The M1A1 features a characteristic low profile and angular appearance to set it apart from other tanks. The crew is protected by "Chobham" armor on the glacis and turret, armored bulkheads between the turret and engine, blow out panels over the main gun ammunition compartment and an effective fire-suppression system. A new depleted uranium armor has been added to further protect the crew in the event of a hit. Power is provided an Avco-Lycoming AGT-1500 1500 hp turbine engine and a Detroit Diesel X-11-3B transmission. The M1A1 weighs 67.5 tons and has a top speed of 42 mph.
This remarkable tank has been criticised for being too big, too expensive but it has finally proven itself in battle. During the Gulf War over 2,000 M1A1 Abrams tanks were assembled to face the Iraqi army. The results speak for themselves 4 M1A1 Abrams destroyed and 4 with minor damage. That's a result the US army can be proud of.
