Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FRONT COVER
An early production M1Al. Note the absence D: : ~.£ -:;~",,:;7.g base for the
Commander's Independent Thennal Viewer.
BACK COVER TOP
An M1Al buttoned up and moving cross cowo::r:. :-..: -:i::-: strips on thefront
ofthe turret are for mounting the Mull iple In:eg' ~:.:.; :..o...x~ ::r.g;zgemen t System
(MILES). This system has allowed the usc ;' :':-:;'.i ~--!. ;':'ge vehicles to be
integrated into field maneuvers and U)ilrg.::r-.<? <::U:' ;:"<c; .
BACK COVER BOTTOM
A nice comparative photo of an MIA2 IIg.;',,;; :~.£ .'. ::..-'. .: :"'l :r.e photo above.
By
Glen Broman
Published by
Darlington Productions, Inc.
P.O, Box 5884
Darlington, Maryland 21034
Acknowledgements
2
Abrams Main Battle Tank
MIAI and MIA2
From the 6th of June 1944 to the 7th of May
1945, American tankers fought the Germans
with a mixture of skill and courage. Skill was
necessary to get the M4 Sherman into a posi
tion on the flanks or rear of the German tanks
to achieve a kill with the comparatively weak
main gun. Courage was necessary because
the 75mm and 88mm main guns of the Tiger
and Panther tanks would rip through the
armor of the Sherman at long range. The
generation of American tankers who sur
vived these encounters determined thattheir
sons and grandsons would never again fight
a foe with a technological edge on the battle
field. The fruit of their labor is the M1 series
of Main Battle Tanks (MBT), named after
General Creighton Abrams, commander of
the famous 37th Tank Battalion during WWll.
The M1 was built usi ng the princi pIes of
Pre-Planned Product Improvements (P3I).
The Block I improvements led to the M1A1,
the Block II became the M1A2. The turret
was designed to accept an increase from the
105mm main gun in the M1 to the 120mm in
the M1A1 and M1A2. Armor thickness in
creased, a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical
(NBC) overpressure system was added, as
well as improvements in fire control and
reliability. While the changes from the M1 to
the M1A1 were evolutionary, the changes
between theM1A1-and the M1A2arerevolu
tionary.
Although the two tanks are extremely
similar, the M1A2 replaces the hard wiring
of the M1A1 with Vetronics; two redundant
electronic buses, one controls power and the
other data. The Inter-Vehicular Information
System (lVIS) of the M1A2 digitally links
unit vehicles together, passing tactical infor
mation and providing a Position/Naviga
tion (POS/NAV) system. The Army has
already embarked on the next round of im
provements. The M1A2 System Enhance
ment program (SEP) will take the Abrams
series into the next century.
The MIAl
The M1 A1 family consists of three variants.
The M1A1, the M1A1 Heavy Armor
(M1A1HA), and the M1A1 Heavy Armor-
3
bardment, I had thirty-two left. After twenty
minutes in action against the MIs, I had
none."
M1A2
The Ml A2 is externally similar to the MIA 1.
The identifying differences are the
Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer
(CITV) housing forward of the loader's hatch
and the simplified Commander's Weapon
Station (CWS). The Ml A2 is fitted with the
T-158 track.
The major differences between the Ml Al
and the MIA2 are internal. The technologi
cal difference between the two tanks is like
the leap between the M60Al and the MI.
During a recent exercise at the National Train
ing Center (NTC) the Ml A2 was found to be
several times more lethal on the battlefield
than the Ml AI. The new generation of tank
ers who have been raised on computers and
Nintendo seem to have little problem adapt
ing to the new systems and can operate the
Ml Abrams production line, Warren, Michigan . MIA2 at peak efficiency.
The Gunner's Control and Display Panel
Common (MIAIHC). The MIAIHA has Saudi Arabia . U.s. Army transition was (GCDP) links the gunner with the vehicle
depleted Uranium armor which improves completed prior to the start of Desert Storm data bus and provides a Multi-function Dis
its ability to withstand kinetic energy pen and the USMC converted some of their units play (MFD) showing the status of the arma
etration. The MIAIHC has the improved prior to the start of the ground war. ment system.
armor and a digital engine control system. The combat record of the MIAI has The Driver's Integrated Display com
The MIAI is distinguishable from the Ml by been covered in great depth in the press and bines the functions of three analog panels of
its 120mm main gun, large bore evacuator, contemporary books by Steve Zaloga, Rick theMIAI and improvesthetypeand quality
longer turret, and, on most vehicles, a raised Atkinson, and Tom Clancy. A quote in Ar of information as well as providing diagnos
circular platform forward of the loader's mor magazine from a captured Iraqi lieu tics.
hatch . tenant Colonel who was on the receiving end The CITY is key to the improved capa
It is nearly impossible to distinguish of the MIAI best sums up its combat perfor bility of the Ml A2. The commander can scan
between the different variants of the MIAI mance. "When I went into Kuwait I had the battlefield independent of the gunner or
family. Most changes are internal. The thirty-nine tanks, after six weeks of air bom take control of the turret and engage targets
MIAI family has several different external
improvements, however, none of them can
be used to identify variants. The MIAI has
two different types of tracks. The T-156 solid
rubber chevron type and the T-158 with re
placeable track pads. This type has been
referred to as "Bigfoot" track in the hobby
press, although I don't question their sources,
I have never heard a tanker refer to it as
anything other than T-158 track.
The MIA1 also has three different types
of wind sensor, two cylindrical types and the
"T" top. There are also two types of blow
out panels, both types are illustrated in the
photos that follow. These different compo
nents are not indicative of sub types of the
MIAI but seem to reflect when the tank
rolled off the production line.
The MIAI began replacing the MI in
Army units in Europe in the late 1980's.
Fielding of the MIA1 in the United States
began with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regi
ment and was not completed until Desert
Shield. ManyContinental United States (CO
An M1Al with the tank commander's hatch in "protected open," and the loader covering his assigned sector. The
NUS)-based units deployed with MIs and crew has used the vehicle tarp to provide additional protection for their duffel bags and gear.
conducted their new equipment training in
I
from his position. The Commander's Inde Future sification symbol, a name supplied by the
pendent Display (CID) is the interface to all crew, and a tactical (rAC) sign or marking
of the vehicle subsystems and the Inter-ve
Developments such as the type used by Coalition forces in
hicular Information System (lVIS). The Ra Desert Storm.
dio Interface Unit passes the digital informa The planning for the next Abrams upgrade is There are fifty-eight tanks in a tank bat
tion from the IV IS through the new already underway. Altemativelycalled Tank talion. The tanks are numbered with the
SINCGARS family of frequency-hopping 1080 or MIA3, it should begin production company letter followed by the platoon num
radios to other vehicles in the unit. Addi around 2003-2004. Planned improvements ber and the vehicle number, i.e., A-31 would
tional improvements include the POS IN A V include upgrades in lethality, survivability, be the Third Platoon Leader's vehicle of A
inertial guidance system, and im provements and mobility. The current System Enhance Company. The Platoon Leader is 1, his
in the hull, turret and fire control electronics. ment Program (SEP) includes the installa wingman is 2, the Platoon Sergeant is 4 and
The Digital Electronics Control Unit (DECU) tion of improved processors, an under-ar his wingman is 3. The Commander's tank is
controls the AGT 1500 turbine engine and mor auxiliary power unit (APU), a mass 66 and the Company Executive Officer (XO)
provides status via the data bus. memory unit to handle manuals and digital is650r 55, the Operations Officer's (5-3) tank
The redesign and simplification of the maps, "Force XXI" command and control is usually HQ-65, but some carry the bumper
CWS was very popular with tankcommand software, a global positioning sensor, and number HQ-63.
ers. The MIA1 CWS provided the capability other improvements. Tank names generally start with the
to fire while buttoned up but it was difficult Company letter. Company A would have
to use. The Improved MIA2 CWS has better Camouflage and Markings names like Apache, Abused Kids, and Ani
vision and a simplified .50 caliber mount mal House. These names are usually found
which can only be fired with the T.C.'s hatch The Ml Aland Ml A2 come in two basic on the bore evacuator but some units add
open. schemes, the U.S. equivalent of the standard them to the front of the turret.
All of these improvements combine to NATO three-color scheme and sand. The The only time you will see really color
make the MIA2 one of the most lethal weap NATO scheme consists of a pattern of Black ful markings are on tanks competing in the
ons on the modern battlefield. Probably the FS 37030, Green FS 34094, and Brown FS Canadian Army Trophy (CAT) tank gun
most difficult part of a crewman's transition 30051. The Sand is FS 30277. The paint is a nery competition. The infamous "Bill the
to the MIA2 involves memorizing all of the Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) Cat" decal was a product of CAT com pet i
new acronyms. Fielding of the MIA2 has and most tanks have a rough traction surface tion marking.
begun in the United States Army as well as coating applied on the upper surfaces. The Despite the Army's attempt at unifor
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Army is tanks are fac tory or depot painted us mity, there is still some variation between
planning to field 1,079 MIA2sby2003. ing the same pattern with a two inch al units on basic markings. Photographic evi
lowable devia tion. Because the paint is dence is stiU the best method to determine
carcinogenic in its vapor form, crews are the type of markings a given unit used.
not allowed to repaint their vehicles. NOTE: The term left and right in the
Photograph ofan
MIA2. The MIA2 Markings are pretty sparse, gener photographs refers to the driver's left and
weights 68.7 tons ally consisting of a unit designation and a right when seated in the driver's hatch with
combat loaded. bumper num ber, a Military Load Clas the main gun over the front deck.
5
The leftfr . ' . . ,. Another loook at the compensating 'dl
shadows , the track adjust in /" I ,er and, in the
ont armor skirt open reveal ing the idler w heel, several roadwheel station s,andthesidesk Irt
' support arms. g mk on thIs MIAI.
IDLER WHEEL .
REMOVED FOR
CLARITY
I
Above and below are illustrations of the torsion bar
housing from both sides showing the number of bol ts
holding it in place.
Close-up ofan MIA2 roadwheel. The center dust cover is made of an incredibly hard, clear plastic. Lubricant is
applied by removing the center bolt ,
On the left side ofan MIA1 with the skirt pulled back, you have a clear view of the return roller, the side skirt arm,
the housing cover for the torsion bQr and rotary shock absorber, and the bump stop.
7
The distinctive T-156 track on an MIA1. The front Left drive sprocket of an M1 A2 showing off the T-158
portion of the fender is a rubber strip. track pads.
The illustrations above and to A close look at the drive sprocket on an M1A2 . Note the
the left show the lifting tool large holes, both for weight reduction and to help throw
used to remove the drive out mud and debris.
sprocket from the hub. Missing
on the drawing is the holding
pin and SIlfety chain for the
upperarm. Theblockthatslides
on the upper arm and holds the
ring (connected to the lifting
hook) should have a pin cen
tered in the side section with a
small SIlfety chain.
The drawing to the left is
basically the SIlme except that it
does show the hub with the
sprocket removed.
I
An MIA2 with the gun tube in over the rear deck in
travel lock.
9
The driver's hatch ofan MIAIHA open and locked. Notice the very small and narrow notch in the center of the
front slope of the hatch opening . This photo also illustrates the back of the hatch.
The small cut-out in the base of the gun mantlet is the opening for the Gunner's Auxiliary Sight (GAS).
10
I
The driver's compartment of an M1A1HA. The large
cylinder is part of the back-up Nuclear/Biological/
Chemical (NBC) system. The cylinder itself is painted
a forest green, while the due/ing on top is a mustard
yellow.
The driver's instrument panel (DIP) is on the left
of the photo. This panel includes the RPM gauge,
speeedometer, fuel gauge, electrical system gauge, fire
extinguisher switch, and twelve maintenance system
light-emitting diodes .
11
ABOVE LEFT: View ofthe MI A2 Driver's Integrated ThisMI has the retainer ring on theoutsideof the drive
Display (DID). This display combines the [unctions of sprocket. After a fair amaunt of experimentation and
the MIAI Driver Alert Panel, Driver's Master Panel, testing, it was decided that the "training wheels," as
and Driver's Instrument Panel into one display. they were called, could be eliminated.
An M1A1 with .50 caliber and loader's M240 machine gun mounted. Spare track blocks are mounted on the turret stowage box. This vehicle is equipped with T-158 tracks.
12
Looking down on the back deck of an M1A2. From right to left are the air intake port, the pre-cleaner doors , engine access cover, and battery cover.
RIGHT: On the left side of the tank, the sponson covers are shown. These covers allow access to the crew heating
and conditioned air system as well as portions of the NBC system.
-----
._--------
With the cover completely removed you can see the maze of tubing, hoses, and boxes. The parts located to the right
are for the NBC system and can be seen connecting to the louvered plate just above the armored skirt. The precooler
box is immediately inside the louvered plate with the partide separator (rectangular box with numerous small The same as above except with the entire sponson cover
holes) located against the far wall. Other fixtures are for heating, conditioned air, and pressurization systems. lifted and the individual access panels removed.
13
Close-up ofthe louvered port for the NBC overpressure
system. The round opening to the extreme left is the
crew compartment heater exhaust.
An interesting illustration showing the sling device used to lift the grill and engine
deck from three poin ts.
The right side of an MIAI. On this side there is a single rectangular sponson box (Note drain plug in left
illustration). The sponson boxes used for tool stowage. Located behind it are two ammunition blow-out panels,
14
~o
With the step plate removed, this is the same view of the engine as to the left, shown from opposite sides.
The illustrations above and below show more of the general arrangement of the ACT 1500C Turbine engine of the
Ml series MBT.
15
The left rear ofan MIAI showing the grille door mounting hardware. The bustle rack A similar view of the rear, thistimeofan MIA2 painted in an overall sand. The right
is also mounted on this vehicle as opposed to the M1A2 shown to the right. side grille door is painted flat black. Note the shipping tie-down locations are marked.
16
RIGHT AND FAR RIGHT: Grenade launchers are
located on either side ofthe turret aimed in a frontal arc.
The slender box on the right side of the turret just
forward of the launcher (right photo) amtains reloads.
Note the tent-like protective channels for the electrical
cables leading to the launchers.
17
The main gun bore evacuator, which causes the propel
lant gas to exit the gun tube instead of entering the
turret through the breech.
The Muzzle Reference Sensor (MRS) and the main gun RIGHT: An erect MIAI wind sensor. TIlis is one of
thermal shroud. The MRS determines the amount of three different types used on the MIAI and MIA2 .
change in the gun tube resulting from uneven heating Note the prominent blow-out panels on the turret top.
and cooling. The thermal shroud reduces uneven
heating and cooling. BELOW: The rear of an MIA2 without a bustle rack
and a different style wind sensor.
I
...J }
. ---- -..-~--
18
I
.r
__
- _ - I
The M1Al turret looking forward. The M1A2 turret looking forward. The CITV and loader's hatch are closed.
Front view of an M1Al with the commander's hatch in the protected open position. An M1A2 looking towards the rear. Notice the different layout of the blow-out
This allows the commander additional visibil ity while still providing protect ion from pane/so
enemy fire.
The commander's weapon station (CW5) and loader's hatch on the M1Al. The
M1Al CW5 was universally disliked by tank commanders. The M1A2 CW5 is far
simpler, but the .50 caliber cannot be fired from inside the tank.
RIGHT ABOVE: A good look at the gunner's primary sight ballistic shield cover
on an M1A2 . Thearmored doors are in the open position. Tankers refer to this as the
"doghouse. "
RIGHT: This lightly armored cover on an M1A2 houses the connections for the
external auxiliary power unit (APU) that will be mounted in the turret bustle rack.
19
Front view of the MIA2 CWS.
,
Close-up of the mount for the M2 .50 caliber machine
gun on the Ml A2 C WS . The ammuntion box fits in the
tray at left. The two handles are locks for the machine
gun mount, which has full 360 ' rotation.
BELOW AND BELOW RIGIIT: TheCWS on anMIAIHA. The pins visible in the left photo hold the machine
gun in place on the mount.
20
A panoramic view of the forward section of an MIA2. In the left center (with the cable and plug hanging down)
is the SINCCARS radio. Above that is the Commander's Independent Viewer. In the upper right is the
Commander's Integrated Display (CID). Below the CID panel with the grid displayed is the Cunner's Control
and Display Panel (CCDP) .
RIGHT: Another view of the looder's position, show
ing the loader's shoulder guard. The base of the CITV
is in the upper center.
21
The M1A2 TC position with the guards lowered. The
sight in the foreground is the Gunner's Primary Sight
Extension (GPSE). This aIlows the TC to see exactly
what the gunner is seeing. In the center of the photo is
the Commander's Control Handle Assembly (CCHA),
unofficially caIled the TC override or "joystick." The
CCHA has a palm switch, trigger, Field of View (FOV)
and target designate buttons, and a range/stadia reticle
switch.
Right side of the main gun showing the mount for the •
coaxial M240 machine gun . The L-shaped handle
below the GPS is the emergency firing device ("master
blaster"). The handle is painted red.
22
LEFT: The TC's position in an M1A1 showing the
semi-ready ammunition rack door. Later models of the
MlAl and MlAlHA had a two round rack added to
this side to increase the number ofrounds from 40 t042.
This rack is standard on A2 'so The commander's
curtain assembly is normally mounted here.
23