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Minigun-Equipped M1 Abrams Tank

Minigun-Equipped M1 Abrams Tank

Manufacturer: General Dynamics Land Systems
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 120 mm M256 Smoothbore
Engine Power 1,500 hp
Maximum Speed 67 km/h
Armor Type Chobham Composite / Depleted Uranium

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	Minigun-Equipped M1 Abrams
Type / Role	Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Land Systems
Country of Origin	United States
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2017 (upgrade)
Unit Cost	USD 9.0 million
Crew	4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	9.77 m
Width	3.66 m
Height	2.44 m
Weight	66.8 tons
Ground Clearance	0.48 m
Chassis Material	Composite Armor / Steel Base

3. Performance

Engine Type	Gas Turbine / Diesel Engine
Engine Power	1,500 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	22.4 hp/ton
Transmission	Automatic (Cross-Drive)
Maximum Speed (Road)	67 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	40 km/h
Operational Range	425 km
Suspension Type	Torsion Bar / Hydropneumatic

4. Armament

Main Gun	120 mm M256 Smoothbore
Ammunition Capacity	42 rounds
Secondary Armament	1 × 12.7mm M2HB MG, 2 × 7.62mm MG, Minigun
Gun Elevation/Depression	+20° / -10°
Fire Control System	Computerized Digital FCS
Stabilization	Dual-Axis Gun Stabilizer
Rate of Fire	6–8 rounds per minute (main gun)

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Chobham Composite / Depleted Uranium
Reactive Armor	Optional ERA Modules
Active Protection System (APS)	Trophy APS / Arena-M
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	2 × 6-barrel launchers
Fire Suppression System	Automatic
Mine Protection	Reinforced Belly Armor

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	60%
Side Slope	40%
Trench Crossing	2.7 m
Vertical Obstacle	1.2 m
Fording Depth	1.2 m (2 m with preparation)
Turning Radius	Neutral Turn
Amphibious Capability	No / Optional Kits

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Yes
Thermal Imaging	Commander & Gunner
Night Vision	Infrared / NVG
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Yes
Communication System	Secure Tactical Radio
Battlefield Management System	Optional

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	U.S. Army
Primary Operator	USA, Egypt, Kuwait, Poland
Combat Experience	Iraq, Afghanistan
Upgrade Packages	SEPv3, SEPv4
Export Status	Approved for Allies
Production Status	Active

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

High-rate-of-fire minigun for close-range threats
Superior armor protection with DU/Chobham composite
Advanced digital fire control and targeting systems
Exceptional mobility and cross-country performance
Combat-proven with multiple upgrade paths

CONS

High maintenance and operational costs
Heavy weight limits strategic transport flexibility
Fuel-intensive gas turbine engine
Limited amphibious capability
Requires trained crew for optimal effectiveness

Minigun-Equipped M1 Abrams Tank

The Minigun-Equipped M1 Abrams Tank represents the pinnacle of modern armored warfare, combining the legendary firepower of the M1 Abrams with a high-rate-of-fire minigun for enhanced close-quarters and defensive capabilities. Manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems in the United States, this tank is a versatile main battle platform designed for both conventional and asymmetric combat operations.

Manufacturer and Origin

Developed by the U.S., the M1 Abrams has undergone decades of upgrades. The integration of a rotary minigun into its secondary armament enhances its defensive measures against infantry, light vehicles, and low-flying aircraft while retaining its core 120mm smoothbore main gun lethality.

Capabilities and Purpose

The minigun variant is engineered for urban combat, convoy protection, and rapid response scenarios. Its 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine ensures mobility across diverse terrains, reaching up to 67 km/h on roads and 40 km/h off-road. Torsion-bar suspension and reinforced composite armor maintain crew protection under heavy fire.

Armament and Technology

Primary armament remains the 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon, supported by a 12.7mm M2HB machine gun, 7.62mm coaxial guns, and a rotary minigun capable of thousands of rounds per minute. Advanced digital fire control systems, thermal imaging, and laser rangefinders provide precise targeting day and night, while optional Trophy APS counters modern anti-tank threats.

Operational Use

The tank sees active deployment with the U.S. Army and allied nations. Its blend of firepower, protection, and mobility makes it a cornerstone of modern mechanized operations, capable of countering armored threats and providing versatile support in urban or open-terrain environments.

Reviews

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