Both Chrysler and General Motors supplied prototypes and the Chrysler model was selected for further development. In 1971 Congress cancelled the project and ordered a less costly alternative replacement for the aging M60.

The M1 Abrams was developed as a result of the cancellation of the MBT-70 project, which was afflicted with numerous technical issues and cost overruns. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.

While the initial models of the M1 were armed with a licensed-produced 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 gun, later variants feature a licensed Rheinmetall 120 mm L/44 for increased firepower. The Abrams introduced several notable and innovative features such as a powerful 1500 hp AGT1500 multifuel turbine engine, sophisticated Chobham composite armor, a computer fire control system and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment along with NBC protection for crew safety. Designed as a highly mobile main-battle tank for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored.

The M1 Abrams is a third-generation American main battle tank named after General Creighton Abrams and designed by Chrysler Defense (now General Dynamics Land Systems). M1A1HA, M1A2: depleted uranium mesh-reinforced composite armor ģ50 mm / 470 mm vs Armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot (APFSDS),Ħ50 mm / 700 mm vs High-explosive anti-tank warhead (HEAT) US$6.21 million (M1A2 / FY99) Estimated in 2016 as US$8.92 million (with inflation adjustment)Ĥ (commander/machine gunner, gunner, loader, driver) Army M1A2 Abrams with production TUSK explosive reactive armor package installedĬhrysler Defense (now General Dynamics Land Systems)

Do modern tanks have a bottom hatch