The first M1 tank was
delivered to the U.S. Army in February 1980, and was officially named
and christened the "Abrams" by the widow of the late General Creighton
Abrams. This new Abrams tank benefited from the latest technological
wonders of the time, giving it enormous advantage on any battlefield.
The turret, being very angular and squat, had a very roomy interior.
This angular design was combined with Chobham armor for excellent
protection against the kinetic energy from hollow charge projectiles.
The hull sides and rear panels are vertical, with only the front angled
to deflect anti-tank shots. The 1500 horsepower Avco-Lycoming AGT-1500
turbine engine provides remarkable speed and maneuverability plus being
regarded as one of the quietest tank powerplants available today. During
the mid 1980's the M1 underwent an improvement program to upgrade the
105mm gun to the type M256 120mm smoothbore cannon. The armor at the
frontal area of the lower hull front and turret was also increased, and
it was given the new designation of "M1A1." Other improvements are seen
in the enlarged rear turret bustle stowage rack, a new style crosswind
sensor, a revised gunner's sight mount, plus reinforced suspension and
transmission unit. Both the M1 and M1A1 Abrams were deployed during the
Persian Gulf Conflict and they demonstrated outstanding performance and
combat success.