How to Drive and Fire Tanks | How it Works Abrams M1A2 M1A2C Tanks

Summary

In this video, we explore the inner workings of the M1 Abrams tank, focusing on the driver, gunner, and advanced systems like the Trophy Active Protection System. The tank's unique controls, including motorcycle-style throttles and Cadillac controls for the gunner, are explained in detail. We also dive into the tank's specifications, armament, and armor, including its powerful 120mm smoothbore gun, reactive armor, and multi-fuel gas turbine engine. The Abrams' strengths and weaknesses are assessed, including its advanced fire control and armor protection versus vulnerabilities such as its heat signature and high cost.

Takeaways

• 😀 The M1A2C Abrams tank is equipped with a powerful 120mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing various rounds including multi-purpose and armor-piercing projectiles.
• 😀 The driver operates the tank using motorcycle-like handles, where turning the handles controls the speed of the left and right tracks for turning.
• 😀 The Abrams features a Trophy Active Protection System, which intercepts incoming anti-tank missiles using radar and countermeasures for enhanced defense.
• 😀 The tank's armor includes a combination of steel and depleted uranium, making it highly resistant to projectiles and significantly denser than lead.
• 😀 The AGT 1500 gas turbine engine provides immense power, allowing the Abrams to reach speeds of up to 45 mph, though it generates a lot of heat managed by cooling units.
• 😀 The M1A2C is equipped with reactive armor tiles that help protect it from projectiles, and the tank's overall weight contributes to reduced mobility in narrow or urban environments.
• 😀 The Abrams has a crew of four: a commander, gunner, loader, and driver, with each member responsible for different tasks, including operating weapons and tracking targets.
• 😀 The cost of the Abrams is high, ranging from $8-10 million, making it one of the most expensive tanks, in contrast to the $4 million T90 and $7 million Leopard tanks.
• 😀 Despite its advanced armor, the Abrams is vulnerable to top-down weapons like the Lancetron missile and some anti-tank projectiles like the Cornet missile.
• 😀 The tank's ability to fire a variety of rounds, such as heat and armor-piercing rounds, makes it versatile against different types of targets, including lightly armored vehicles and enemy tanks.

Q & A

How does the driver of the Abrams tank control the vehicle?

The driver controls the Abrams tank using handles similar to motorcycle sticks with two throttles. Turning the steering left or right adjusts the speed of the tank's tracks on each side, while twisting the throttles toward the driver moves the tank forward.

What makes the Abrams tank's steering system different from the Leopard tank?

Unlike the Leopard tank, which uses a traditional steering system, the Abrams tank uses a unique steering system with handles that adjust the speed of each side's tracks, allowing the driver to turn the tank by controlling the track speeds rather than using independent wheels.

What is the Trophy Active Protection System, and how does it work?

The Trophy Active Protection System, borrowed from the Israeli Merkava tank, uses radar to detect and classify incoming threats like anti-tank missiles. It then neutralizes these threats by intercepting them before they can damage the tank. However, it is ineffective against armor-piercing rounds.

What type of engine does the Abrams tank use, and what are its advantages?

The Abrams uses the Honeywell AGT 1500 turbine engine, which runs on multiple fuels, including diesel, gasoline, and marine diesel. This engine provides high power, allowing the tank to reach speeds of up to 45 mph and operate on rugged terrain.

How does the Abrams tank compare in size to other modern tanks?

The Abrams M1A2C is approximately 9.83 meters long, 3.66 meters wide, and 2.95 meters tall. With the addition of the Tusk 2 kit, its width increases to 4.34 meters. It is one of the heaviest tanks, weighing 61 tons, making it less maneuverable compared to tanks like the Russian T-90, which is designed with a lower profile.

What are the main rounds fired by the Abrams tank’s 120mm smoothbore gun?

The Abrams fires several types of rounds, including the M829 series (armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and multi-purpose rounds. The multi-purpose rounds can be programmed for different targets, including infantry vehicles, armored vehicles, and tanks.

What is the role of the commander in the Abrams tank?

The commander in the Abrams tank is responsible for overseeing the battlefield, directing the crew, and engaging targets. The commander uses a separate thermal viewer and panoramic sights to track targets and send targeting data to the gunner. The commander also operates the .50 caliber machine gun remotely using the CROWS system.

What is the function of the blow-off panel in the Abrams tank?

The blow-off panel in the Abrams tank is designed to eject the tank's hatch cover if a round hits the tank, directing the explosion upwards rather than into the crew compartment. This helps prevent damage to the crew in case of a direct hit.

How does the Abrams tank manage to balance heavy protection with mobility?

To offset the tank's heavy weight, which comes from its advanced armor and protective systems, the Abrams uses a gas turbine engine (the Honeywell AGT 1500) that is powerful yet relatively lightweight compared to diesel engines. However, the tank's size and weight still make it less mobile in confined spaces like urban areas.

What are some of the disadvantages of the Abrams tank in modern combat?

The Abrams tank has a few disadvantages, including its vulnerability to top-attack weapons, such as the Lancetron missile. It is also expensive, costing between $8 to $10 million, making it one of the most expensive tanks in service. Additionally, its large size and heavy weight make it difficult to transport and less effective in urban combat environments.