M1 Abrams

The M1 Abrams is an American Main Battle Tank, introduced into service in 1980 replacing the older Patton series tanks. It was the first American tank to feature composite armor, a gas turbine engine, and has advanced crew protection features.

History

In the early 1970s, the Soviet Union introduced its new T-64 and T-72 tanks, which were superior to every tank the US had at the time on paper. In response, the US and West German governments began development of the ill-fated MBT-70 project, which proved too complex. However, both governments needed a new tank and went their own ways. The result in West Germany was the Leopard 2, and in America, it was the M1 Abrams.

Variants

The initial M1 version is armed with the classic NATO 105mm gun, a license-built copy of the British Royal Ordnance L7. The subsequent M1A1 version featured the German Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore, license-built as the M256, as well as extra armor. The M1A2 features even greater armor protection, as well as being fully networked to the digital battlefield.

In Game

The initial M1 version, armed with Sabot, HEAT, and HE is capable of dealing with any target it encounters. Use HEAT as a multipurpose round, Sabot to kill vehicles, and HE for infantry. In terms of tank combat, you can deal with anything up to a T-72. A T-80 as well as subsequent designs are dangerous threats to you. The M1A1 addresses this, being to deal with any tank from the former Soviet Union. It is also capable of going up against the Russian T-90, however, the M1A1 loses its HE round. The final M1A2 is capable of going up against any tank the enemy can throw at you, with the exceptions of only a few, the Japanese Type 10, the Russian T-14 Armata, and the Israeli Merkava. However, you can employ laser-guided munitions, allowing you to get the drop on your enemies. The M1A2 also features an extra .50 caliber machine gun on the roof.