M1-A2 Abrams: The World’s Greatest Tank

The M1 Abrams is the main combat tank of The U.S. Army and The U.S. Marine Corps. For over twenty years, various models of the M1 have been America’s choice for battle tanks. It is an amazing weapon, superior in firepower, strength and mobility. Named for General Creighton Abrams, former chief of staff and commander of the Army’s 37th Armored Battalion, it certainly lives up to its namesake.

Designed by Chrysler Defense, the M1 Abrams made its debut in 1980 as the world’s finest tank. Replacing the M60 Patton in service, the specs for the M1 were revolutionary. However, it wasn’t used in combat until the Gulf War in 1991. Its power put the outdated Russian models the Iraqi’s were using to shame. The Abrams was able to make a killing over 4000 meters away. Several variants of the M1 have been released, but the most recent and superior version is the M1-A2.

68.4 short tons in weight, the M1-A2 Abrams boasts a 120 mm smoothbore gun, three machine guns, depleted uranium armor of unsurpassed strength, two six-barreled smoke grenade launchers, and a 1500 Horse Power gas turbine for maximum mobility. Those are but a few features of what may be the last tank that ever needs to be designed.

Specifications of the M1-A2 Abrams

Length 32.04 ft (9.77 m)
Width 12 ft (3.66 m)
Height 8.0 ft (2.44 m)
Top Speed 41.5 mph (67 km/h)
Weight 68.4 tons
Main Armament 120 mm
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)