Customer Reviews

M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank 1982-92 (New Vanguard)

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This book, having been written in the early 1990s, concentrates on the M1A1 Abrams tank that was used in the Gulf War of 1991. However, Zaloga does not skimp on the Abrams' developmental history, starting off with the M26 Pershing-derived Patton and M60 series and the failed MBT-70 and XM803 tanks of the late Vietnam era. He also describes the competition between the Chrysler and General Motors prototypes and the German Leopard II entry, and how a modified Chrysler model with the novel turbine engine won out. Also described in some detail is the composition of the Burlington/Chobham armor, including millimeter-equivalent of protection on the front of both the original M1 and the later M1A1 tanks. The main guns and their ammunition are covered in detail, including muzzle velocity and penetration figures for various rounds. Rounding out the development with a discussion of fire control system and staged upgrades, Zaloga moves on to the operational history during the Gulf War.

Considering the age of the original text, it is impressive that Zaloga covers upgrades that have only recently been implemented such as the M1A1-D and M1A2 digitized tanks. Naturally, more recent developments such as AIM and M1A2SEP are missing, as these are just now entering service. In the last pages, he includes several line drawings showing profiles of the four major variants of the Abrams tank, facilitating easy comparison. He also mentions the armored recovery vehicle which was not procured, and the bridgelayer which is just now entering service as the M104 Wolverine after nearly being cancelled outright.

The Operational History includes a list of all tank battalions using Abrams tanks in the Gulf War, and a multi-page summary of the war including an enlightening quote from a company commander describing their routines while travelling in the desert.

While the color plates by Peter Sarson, including the requisite cutaway view "centerfold", are well detailed renditions of both Army and Marine M1A1 tanks used in the Gulf War, earlier models and the Forest Green and NATO tri-color schemes are lacking as these have been included in an earlier book. More importantly, Zaloga includes the FS numbers for the color schemes and even describes the chemical-resistant composition of the paint used.

This little book is packed with a considerable amount of information on the M1 Abrams tank series. Nearly every model and modification to date is covered, which is amazing considering that the original text was published in 1993. Again, while the focus was on the operational use of the M1A1 in the Gulf War, nothing was missed on the development and initial fielding of the original M1. The only thing I would have liked to have seen is a list of units that upgraded to the various models of the Abrams, and when they got them, but that's my personal wish list. Hobbyists, historians, and fans of the Abrams tank alike will find a plethora of facts and photos to delight them.

The story of the M1 Abrams is already one of legend, and though its career has already lasted a full 30 years, it has many more to go before it reaches an end. The M1 is a heartbreaker and lifetaker for its enemies and a lifesaver for its crews. During the two Gulf Wars, the superior armor, targeting, ammunition and mobility of the M1 Abrams cost many Iraqi tankers their lives, especially due to the thin armor and low emphasis on crew comfort or safety of the T-54/55 and T-72 tanks they were so fond of at the time. This book, written by Steven J. Zaloga, is 48 pages long and contains and extensive text and picture history of the M1 tank, from its beginnings as the MBT-70 to one of its latest developments, the M1A2. While many of the details on the M1 and what really makes it work as well as it does will remain classified for years to come, be assured that this book contains all the technical and service history the general public can have access to. Steven J. Zaloga did a superb job in writing this book, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all who have an interest in the M1 Abrams. Whether for research or for simply casual interest, this book will most certainly have the details you need.

Very complete history of Ambrams MBT. Very interesting facts about developments, political enviroment surounding, tecnical data , and armour foundamentals. Some information on production batches and tecnical developments never found somewhere else.

Many plates on Desert Storm machines only,and listed units participant. Covers up to the M1A2. Recomended for every american and modern armour enthusiast.