An American M-1 tank on a training exercise in Korea in November 1998.
The M-1/80 MBT is a third-generation main battle tank produced by the Union of American People's Republics. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine (multifuel), the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.
The M1 entered American service in 1980, replacing the M60 tank. It served for over a decade alongside the improved M60/78, which had entered service in 1978. The M1 remains the principal main battle tank of the American People's Army and American People's Marine Corps as well as the armies of several Wake Island Association members.
Three main versions of the M1 have been deployed, the M1/80, M1/85, and M1/92, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older tanks, have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. The M1/X was under early development as of 2009.
Users[]
America
- American People's Army - 8,725
Argentina
Bolivia
- Colombia
- East Japan
- El Salvador
- People's Army of El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Korea
- Mexico
- Mexican Army - 100
- Morocco
- Royal Moroccan Army - 200
- Paraguay
- Paraguayan Army
- Peru
- Peruvian Army - 170
- Venezuela
