Function: Main battle tank (MBT).









Description: The M1A1 is an improved version of the M1 Main Battle Tank (MBT). It includes a 120mm smoothbore main gun, an NBC overpressure protection system, improved suspension and powertrain and an improved armor package. In 1988 the M1A1 design was further improved by the addition of depleted uranium (DU) to the tank's armor matrix. M1A1s assigned to the Marine Corps' tank battalions were further modified to include a Position Location Reporting System (PLRS) as well as a Deep Water Fording Kit (DWFK.) As with all tanks in the M1 line, the M1A1 utilizes a 3x-10x primary sight with both ambient light and thermal (infra red) capabilities which allow the gunner to acquire, identify and engage targets in all weather conditions and at ranges out to 2.5 miles. Furthermore, crew safety is enhanced by storing all main gun ammunition in an armored compartment with specially built "blow out" panels which will redirect explosive energy away from the crew in the event the ammunition is damaged.











General Characteristics, M1A1





Inventory:

U.S. Army: 4,796

U.S. Marine Corps: 221







Manufacturer:

General Dynamics (Land Systems Division)







Transmission:

Allison X-1100-3B hydrokinetic transmission, fully automatic with four forward and two reverse gear ratios.







Engine:

Lycoming Textron AGT-1500 (multi-fuel) gas turbine engine delivering 1500 horsepower







Length, Gun Forward:

385 inches (9.78 meters)







Width:

144 inches (3.66 meters)







Height:

114 inches (2.89 meters)







Combat Weight:

67.7 tons (61.4 metric tons)







Cruising Range:

289 miles (465.29 kilometers) without NBC system



279 miles (449.19 kilometers) with NBC system







Speed:

Maximum: 42 mph (67.72 kph)

Cross Country: 30 mph (48.3 kph)







Obstacle crossing:

Vertical: 42 inches (106.68 centimeters)



Trench: 9 feet wide (2.74 meters)



Slope: 60 degrees at 4.5 mph (7.24 kph)













Crew:

Four: driver, loader, gunner and tank commander







Armament:

Main: 120mm M256 main gun



Secondary:

.50 caliber .50 M2 machine gun

7.62mm M240 machine guns







Ammunition:

40 120mm Cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT) and High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge)



1,000 Caliber .50 machine gun rounds



12,400 7.62mm NATO machine gun rounds



24 M8 red phosphorus smoke grenades







Sensors:

Cant sensor



Cross wind sensor



Laser rangefinder



Automatic lead input to ballistic fire control solution computer







Secondary armament:

TOW missile

7.62mm machine gun







Sight radius:

8 degrees at 10 power







Ground Clearance:

19 inches (48.26 centimeters)







Introduction date:

1985







Unit Replacement Cost:

$4,300,000