Interesting Facts About the M1 Abrams Tank
Greetings. This article is going to lay out a few things some may not know about the M1 Abrams series tank in US service.
We will not be talking about secret squirrel stuff, but a future article will talk about some interesting things that shed light on just how robust the US tank really is.
Maintenance and Modifications
1. The use of engine lubricant [Turbo Shaft] as small arms lubricant. This stuff is pricey but has been known to work far superior to the normal CLP. Results of course may vary.
2. Using CLP to enhance shine. CLP brings out some gleam but afterwards, CLP attracts dust and dirt.. so one may pass inspection but will then spend a lot of time cleaning the dirt stuck to the CLP off of the surface it was administered to.
3. Secret stash house. A risk that can backfire but at times the sub turret floor can be used to stash things for whatever may require hiding.. maybe hooch, maybe smokes, maybe dirt, etc.
4. The fun “Bitch Plate”. On the back of the tank is a steel plate cover that is removed to access part the engine compartment for checking fluid levels, etc.. The name derives from a lip that catches the plate, which can be a very difficult task for new Soldiers or even experienced Soldiers in a rush.
Comfort and Entertainment
5. The driver’s seat is made with very nice leather and it’s very comfortable. In fact, one could fall asleep in there, watching a movie and eating some snacks, as it semi-reclines and is really cozy.
6. DJ surround sound. The crew can splice wires where the JBOX is located and turn the tank intercom system into a lethal music playing beast, equipped with a Bose speaker in the CVC for the crew. Add in “Hot Mike” options with the music and one has a mobile radio station. We recommend SCPT freq for this. By doing this, it can broadcast all the greatest musical hits a very long distance away for all to enjoy.. and since it’s SCPT, even the bad guys can enjoy.
7. Adult videos can be had for the lonely driver by splicing their DVE screen to a portable device.. there is no audio, however.
Unmatched Firepower and Tactical Advantages
8. There is not a vehicle on this planet that the US Abrams cannot kill at ranges of up to 2,500m and some at 3,000m or more. Well, except other US Abrams.
9. Its latest armor package is beyond excellent. Let’s just put it that way.
10. The Abrams has a Tactical Idle option. This is known as Tact Idle.. its broadly equivalent to putting a sports car in neutral and the engine automatically dials up all its power, waiting for a chance to use it. This technique is usually used when in a defilade position and the requirements may arise where the crew must quickly engage targets before moving out of sight again.. or even when having to sprint into a new position. Seconds count.. and with Tact Idle, there are fewer seconds than without it, making it harder to hit.
11. Battle Override. Located next to the driver, is a lever that is only to be pulled in an emergency.. it’s known as Battle Override. It has only been employed a few times and it’s designed to basically override a battle-damaged engine that allows it to continue to fight or try to return to a Battle Position.
Operational Efficiency and Daily Life
12. Lap loading and Battle Carry. Despite the safety risks.. one cannot discount that a crew will battle carry a round in the tube, and have the loader hold in their arms or “lapload” another round immediately ready to load before opening the ballistically protected ammo doors to load a 3rd round, all within 10 seconds. That’s three rounds in 10 seconds. When one factors in the extreme accuracy of the main gun and fire control system and the exceptional lethality of both the AMP round and the latest M829A4 DU Sabot, that makes any situation very bad for the bad guys. Throw in a Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer with target designation and auto slew.. things become almost unfair.
13. Crews can use the engine to dry things off, cook up a tasty meal and even shower in the frigid snowy elements. Heat shields deflect exhaust towards a specific angle.
14. Dislike someone, who may be walking by your tank? A crew can turn on the Bilge pump and pump out that sub turret floor filled with stale beer, nasty sewage water and oils.. and then claim it was an accident.. oops!
15. Despite the naysayers about the weight.. the tank is exceptionally nimble, fast, comfortable and has a proven track record operating on damaged bridges NOT rated to carry its 70+ tons of weight… but hey, safety first.
Tactical Flexibility and Rugged Design
16. It’s thirsty and not the most fuel-efficient but it can run off of anything.. to include whale oil. OK just kidding about the whale oil.. but the versatility of fuel options gives it a huge tactical advantage as opposed to strictly ⛽️.
17. It has weight to shed, but it’s not going to because of redundancy for battle purposes. All those bulky wires, hydraulic lines, extra steel, etc.. ensure it can take a pounding. It’s meant to fight.. and win.
18. Despite proponents wanting to spend billions on its replacement.. it has lots of life left and many future upgrades JUST needing approval. Its design is also intentionally squat to help dissipate energy absorbed when hit with kinetic munitions! Science is so cool.
Unique Features and Crew Anecdotes
19. There are “gremlins” that live inside it. No one knows exactly where they came from and how they operate but at any time they can make noises or play games with stuff.. like your pogey bait.. or beers in the sub turret.
20. The almighty brake check is really a thing. It is never advised to berate your driver too much. They’re half asleep anyways from that cozy, comfy leather seat and probably have porn on and are distracted worrying about their secret stash in the sub turret breaking.. and having to use the Bilge pump again and hitting their nemesis with the foul, unholy liquids inside and wondering what excuse they can come up with this time..
– Mel Daniels
