M1 Abrams tank

M1A1 Abrams Tank in Camp Fallujah, Iraq, January 21, 2007

The M1 Abrams tank is an American tank. It is large, heavily armored, and has a good cannon and firing systems. It is highly mobile, using a turbine engine more commonly found in helicoptors. This engine makes it incredibly fast, and quiet, but has the disadvantage of being relatively thirsty for fuel and therefore requiring more logistical support.

Before the Gulf War there was some doubt about whether the Abrams would stand up equally to modern Soviet tanks. It turned out to be much better, at least in the conditions of southern Iraq and Kuwait. It has a taller profile than the Soviet tanks.