M1A1 Main Battle Tank
Primary function: Main battle tank (MBT)
Manufacturer: General Dynamics (Land Systems Division)
Power plant: AGT-1500 turbine engine
Power train: Hydrokinetic, fully automatic with four
forward and two reverse gear ratios.
Propulsion: 1500 horsepower gas (multi-fuel) turbine
engine
Length, Gun Forward: 385 inches (9.78 meters)
Width: 144 inches (3.66 meters)
Height: 114 inches w/o DWFK (2.89 meters)
Weight fully armed: 67.7 tons (61.4 metric tons)
Caliber: 120mm (M256 main gun)
Commander's Weapon: M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun
Loader's Weapon: 7.62mm M240 Machine Gun
Coaxial Weapon: 7.62 M240 Machine Gun
Cruising Range: 289 miles (465.29 kilometers) without NBC
system
279 miles (449.19 kilometers) with NBC system
Sight radius: 8 degrees at 8 power
Speed:
Maximum: 42 miles (67.72 kilometers) per hour (Governed)
Cross Country: 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) per hour
Ground clearance: 19 inches (48.26 centimeters)
Obstacle crossing:
Vertical: 42 inches (106.68 centimeters)
Trench: 9 feet wide (2.74 meters)
Slope: 60 degrees at 4.5 miles (7.24 kilometers) per hour
Units: Two active duty battalions and two reserve
battalions
Crew: A four-man crew composed of a driver, loader,
gunner, and tank commander.
Warheads: M1A1 tank is capable of delivering both kinetic
energy (sabot) and chemical energy (heat) rounds.
Armament:
Main: 120mm M256 main gun
Secondary: (1) .50 caliber M2 machine guns
(2) 7.62mm M240 machine guns
Sensors: The 120mm M256 main gun has a cant sensor, wind
speed sensor, automatic lead and ammunition temperature inputs to
its ballistic fire control solution.
Introduction date: November 1990
Unit Replacement Cost: $4,300,000
Features: 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, and an improved armor
package. This tank significantly increases the capabilities of
the Fleet Marine Forces across the full spectrum of conflict in
the near and midterm. Engagement ranges approaching 4000 meters
were successfully demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm.
The M1A1 Tank, in addition to the improved armor, 120mm
smoothbore gun and the NBC overpressure system, has a Deep Water
Fording Kit (DWFK), a Position Location Reporting Systems (PLRS),
enhanced ship tiedowns, Digital Electronic Control Unit (DECU)
(which allows significant fuel savings),and Battlefield Override.
The M1A1 MBT has the capability to conduct operations ashore. It
is compatible with all US Navy amphibious ships and craft (to
include the LCAC) and Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS).
Inventory: 403
Background: The Marine Corps has fielded the M1A1 Common
Tank to replace the aging M60A1 Rise/Passive tank. The M60 has
reached the end of its service life and lacks the capability to
survive and to defeat the threats expected to be encountered on
the modern battlefield. Due to unique Marine Corps amphibious
requirements, and the need for both supportability and
interoperability between the Marine Corps and the US Army, the
two services agreed to jointly produce the M1A1 Main Battle Tank.
During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the Marine Corps borrowed
60 M1A1s (called the M1A1 Heavy Armor) from the US Army. There
were also 16 Marine Corps M1A1 Tanks delivered on an accelerated
schedule for employment during the operation. This total of 76
M1A1 tanks was employed by 2d Tank Battalion and elements of 4th
Tank Battalion. All loaned tanks were returned to the US Army
after Desert Storm. The USMC will complete fielding of all tanks,
to include active, reserve, MPS, and depot maintenance float
(DMF) during FY 96.
See also: M1 Mine Clearing Blade System.
POC: Headquarters Marine Corps, Division of Public
Affairs, 2 Navy Annex, Washington, DC 20380-1775; (703) 614-6251.
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