Tank "Abrams": design and features

The name "Abrams" tank was received in honor of the general, who fought in Vietnam. It is the main combat vehicle of the United States. "Abrams" is equipped with a complex system of protection against various types of weapons of mass destruction. If necessary, the air entering the tank is cleaned of harmful substances by a filtration unit and fed to the crew masks. Another means of protection is to create excess internal pressure in the machine to prevent the ingress of radioactive dust particles and poisonous substances into it. The Abrams tank is equipped with chemical and radiation reconnaissance equipment. If the temperature is lowered, the crew can use the heaters.

The machine is equipped with radio stations for external and internal communication. For a qualitative survey around the perimeter of the commander's turret, 6 periscopes were installed. A digital ballistic computer calculates angular corrections very accurately. All the necessary parameters he receives from the laser rangefinder in automatic mode. Data on the type of ammunition, the temperature of the charge, the wear of the barrel channel, the pressure, as well as the various corrections for reconciliation are entered manually. The tank "Abrams" is distinguished by the presence of a large amount of electronics and a high level of computerization. The combat vehicle is equipped with laser radiation warning equipment.

After the target is detected and recognized, the gunner sends a laser range finder to it , the value of which is also displayed in the sight of the commander of the car. Then he chooses the type of ammunition, and the charger prepares the gun for the shot. All other data are entered by the ballistic computer. After that, the Abrams tank can open fire.

The engine and transmission compartment is in the stern compartment of the combat vehicle. The engine is gas-turbine. This allows you to win in bulk and mass, as well as increase the life of the motor. However, there are such disadvantages as the complexity of air purification and high fuel consumption. The tank "Abrams" can accelerate to a speed of 30 km / h in just a few seconds.

The combat vehicle is equipped with a 120-mm smooth-bore powerful gun. Ammunition - 34 projectiles. Due to the fact that the gun has a high rate of fire and accuracy, the firepower of the tank is very high. "Abrams" did not create as a breakthrough, but as an anti-tank machine that was supposed to stop or detain Soviet tank forces in Europe. The design of the tank at first was developed jointly with the FRG. The first modifications of the combat vehicle had multi-layer armor made of composite materials of British design. Later versions of the tank are "dressed" in armor created with the use of such material as uranium ceramics.

The tower of the combat vehicle has internal and external armored plates, which are connected together by stiffening ribs. Between them are laid special booking packages, which consist of metal and other components. With a relatively small thickness, these plates are capable of effectively destroying jets of cumulative munitions. They also include uranium.