The Abrams tank, created in the 1970s, still forms the basis of the US armored forces. In the years since the M1 was put into service, it has been repeatedly upgraded. In other countries of the world, tank construction also does not stand still, Russia continues to improve its tank troops, the author of the article in TNI notes. Its next formidable combat vehicle was the T-90.
Dave Majumdar
In a tank battle, the advantages of the M1 lie in its modern system of fire detection and control devices, in the constant improvement of depleted uranium alloy armor and in the impact force of the M829 armor-piercing feathered sub-caliber projectiles with a detachable pallet. Production of the latest and much more advanced M829E4 projectiles began in July of this year (We are talking about 2017. — Approx. InoSMI.). This latest version of the M829, which is credited with the ease with which US ground forces destroyed Iraqi tanks during the first Gulf War, significantly increased the striking effect of the 120 mm Abrams M256 cannon.
The Abrams main battle tank, created in the 1970s, has been the basis of the US armored forces for 35 years. In the years since the M1 was put into service, the tank has been upgraded several times. Among other things, he received a new 120-millimeter cannon to replace the old 105-millimeter cannon, and in addition, his armor protection is constantly being improved. Inside, this tank has changed beyond recognition, since the latest vehicles in the M1A2 SEP v modification.2 are fully digital and connected to a single network. The US Army also plans to eventually develop a new version of the M1A3, which will be much more advanced than the venerable old machine, and reduce its ever-increasing weight, which will be the result of numerous upgrades.
Meanwhile, in other countries of the world, tank construction is also not standing still. The Soviet Union has long been gone, as there is no threat of a massive offensive by the Red Army through the Fulda Corridor in Germany, but Russia continues to improve its tank forces. Its next formidable combat vehicle was the T-90 main battle tank. Nevertheless, tanks are not the same priority for most Western countries today as they used to be.
The T-90 is a new development based on the T-72 tank, which the Russian government chose after the more advanced T-80 performed terribly during the Chechen wars. The T-90 is essentially a T-72, but equipped with more advanced systems that were installed on the T- 80U, except for its gas turbine engine, which caused the tankers a lot of trouble. The most common version of the T-90 uses a 1,000 hp diesel engine, which gives a far from ideal specific power per unit weight. The T-90 has a new multi-layered armor, an active protection complex and an electronic suppression kit. A standard 125mm cannon was left on the tank. In general, this is a very formidable machine, significantly superior to all previous Russian tanks.
If we compare it with the M1A2, then the American tank has a more advanced design. But it is much more expensive. In American tank doctrine, the main principle is to be the first to see the enemy and the first to make a shot that will ensure victory. This principle is the result of many years of analysis. Abrams was created on the basis of this concept.
In a tank battle, the advantages of the M1 lie in its modern system of fire detection and control devices, in the constant improvement of depleted uranium alloy armor and in the impact force of the M829 armor-piercing feathered sub-caliber projectiles with a detachable pallet. Production of the latest and much more advanced M829E4 projectiles began in July this year. This latest version of the M829 (which is credited with the ease with which US ground forces destroyed Iraqi tanks during the first Gulf War) significantly increased the striking effect of the 120 mm Abrams M256 cannon.
M1A2 SEP v.2 is constantly being upgraded, and the research and development process focuses on networking, mobility, and protection, as outlined in the Army's fiscal year 2016 budget request.
Meanwhile, full-scale development of the M1A3 may begin in a few years, and almost all the characteristics of the Abrams will be improved in this tank. The new version of the Abrams should be much lighter and more mobile, and its armor protection will be enhanced. In addition, the new tank will have much more advanced computer systems and sensors.
It should be noted that the replacement and even the development of a new version of the M1A3 does not belong to the highest priorities of the ground forces. After the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, reductions are being carried out in the ground forces, and since the main focus today is on the Pacific theater of war, this type of armed forces is trying in every possible way to find a new niche for itself. Despite Russia's military actions in Ukraine, no one seriously thinks that the United States will participate in a major non-nuclear land war in the foreseeable future. Thus, American troops can only meet with a T-90 tank during some kind of hybrid war, and in this case they will find effective and low-cost ways to deal with isolated pockets of resistance from enemy tanks.
