Italeri 6596 1/35 M1A1 Abrams

 

The 3rd generation American main battle tank the M1 Abrams, is the backbone of the United States Army and United States Marine Corps armored divisions. The Abrams is characterized by its heavy armor (it is one of the heaviest combat vehicles in the world), and also its  powerful multifuel turbine engine. The tank first entered service at the beginning of  the 1980’s to replace the  ageing M-60.  It houses a sophisticated computerized fire and control system within its modern armor  plated hull. The Abrams offers greater crew protection than many of  its predecessors , specifically  in the design of  the separate and heavily protected ammunition storage area  within the  main body of the tank. It was initially armed with a 105 mm main gun which is to be up-dated and replaced by a more modern and powerful 120 mm smooth-bore cannon. The Abrams has been extensively and successfully deployed on operational service in  several theaters of war, including  recent conflicts  in the  Middle East and Afghanistan.