerful shots can penetrate you anywhere, at any angle, at almost any distance. For the Type 90, aim for the turret ring, and for the AMX-40, aim for the LFP.
−
* Type 90 and AMX-40, as their incredibly powerful shots can penetrate you anywhere, at any angle, at almost any distance
+
* The T-80B, because of its strong armament and strong armour; it can be penetrated through its lower front plate, the drivers viewport below the gun, and just to the side or below the gun; if a T80B shows any of its side, you can penetrate it there
−
* The T-80B, because of its strong armament and very strong armour; it can be penetrated through its lower front plate, the drivers viewport below the gun, and just to the side or below the gun; if a T80B shows any of its side, you can penetrate it there
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 +
* LFP and turret face can easily stop 3BM22, DM23 (105 mm) and L23.
 +
* Good chemical protection due to composite armour, especially on the turret
 +
* Internal armour plating increases crew survivability
 
* Very good mobility for its weight
 
* Very good mobility for its weight
−
* Good chemical protection from composite armour
 
−
* Turret also has composite armour on the side
 
−
* Turns very fast, even in neutral steering
 
−
* Internal armour plating helps with increasing the crew survivability
 
−
* Very accurate main gun with very good gun stabilizers and good rate of fire
 
 
* Great forward and reverse speed
 
* Great forward and reverse speed
 
* Very good acceleration
 
* Very good acceleration
−
* Blowout panels protect the crew from ammo-racks detonation
+
* Turns very fast, even in neutral steering
 +
* Very accurate and fast-firing main gun
 +
* Blowout panels protect the crew from ammo rack detonation
 
* Although composite armour is absent on the upper glacis plate, the extreme sloping makes shells bounce every time
 
* Although composite armour is absent on the upper glacis plate, the extreme sloping makes shells bounce every time
  
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* The three shells under the gun do NOT have blowout panels, if detonated you will die
 
* The three shells under the gun do NOT have blowout panels, if detonated you will die
 
* No composite armour on the upper glacis plate and in the rear of the turret, so remaining on level terrain is priority
 
* No composite armour on the upper glacis plate and in the rear of the turret, so remaining on level terrain is priority
−
* Low APFSDS penetration compared to Challenger 1 and T-64B
+
* The turret ring is a massive and easily penetrated weak spot
−
* Inadequate stock ammo loadout; Both the M735 and M456 shells are no longer effective at top rank
+
* The armour's high chemical resistance is not relevant against contemporary enemies usually equipped with APFSDS
−
* Weakest composite armour compared to Challenger and T-64B
 
 
* Losing some crew members will prevent you from firing some of your smoke grenades
 
* Losing some crew members will prevent you from firing some of your smoke grenades
−
* The armour's chemical resistance against HEAT and such is not relevant against contemporary enemies usually equipped with APFSDS
+
* Low APFSDS penetration
−
* NVD are a tier III modification
+
* Inadequate stock ammo loadout: both the M735 and M456 shells are no longer effective at this BR
−
* M774 is a tier IV modification and it is still a pretty weak round for 10.0
+
* NVD/TVD are a tier III modification
−
* The turret ring is a massive weak spot since any shell at 10.0 can penetrate it
+
* M774 is a tier IV modification and it is still a fairly weak round for this BR
−
* 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.
+
* Like most Western Tanks, the engine deck of the Abrams 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 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).'' -->
−
Once the unsuccessful joint German-American MBT-70 project had been shut down in 1971, the Congress redistributed funds to the further development of the XM815 project, later known as the XM1 Abrams. The development of the XM1 Abrams was a competition between two designs of the Chrysler and General Motors companies, respectively. Early July 1973 marks an important date for the project after representatives of both companies travelled to Great Britain to witness the development of the new composite armor, named Burlington. Impressed by what they saw, both companies decided to reevaluate and optimize their designs’ armor layout to increase its effectiveness, with General Motors changing the front shape of the turret to a sloped surface, whilst Chrysler retained its vertical design. By 1976, the XM1 prototypes were being readied for testing, with the finishing touch being the installation of the M68 cannon.. Testing of both prototypes took place in the presence of the new German Leopard 2 tank, which was shipped to the U.S. for comparison purposes. Once testing was concluded and the results evaluated, the turbine-powered Chrysler design was proclaimed the winner of the competition and thus the Chrysler design would soon enter production as the M1 Abrams.
+
Once the unsuccessful joint German-American MBT-70 project had been shut down in 1971, the Congress redistributed funds to the further development of the XM815 project, later known as the XM1 Abrams. The development of the XM1 Abrams was a competition between two designs of the Chrysler and General Motors companies, respectively. Early July 1973 marks an important date for the project after representatives of both companies travelled to Great Britain to witness the development of the new composite armour, named Burlington. Impressed by what they saw, both companies decided to reevaluate and optimize their designs' armour layout to increase its effectiveness, with General Motors changing the front shape of the turret to a sloped surface, whilst Chrysler retained its vertical design. By 1976, the XM1 prototypes were being readied for testing, with the finishing touch being the installation of the M68 cannon.. Testing of both prototypes took place in the presence of the new German Leopard 2 tank, which was shipped to the U.S. for comparison purposes. Once testing was concluded and the results evaluated, the turbine-powered Chrysler design was proclaimed the winner of the competition and thus the Chrysler design would soon enter production as the M1 Abrams.
 +
[[File:M1 Abrams REFORGER 82 - National Archives 6505991.jpeg|x200px|right|none|thumb|An M1 Abrams during Exercise Reforger 82 "Carbine Fortress"]]
  
−
The M1 entered production in 1979, with the first production version M1 leaving the factory floor in February 1980. Production of the M1 continued until 1985, with an improved M1IP version being produced briefly between 1984 -1986. By 1985, several thousands of M1s had already been manufactured and put into service. In August 1985 however, the M1 was outfitted with the license-built version of the Rheinmetall 120mm gun, as found on the Leopard 2 tank and subsequently entered production as the M1A1 Abrams. Following this modification, earlier M1 units would progressively be upgraded to M1A1 standard, but this is a story for another devblog in the future. The M1 Abrams saw the most active service with US forces primarily in operations in the Middle East, but known operators also include Australia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others. Nonetheless, the American M1 Abrams is one of the most successful and widely fielded modern-day MBTs in use anywhere in the world, and rightfully deserves its iconic status alongside other American legends such as the M4 Sherman and M60 Patton, to name but a few. The fact that the M1 Abrams is still being manufactured and used today, almost four decades after its introduction, serves as a testimony to that statement.
+
The M1 entered production in 1979, with the first production version M1 leaving the factory floor in February 1980. Production of the M1 continued until 1985, with an improved M1IP version being produced briefly between 1984 -1986. By 1985, several thousands of M1s had already been manufactured and put into service. In August 1985 however, the M1 was outfitted with the license-built version of the Rheinmetall 120 mm gun, as found on the Leopard 2 tank and subsequently entered production as the M1A1 Abrams. Following this modification, earlier M1 units would progressively be upgraded to M1A1 standard, but this is a story for another devblog in the future. The M1 Abrams saw the most active service with US forces primarily in operations in the Middle East, but known operators also include Australia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others. Nonetheless, the American M1 Abrams is one of the most successful and widely fielded modern-day MBTs in use anywhere in the world, and rightfully deserves its iconic status alongside other American legends such as the M4 Sherman and M60 Patton, to name but a few. The fact that the M1 Abrams is still being manufactured and used today, almost four decades after its introduction, serves as a testimony to that statement.
  
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/5355-development-m1-abrams-the-desert-warrior-en|Devblog]]''
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/5355-development-m1-abrams-the-desert-warrior-en|Devblog]]''
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=us_m1_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m1_abrams Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 18:03, 20 May 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the American medium tank M1 Abrams. For other versions, see M1 Abrams (Family). For other uses, see M1 (Disambiguation).
M1 Abrams
us_m1_abrams.png
GarageImage M1 Abrams.jpg
ArtImage M1 Abrams.png
ArtImage2 M1 Abrams.png
M1 Abrams
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

Following the cancellation of the MBT-70 and XM-803, the US Army continued their search for the next main battle tank to replace their M60s. With the goal of producing a top-rate main battle tank under a fixed price limit, both General Motors and Chrysler competed for the optimal design to be chosen by the US Army. In November 1976, the Chrysler model was chosen for the XM-1 contract, and was accepted for service in 1981 as the M1 Abrams tank. The basis of the new main battle tank for the US Army, 2,374 units of the M1 Abrams would be produced. Accepted under constrained budgets, the now standardized M1 Abrams would go on to feature multiple improvement programs, such as the introduction of a 120 mm gun, as well as constant refurbishments to keep the tank up to date.

The Tank, Combat, Full Tracked, 105-mm Gun M1, or just M1 Abrams, was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm". The start of a new common vehicle for the rest of the American tech tree, the first M1 Abrams gives players a good taste of the gameplay expected from the platform. The turbine engine gives the vehicle great speed and acceleration that players could use to get to position or perform hit-and-run on their targets. The armour, an improvement over its predecessors, can provide substantial kinetic energy protection, but excels in chemical energy protection against HEAT tank shells. The one area that the M1 Abrams is not too different is the firepower, using the same 105 mm gun and its shells from the latest M60 variants. However, the improved armour and mobility can allow players to better use the 105 mm gun by getting around to where enemies least expect the Abrams to be for the 105 mm to do the most damages against their weak points.

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 armour is decent, with the LFP being able to stop rounds such as 3BM22, 3BM15, 3BM9, offering about 430 mm of kinetic protection against these three rounds. It can also stop the 105 mm DM23 and 120 mm L23 rounds. The Abrams has around 410/415 mm of protection against these rounds. The lower front plate is nigh impenetrable to nearly all HEATFS shells and ATGMs. The UFP is decent as well: it can ricochet shots right into the huge turret ring, so when playing, keep it in mind. The turret fares much better against these shots. It offers 440 mm of protection, being able to stop these rounds.

When uptiered, you will face 120 mm 3BM42, M829, DM23 and DM33 rounds: they will shred through your armour like paper. Even then, your armour might ricochet when moving and save you when retreating.

The gun mantlet is also huge and all APFSDS and HEATFS rounds can go trough (though this is a weak spot all vehicles have). Like most western MBTs, survivability is good, with the crew being far apart from each other as well as wet ammo stowage.

Armour type:

  • Composite armour (hull, turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 19-38.1 mm (82-83°) Front glacis
32*+101* mm (40°) Lower glacis
25.4-38.1 mm (82°) Belly glacis 		25.4+65** Front tip
30+30+65** mm Front half
12.7 mm Rear half - Top
27.6+6.35 mm Rear half - Bottom
28.4+6.35 mm Rear tip 		31.75 mm (5-37°)
12.7 mm (53-54°) 		31.75 mm
5 mm Engine grille
Turret 38*+101* mm (21-30°)
38*+18* mm (30-36°) Gun mantlet
25.4 mm (74-82°) Turret underside 		19*+101* mm (30°) Crew compartment
6*+13* (30°) Ammo rack bustle 		12.7 mm (43-48°)
25.4 mm (80-83°) Turret underside 		38.1 mm Front
25.4 mm Rear
12.7 mm Panels
Cupola 25.4 mm (conical) 25.4 mm (conical) Outer ring
25.4 mm Centre

* RHA plates part of composite armour
** Composite screens

Composite armour Frontal effective protection Sides
Hull Lower glacis:
380 mm Kinetic / 600 mm Chemical 		N/A
Turret Turret front:
Angles ±0°:
400 mm Kinetic / 650 mm Chemical
Angles ±25°:
380 mm Kinetic / 600 mm Chemical
Gun mantlet:
240 mm Kinetic / 450 mm Chemical 		31.75 mm sections:
160 mm Kinetic / 400 mm Chemical
12.7 mm sections:
80 mm Kinetic / 400 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  • Turret ring is 50.8 + 50.8 mm thick.
  • 19 mm RHA plates are positioned behind the front fuel tanks.
  • 19 mm RHA plates surround the turret rear ammo racks.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB80 / 43 km/h
RB and SB72 / 39 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight55.7 t
Engine power
AB2 898 hp
RB and SB1 519 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB52.0 hp/t
RB and SB27.3 hp/t

Overall mobility is superb, even without mobility modifications researched it can still outaccelerate most contemporary vehicles. Hull traverse is however poor, with it becoming only decent when all mobility modifications researched. The M1 Abrams is a fairly quick main battle tank. It accelerates quickly, and will hold a speed of 52 km/h (32 mph) over rough terrain. On city maps or paved surfaces, an M1 Abrams can easily reach its top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph), thanks to its monstrously powerful turbine engine. With three speeds in reverse, it is also capable of an impressive 40 km/h (25 mph) to back away from troublesome situations. As powerful as the motor may be, the M1 Abrams has a slow to respond, and relatively slow traverse rate for its neutral steering. In some circumstances, it may be more beneficial to back away before turning around, as waiting for the neutral steering to turn 180 degrees is lengthy.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 80 43 55.7 2,058 2,898 36.95 52.03
Realistic 72 39 1,343 1,519 24.11 27.27

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 216 → 6 657 Sl icon.png
RB4 084 → 6 448 Sl icon.png
SB4 767 → 7 527 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications212 200 Rp icon.png
350 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 190 / 240 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M774_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

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)

The gun performance is adequate. While the shells are good against angles, they can penetrate weak spots and the sides of enemy vehicles with ease. At long ranges the gun can struggle, especially against enemies in a hull down position. Most Soviet/Russian MBTs in a hull down position only have the following weak spots: the gun mantlet and the driver hatch window, located just below the gun. The M1 Abrams also suffers from a raised engine deck. As such, its capacity for "over the shoulder" shots and shots directly over the rear is very limited, because the engine deck prevents the lowering of the cannon.

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
M735 APFSDS 292 291 284 275 266 257
M774 APFSDS 372 370 365 358 351 343
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°
M735 APFSDS 1,501 3.72 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M774 APFSDS 1,509 3.4 - - - 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)

With three machine guns (two light 7.62 mm and one heavy 12.7 mm), the Abrams is well equipped at dealing with helicopters and lightly armoured SPAA.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Commander's cupola 1,000 (200) 577 -9°/+65° ±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

Its armour, whilst reliable in downtiers and when facing tanks of the same BR, should not be relied on when uptiered. Many tanks will destroy you. But when downtiered, your armour will protect you 70-75% of the time. Many rounds at this BR and below have a hard time facing you and even penetrating you in the LFP even.

M774 is the preferred round in the M1 Abrams; it has significantly better angled penetration, an improved ballistic coefficient and reduced chance to bounce at high angle impacts. The HESH round is still useful for engaging light vehicles and helicopters; the smoke round is not very valuable thanks to the Abrams having a built-in smoke generator and smoke grenades, but it might be helpful to take one or two.

The Abrams' main strength is its extreme mobility, even by MBT standards, and the very good ballistics of the APFSDS rounds. The armour is not sufficient and will only really stop ATGMs and HEATFS rounds. But when facing tanks at this BR and below, enemies have a hard time penetrating your frontal arc.

Additionally, The M1 has somewhat sub-par penetration even with its best shell. Because of these factors, it is recommended that you do not use this tank as a frontline brawler. Instead, use your speed to quickly appear from angles your opponents are not expecting you to come from. This can take the form of flanking in order to get side shots, Rushing at the start of the game to take an advantageous position, or getting to choke points before the enemy does, in order to be ready to knock them out. Essentially, This tank should be played much like the M18 Hellcat, though unlike the Hellcat your armour can still help you occasionally when uptiered.

When downtiered, this should be played as a balanced tank, with armour and speed, only really lacking firepower.

A useful thing to note when playing the Abrams, and most MBTs in general, is that if your opponent shows any side armour, you can penetrate them almost every time. if someone is coming towards you even at a slight angle, aim for the front drive wheel on their tracks. Your shell will be able to penetrate into the tank and likely knock them out with a single shot. It is recommended to use APFSDS as the main loadout, as the HEATFS ammunition starts coming against tanks with armour types specifically designed to resist it.

In terms of threats:

  • Type 90 and AMX-40, as their incredibly powerful shots can penetrate you anywhere, at any angle, at almost any distance. For the Type 90, aim for the turret ring, and for the AMX-40, aim for the LFP.
  • The T-80B, because of its strong armament and strong armour; it can be penetrated through its lower front plate, the drivers viewport below the gun, and just to the side or below the gun; if a T80B shows any of its side, you can penetrate it there

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • LFP and turret face can easily stop 3BM22, DM23 (105 mm) and L23.
  • Good chemical protection due to composite armour, especially on the turret
  • Internal armour plating increases crew survivability
  • Very good mobility for its weight
  • Great forward and reverse speed
  • Very good acceleration
  • Turns very fast, even in neutral steering
  • Very accurate and fast-firing main gun
  • Blowout panels protect the crew from ammo rack detonation
  • Although composite armour is absent on the upper glacis plate, the extreme sloping makes shells bounce every time

Cons:

  • Large target
  • The three shells under the gun do NOT have blowout panels, if detonated you will die
  • No composite armour on the upper glacis plate and in the rear of the turret, so remaining on level terrain is priority
  • The turret ring is a massive and easily penetrated weak spot
  • The armour's high chemical resistance is not relevant against contemporary enemies usually equipped with APFSDS
  • Losing some crew members will prevent you from firing some of your smoke grenades
  • Low APFSDS penetration
  • Inadequate stock ammo loadout: both the M735 and M456 shells are no longer effective at this BR
  • NVD/TVD are a tier III modification
  • M774 is a tier IV modification and it is still a fairly weak round for this BR
  • Like most Western Tanks, the engine deck of the Abrams is slightly raised, meaning that you will not be able to depress the gun over the rear of the tank.

History

Once the unsuccessful joint German-American MBT-70 project had been shut down in 1971, the Congress redistributed funds to the further development of the XM815 project, later known as the XM1 Abrams. The development of the XM1 Abrams was a competition between two designs of the Chrysler and General Motors companies, respectively. Early July 1973 marks an important date for the project after representatives of both companies travelled to Great Britain to witness the development of the new composite armour, named Burlington. Impressed by what they saw, both companies decided to reevaluate and optimize their designs' armour layout to increase its effectiveness, with General Motors changing the front shape of the turret to a sloped surface, whilst Chrysler retained its vertical design. By 1976, the XM1 prototypes were being readied for testing, with the finishing touch being the installation of the M68 cannon.. Testing of both prototypes took place in the presence of the new German Leopard 2 tank, which was shipped to the U.S. for comparison purposes. Once testing was concluded and the results evaluated, the turbine-powered Chrysler design was proclaimed the winner of the competition and thus the Chrysler design would soon enter production as the M1 Abrams.

An M1 Abrams during Exercise Reforger 82 "Carbine Fortress"

The M1 entered production in 1979, with the first production version M1 leaving the factory floor in February 1980. Production of the M1 continued until 1985, with an improved M1IP version being produced briefly between 1984 -1986. By 1985, several thousands of M1s had already been manufactured and put into service. In August 1985 however, the M1 was outfitted with the license-built version of the Rheinmetall 120 mm gun, as found on the Leopard 2 tank and subsequently entered production as the M1A1 Abrams. Following this modification, earlier M1 units would progressively be upgraded to M1A1 standard, but this is a story for another devblog in the future. The M1 Abrams saw the most active service with US forces primarily in operations in the Middle East, but known operators also include Australia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others. Nonetheless, the American M1 Abrams is one of the most successful and widely fielded modern-day MBTs in use anywhere in the world, and rightfully deserves its iconic status alongside other American legends such as the M4 Sherman and M60 Patton, to name but a few. The fact that the M1 Abrams is still being manufactured and used today, almost four decades after its introduction, serves as a testimony to that statement.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #88 - Metal Beasts section at 00:32 discusses the M1 Abrams.
Т-64B vs M1 Abrams - War Thunder Official Channel
How to destroy the M1 Abrams - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #94 - Pages of History section at 04:33 discusses the M1 Abrams.
M1 Abrams vs T-72A vs T-80B - War Thunder Official Channel

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Chrysler Defense
MBTs 
M48 Patton  M48A1
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A2 · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A3 TTS
M1  XM1 (Chrysler) · M1 Abrams
Export 
M48  M48A2 C · M48A2 G A2 · ␗M48A1 · Magach 1 · Magach 2
M60  ␗M60A3 TTS · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" ·
Note  Chrysler Defense was purchased by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in 1982.

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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