Editing M1 Abrams (section)

== Variants and upgrades ==
{{Anchor|Variants and upgraded versions}}
[[File:M1 Abrams and Leopard 2 Tanks in Switzerland 1981.jpg|thumb|right|An early M1 variant alongside the West German [[Leopard 2]] demonstrated in Switzerland in 1981]]
* '''General Motors XM1''' validation phase prototype.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=301}}
* '''Chrysler XM1''' validation phase prototype.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=302}}
* '''XM1-FSED''': Chrysler preproduction test model. Eleven Full-Scale Engineering Development test bed vehicles were produced in 1977–78. These vehicles were also called Pilot Vehicles and numbered PV-1 through PV-11.
* '''M1''': First production variant. Production began in 1979 and continued to 1985 (3,273 built for the United States). The first 110 tanks were [[low rate initial production]] (LRIP) models, and were still called XM1s. The first roll out ceremony was held on 28 February 1980, and the tank was officially named M1 [[Creighton Abrams|Abrams]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Green |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M1P6jT8_yrgC&pg=PA23&dq#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=M1 Abrams at War |date=2005 |publisher=Zenith Imprint |isbn=978-1-61060-731-5 |language=en}}</ref> The M1 variant was retired from active U.S. Army service in 1996.<ref name="M1retired">{{cite journal |last1=Cameron |first1=Robert S. |title=Last Original M1s Retired from Active Duty |journal=Armor |issue=November–December 1996 |page=18 |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/issues/33756 |access-date=8 January 2024}}</ref>
** '''IPM1''' (Improved Performance): Produced from 1984 to 1986 concurrent to the M1A1. It contained upgrades and reconfigurations like a rear storage bustle rack, improved armor, suspension, transmission, and final drives. (894 built for United States).{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=230}}

[[File:Manning a .50 cal on M1A1 Abrams main battle tank Fort Knox.jpg|thumb|right|An M1A1 in U.S. Army service at [[Fort Knox]], Kentucky in 1988]]
* '''{{Visible anchor|M1A1}}''':<ref name=70sDev group="nb">During early development in the late 1970s it was referred to as the XM-1E.</ref> Production started in 1985 and continued to 1992, pressurized NBC system, rear bustle rack for improved stowage of supplies and crew belongings, redesigned blowoff panels and [[M256 (tank gun)|M256]] 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore cannon (4,976 built for the U.S. Army, 221 for USMC, 59 M1A1 AIM SA sold to Australia).
**'''M1A1HA''' (Heavy Armor): Added first generation depleted uranium armor components. Some tanks were later upgraded with second generation depleted uranium armor components, and are unofficially designated M1A1HA+.
** '''M1A1HC''' (Heavy Common): Added new second generation depleted uranium armor components, digital engine control and other small upgrades common between Army and Marine Corps tanks.
** '''M1A1D''' (Digital): A digital upgrade for the M1A1HC, to keep up with M1A2 SEP, manufactured in quantity for only 2 battalions.
** '''M1A1 AIM v.1''' (Abrams Integrated Management): A program whereby older units are reconditioned to initial factory standards,<ref name="FAS.org">{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1.htm |title=M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=30 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821183057/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1.htm |archive-date=21 August 2010}}</ref> and the tank is improved by adding Forward-Looking InfraRed ([[FLIR]]) and Far Target Locate sensors, a tank-infantry phone, communications gear, including [[FBCB2]] and [[Blue Force Tracking]] to aid in crew situational awareness, and a [[thermal sight]] for the .50&nbsp;caliber machine gun.<ref name="generaldynamics1" />
** '''M1A1 AIM v.2/M1A1SA''' (Situational Awareness): Upgrades similar to AIM v.1 tanks and new third generation depleted uranium armor components. Configuration for the [[Royal Moroccan Army]], which is almost identical to the Australian variant, except exportable turret armor is installed by General Dynamics Land System to replace the DU armor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/173757/morocco_receives_abrams_tanks_from_us_army|title=Morocco receives Abrams tanks from U.S. Army|first=Michelle|last=Miller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514022619/https://www.army.mil/article/173757/morocco_receives_abrams_tanks_from_us_army|archive-date=14 May 2019 |url-status=live|date=22 August 2016}}</ref>
***'''M1A1 SA-UKR''': Official U.S. designation for M1A1SA variants given to Ukraine via [[Foreign Military Sales]] program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://preview.redd.it/all-abrams-tanks-foreign-military-sales-usages-v0-18x3vgo8li0d1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=601317b9e4e1810920792f6c88e83d0033d7d88a |title=Foreign Military Sales Cases |last= |first= |date= |website=[[Reddit]] |publisher= |access-date=18 December 2024 |quote=}}{{User-generated source|date=December 2024}}</ref>
** '''M1A1 FEP''' (Firepower Enhancement Package): Similar upgrade to AIM v.2 for USMC tanks.
** '''M1A1KVT''' (Krasnovian Variant Tank): M1A1s that have been [[vismod|visually modified]] to resemble Soviet-made tanks for use at the [[National Training Center]], fitted with [[Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System|MILES]] gear and a [[Hoffman tank gunfire simulator|Hoffman device]].
** '''M1A1M''': An export variant ordered by the [[Iraqi Army]].<ref name="strategypage.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20080803.aspx |title=Armor: Iraq Getting M-1A1 Tanks |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=9 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416022350/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20080803.aspx |archive-date=16 April 2009}}</ref>
**'''M1A1''' (AIDATS upgrade): Upgrade-only variant to all USMC General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams tanks to improve the tank commander's situational awareness with an upgraded thermal sight, color day camera, and a stationary color display.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marine Corps to deliver capability trifecta to tank commanders |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/924317/marine-corps-to-deliver-capability-trifecta-to-tank-commanders/|access-date=2021-05-05|website=United States Marine Corps Flagship|language=en-US|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505180129/https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/924317/marine-corps-to-deliver-capability-trifecta-to-tank-commanders/ |url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Tank assault 121114-M-VZ265-108.jpg|thumb|A Kuwaiti Army M1A2 fires at a target at a live-fire range near [[Camp Buehring]], Kuwait in 2012.]] [[File:Saudi tank moves into position 220913-Z-XQ828-442.jpg|thumb|A Saudi Arabian M1A2S moving into position during Exercise [[Eager Lion]], 2022.]][[File:M1A2 Sep v3.jpg|thumb|M1A2 SEPv3]]
* '''{{Visible anchor|M1A2}}''' (Baseline): Production began in 1992 and initial operating capability achieved in 1993.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery |publisher=Jane's Information Group |year=1994 |isbn=0710611544 |editor-last=Foss |editor-first=Christopher F. |edition=15th |location=Coulsdon, Surrey |pages=129–130}}</ref> (77 built for the U.S. and more than 600 M1s upgraded to M1A2, 315 for Saudi Arabia, 1,005 for Egypt, 218 for Kuwait). The M1A2 offers the tank commander an independent thermal sight and ability to, in rapid sequence, shoot at two targets without the need to acquire each one sequentially, also second-generation depleted uranium armor components.<ref name="FAS.org"/>
**'''M1A2 SEP''' (System Enhancement Package): Is fitted with new, second-generation gunner's thermal sight.<ref>{{Cite book |last=S. Cohen |first=William |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QA8yQjt9qR8C&dq=all+m1a2s+will+be+retrofitted+with+second+generation+flir&pg=PA61 |title=Report of Secretary of Defense ... to the Congress on the FY ... Budget, FY ... Authorization Request, and FY ... Defense Programs |date=1999 |publisher=Department of Defense |page=60 |access-date=19 February 2022 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043819/https://books.google.com/books?id=QA8yQjt9qR8C&dq=all+m1a2s+will+be+retrofitted+with+second+generation+flir&pg=PA61 |url-status=live}}</ref> Has upgraded third-generation depleted uranium armor components with graphite coating (240 new built, 300 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2 SEP for the United States, also unknown numbers of upgraded basic M1s and IPM1s, also 400 oldest M1A1s upgraded to M1A2 SEP).
**'''M1A2S''' (Saudi Arabian Package): Saudi Arabian variant upgrade of the M1A2 based on M1A2 SEP, with some features, such as depleted uranium armor, believed to be missing and replaced by special armor. (442 M1A2s upgraded to M1A2S).<ref>{{cite web |author=Tyler Rogoway |date=25 August 2015 |title=Houthi Rebels Destroy M1 Abrams Tanks With Basic Iranian Guided Missiles |url=http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/houthi-rebels-destroy-m1-abrams-tanks-with-basic-irania-1726478735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909011105/http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/houthi-rebels-destroy-m1-abrams-tanks-with-basic-irania-1726478735 |archive-date=9 September 2017 |access-date=14 April 2016 |work=Foxtrot Alpha}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Saudi Arabia Orders 69 More M1A2S Abrams Heavy Tanks |url=http://www.deagel.com/news/Saudi-Arabia-Orders-69-More-M1A2S-Abrams-Heavy-Tanks_n000011118.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224257/http://www.deagel.com/news/Saudi-Arabia-Orders-69-More-M1A2S-Abrams-Heavy-Tanks_n000011118.aspx |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref>
**'''M1A2 SEPv2''': Added Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station low-profile as standard, color displays, improved interfaces, a new operating system, improved crew-compartment cooling, and new second generation thermal optics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Behler |first=Robert |date=January 2021 |title=Director, Operational Test and Evaluation FY 2020 Annual Report |url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2020/other/2020DOTEAnnualReport.pdf#page=69}}</ref>
**'''M1A2 SEPv3''' (formerly M1A2C): Has increased power generation and distribution, better communications and networking, new Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS) and Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance, an Ammunition DataLink (ADL) to use [[air burst|airburst]] rounds, improved counter-IED armor package, Next Generation Armor Package (NGAP),<ref>{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=22 February 2019 |title=Picture Of Newest M1 Abrams Tank Variant With Previously Unseen Turret Armor Emerges |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26606/picture-of-newest-m1-abrams-tank-variant-with-previously-unseen-turret-armor-emerges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503212319/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26606/picture-of-newest-m1-abrams-tank-variant-with-previously-unseen-turret-armor-emerges |archive-date=3 May 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=The Drive}}</ref> and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of the engine, visually distinguishing the version by a small exhaust at the left rear. Lethality enhancements include the [[M829#M829A4|M829A4]] kinetic-energy anti-tank round enhance the tank's lethality against modern threats, such as advanced [[Reactive armour|explosive reactive armor]] (AERA) and [[Active protection system|Active Protection Systems]] (APS). As well as, the [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|M1147 AMP]] round that combines multiple functionalities, including point detonate, delay, and airburst modes, replacing four older round types and providing capabilities for obstacle reduction, bunker defeat, and precision airburst against anti-tank missile teams. The Ammunition DataLink (ADL) enables the round to communicate with the fire-control system, allowing the crew to program the desired mode in real-time for maximum effectiveness.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Robert |date=February 2014 |title=The Armored Brigade Combat Team 2014-2024: Improving Abrams Lethality |url=https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/earmor/content/issues/2014/JAN_FEB/Articles/Brown.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123151253/https://www.moore.army.mil/armor/earmor/content/issues/2014/JAN_FEB/Articles/Brown.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2025 |access-date=23 January 2025 }}</ref> The SEPv3 also has Improved Forward-Looking Infrared (IFLIR) technology, which significantly improves target acquisition, identification, and engagement under all conditions, including obscurants such as fog or smoke. The IFLIR integrates long-wave and mid-wave infrared sensors into both the gunner's primary sight and the commander's independent thermal viewer, offering enhanced detection capabilities at greater ranges. It provides four fields of view (FOV) displayed on high-definition screens, enabling faster and more accurate engagement of targets compared to the older second-generation FLIR systems. The Low-Profile [[CROWS]] (LP CROWS) significantly reduces the weapon station's profile, enhancing the tank commander's situational awareness with upgraded day cameras featuring picture-in-picture technology, a 340% larger field of view in its wide FOV mode, and improved targeting capabilities under both open- and closed-hatch conditions.<ref name=":4" /> More passive ballistic protection was added to the turret faces, along with new Explosive Reactive Armor mountings (Abrams Reactive Armor Tile (ARAT))<ref>{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=7 March 2017 |title=U.S. Army M1 Abrams Tanks in Europe Are Getting Explosive Armor |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/8144/u-s-army-m1-abrams-tanks-in-europe-are-getting-explosive-reactive-armor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502213322/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/8144/u-s-army-m1-abrams-tanks-in-europe-are-getting-explosive-reactive-armor |archive-date=2 May 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=The Drive}}</ref> and [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] Active Protection systems added to the turret sides.<ref name=":4" /> Prototypes for the SEPv3 began testing in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Majumdar |first1=Dave |date=2 June 2016 |title=Inside the U.S. Army's Lethal New M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams Main Battle Tank |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/inside-the-us-armys-lethal-new-m1a2-sep-v3-abrams-main-16445 |access-date=6 January 2024 |work=The National Interest |publisher=Center for the National Interest |language=en}}</ref> The US Army is able to produce a maximum of 35 M1A2SEPv3 a month at the Lima plant in Ohio with a standard rate of 12 per month and 1 shift at 40 hours per week. The Army is producing the tank at a rate of 109 a year or roughly 9 a month.<ref name=":3" />
***'''M1A2T''': Special configuration variant of the M1A2 SEPv3 reportedly being offered for sale to [[Taiwan]] as of March 2019 and approved by U.S. Department of State as of July 2019.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/07/08/world/asia/08reuters-usa-taiwan.html] {{Dead link|date=August 2021|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> Per DSCA statement, it is roughly equivalent to M1A2 SEPv3, except depleted uranium armor is replaced by FMS export armor. There is no mention of the Trophy APS system. The new-built tanks will be produced at Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, Alabama, and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, Lima, Ohio.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) – M1A2T Abrams Tanks and Related Equipment and Support {{pipe}} The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency |url=https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-tecro-m1a2t-abrams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222094116/https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-tecro-m1a2t-abrams |archive-date=22 February 2020 |access-date=23 May 2020 |website=dsca.mil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Drillsma |first1=Ryan |date=19 March 2019 |title=US could announce sale of M1A2X tanks to Taiwan before July |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3660814 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190319163127/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3660814 |archive-date=19 March 2019 |access-date=19 March 2019 |website=Taiwan News |location=Taipei}}</ref>
***'''M1A2R''': Variant for the [[Romanian Army]], is under development.<ref name="m1a2r" /> According to the chief of the General Directorate for Armaments, the Romanian Abrams variant will be a configuration of the M1A2 SEPv3.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6ky-0c8iYg |title=Podcasturile Observatorul militar, ep.31, invitat general-lt. dr. ing. Teodor Incicaș |date=4 September 2023 |language=ro |publisher=Studioul Multimedia – Observatorul militar |time=42:39 |format=video |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
***'''M1A2K''': Variant for the [[Kuwaiti Army]], slated to replace Kuwait's current M1A2 fleet.<ref name="Kuwait" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |date=20 December 2017 |title=Kuwait to get "unique" Abrams tank variant |url=http://www.janes.com/article/76548/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226172157/http://www.janes.com/article/76548/kuwait-to-get-unique-abrams-tank-variant |archive-date=26 December 2017 |access-date=26 December 2017 |website=IHS Jane's 360}}</ref>
**'''M1A2 SEPv4''' (formerly M1A2D, canceled): The M1A2 SEPv4 tank was previously under development {{as of|2022|03|29|lc=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |date=2022-03-29 |title=Abrams Main Battle Tank |url=https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617060653/https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/abrams-main-battle-tank/ |archive-date=17 June 2022 |access-date=2022-05-26 |publisher=Asc.army.mil}}</ref> The Commander's Primary Sight, also known as the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer, and Gunner's Primary Sight will be upgraded with third Gen FLIR, an improved laser rangefinder and color cameras. Additional improvements will include advanced meteorological sensors, laser warning/detection receivers, directional smoke grenade launchers and integration of the new [[M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose|XM1147]] (AMP) 120&nbsp;mm tank round.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dean |first1=Glenn |title=2017 NDIA Armaments Systems Forum |url=https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2017/armament/Dean.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721044015/https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2017/armament/Dean.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=National Defense Industrial Association}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Villasanta |first=Arthur Dominic |date=28 March 2017 |title=New US Army M1 Abrams Tank Rounds can Easily Destroy the T-14 Armata |url=http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/112850/20170328/new-army-m1-abrams-tank-rounds-easily-destroy-t-14.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133534/http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/112850/20170328/new-army-m1-abrams-tank-rounds-easily-destroy-t-14.htm |archive-date=15 March 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=tmgdadmin |date=5 September 2017 |title=General Dynamics Receives Contracts to Upgrade Abrams Main Battle Tanks |url=https://www.gd.com/news/press-releases/2017/09/general-dynamics-receives-contracts-upgrade-abrams-main-battle-tanks |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315134509/https://www.gd.com/news/press-releases/2017/09/general-dynamics-receives-contracts-upgrade-abrams-main-battle-tanks |archive-date=15 March 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> The AN/VVR-4 laser warning receiver and ROSY rapid obscurant system have been trialed by the US Army for adoption on the Abrams tank and Bradley fighting vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |title=UTC Aerospace readies AN/VVR-4 laser warning system |url=http://www.janes.com/article/77273/utc-aerospace-readies-an-vvr-4-laser-warning-system |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064424/http://www.janes.com/article/77273/utc-aerospace-readies-an-vvr-4-laser-warning-system |archive-date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Jane's 360}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Laser warning goes modular |url=http://www.janes.com/article/74072/laser-warning-goes-modular-dsei17d4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064352/http://www.janes.com/article/74072/laser-warning-goes-modular-dsei17d4 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Jane's 360}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 March 2018 |title=Rheinmetall ROSY at US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y0oKCqOL6w |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/7Y0oKCqOL6w |archive-date=2021-10-28 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Youtube |publisher=Rheinmetall Defence}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The M1A2 SEPv4 variant was officially canceled by the U.S. Army on 6 September 2023. The Army plans to develop a new variant of the Abrams, designated M1E3, to enter service in the 2030s.<ref name=":2" />
*'''M1E3''': On 6 September 2023, the U.S. Army announced that it had canceled the planned M1A2 SEPv4 variant and would instead redirect resources into a new variant of the Abrams tank, named M1E3.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=18 September 2023 |title=The Army's New M1E3 Abrams Tank Modernization Program |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12495/2 |access-date=31 August 2024 |website=Congressional Research Service}}</ref> The new variant is to include modular open-systems architecture and is designed to be lighter and more survivable on the battlefield.<ref name=":2" /> This variant is expected to be designated "M1A3" upon entering operational service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atlamazoglou |first=Stavros |title=The M1A3 Abrams and the upcoming Western tanks of the future |url=https://www.sandboxx.us/news/the-m1a3-abrams-and-its-western-competition/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Sandboxx |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Army Science Board]] report "An Independent Assessment of the 2040 Battlefield and its Implications for the 5th Generation Combat Vehicle (5GCV)'''"''' which reportedly influenced senior Army leadership to establish the program, recommending a $2.9 billion, seven/eight-year program to develop a "fifth generation combat vehicle,"<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2023 |title=An Independent Assessment of the 2040 Battlefield and its Implications for the 5th Generation Combat Vehicle (5GCV) |url=https://asb.army.mil/Portals/105/Reports/2020s/ASB%20FY%2020%20BF2040%20ExSum.pdf?ver=vxXNwQxDxPOLZE73KMlGqg%3d%3d |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=Army Science Board}}</ref> with proposed capabilities including:<ref name=":1" />
**a hybrid electric drive
**an autoloader and new main gun
**advanced munitions, such as maneuvering hypersonic and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles
**integrated armor protection
**improved command, control, and networking capabilities
**artificial intelligence (AI) applications;
**ability to pair with robotic vehicles; and
**masking capabilities to reduce the vehicle's thermal and electromagnetic signatures.
* '''[[K1 tank|K1]] Republic of Korea Indigenous Tank (ROKIT)''': An M1 derivative customized for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lett |first=Philip |title=International Defense Review 1/1988: Korea's Type 88 comes of age |date=January 1988 |publisher=Janes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author=United States Congress Senate Committee on Armed Services|url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Department_of_Defense_authorization_for/oewAz6ajak4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=ROKIT&pg=PA57&printsec=frontcover |title=Department of Defense authorization for appropriations for fiscal years 1990 and 1991: hearings before the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred First Congress, first session, on S. 1085 |date=1989 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |language=en}}</ref>
{{anchor |Prototypes}}
[[File:Abrams Tank Test Bed Armor & Cavalry Collection.jpg|thumb|Tank Test Bed prototype at the [[U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection]], [[Fort Benning]] ]]
* '''M1 Abrams Block III Tank Test Bed''' ('''M1 TTB''') was a prototype built in 1983 as part of TACOM's Abrams Block III program (whose purview was to eventually create the M1A3), featuring an unmanned turret with a 44-caliber 120&nbsp;mm M256 smoothbore gun, three crew members sitting side by side inside an armored capsule at the front of the hull and a suite of cameras and thermal viewers to preserve the crew's situational awareness. The main armament was linked to a Meggitt mechanical autoloader and a 44-round vertical ammunition carousel inside the turret basket;<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sewell |first1=Stephen "Cookie" |date=March–April 1995 |title=Ammunition Loading Systems for Future Tanks |magazine=Armor |volume=CIV |issue=2 |pages=17–18 |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/Armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1995/MAR_APR/ArmorMarchApril1995web.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.benning.army.mil/Armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1995/MAR_APR/ArmorMarchApril1995web.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |access-date=4 March 2022 |location=Fort Knox, KY |publisher=U.S. Army Armor Center}}</ref> this system could provide a sustained rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute and successfully completed over 40,000 round loading/unloading cycles without malfunctioning during testing. Due to the absence of a full-fledged manned turret and the lack of internal armor packages, the vehicle only weighed 45 tons.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ronkainen |author-mask=@ronkainen7k15 |title=The Abrams Tank Test Bed (TTB) prototype is on display in the U.S. Armor & Cavalry Museum... |url=https://twitter.com/ronkainen7k15/status/1653006058296852480/photo/2 |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref> The program was cancelled after the end of the Cold War and its only prototype is now on display at the [[U.S. Army Armor & Cavalry Collection]] at [[Fort Moore]], Georgia.
* '''M1 Thumper (also known as ATAC System Demonstrator)''' was a single M1A1<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kathe |first=Eric |title=Lessons learned on the application of vibration absorbers for enhanced cannon stabilization |journal=Shock and Vibration |year=2001 |volume=8 |issue=3–4 |pages=131–139 |doi=10.1155/2001/983024 |s2cid=111073609 |doi-access=free}}</ref> fitted with a heavily modified unarmored M1A1 turret to trial the experimental [[XM291]] ATAC (sometimes referred to as LW120) smoothbore gun, a more powerful replacement for the M256 capable of firing either single-piece 120&nbsp;mm or two-piece 140&nbsp;mm ammunition with only a barrel change. The 140&nbsp;mm rounds were too large (boasting twice the [[Chamber (firearms)|chamber]] volume of a [[M829]] APFSDS and twice the [[muzzle energy]]) and heavy to be moved around by a human loader, mandating the installation of a XM91 mechanical cassette autoloader. The Thumper underwent testing in 1988 and in the 1990s at [[Aberdeen Proving Ground]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=PEO Armament, Tank Main Armament Systems |title=Future Armament Systems Technology, brochure by PEO Armament TMAS |url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/378862/20181815MNBT989112214F167098I011.pdf |access-date=2023-04-03 |website= |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403183435/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/378862/20181815MNBT989112214F167098I011.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Defense Technical Information Center |url=http://archive.org/details/DTIC_ADA320105 |title=DTIC ADA320105: Proceedings of the Eighth U.S. Army Symposium on Gun Dynamics. Newport, Rhode Island, 14–16 May 1996. |date=1996-11-01 |language=english}}</ref> where it demonstrated accuracy equal to an M1A1's but with significantly higher armor penetration capability.
[[File:CATTB render 1992.png|thumb|right|CATTB rendering {{circa|1992}}]]
* '''Component Advanced Technology Test Bed''' ('''CATTB''') was a pair of highly modified prototypes conceived under the auspices of the Advanced Tank Armament Systems (ATAS) program<ref name=":0" /> to test several promising technologies. Two vehicles were built in 1993 and 1994: the first one, dubbed Phase I, paired a spare M1 hull with a modified turret (an evolution of the M1 Thumper's) fitted with a 48-caliber 140&nbsp;mm [[Watervliet Arsenal]] XM291 smoothbore cannon<ref>{{cite web|last1=Khourdaji|first1=Samir|title=RD & E Centre Technical Report No. 13492 "Finite Stress Analysis For Component Advanced Technology Test Bed (CATTB) |url=http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA228389|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825230736if_/http://www.dtic.mil/get-tr-doc/pdf?AD=ADA228389|website=Defense Technical Information Center|access-date=16 July 2016|date=May 1990|archive-date=25 August 2016}}</ref> and a [[Benét Laboratories|Benét Labs]] XM91 mechanical autoloader inside the bustle; the second vehicle, codenamed Phase II, used the same turret as basis, but mated it to a brand new M1 hull altered to contain a more compact [[Cummins]] XAP-1000 AIPS diesel engine and two vertically stacked, horizontal carousels (for non-ready ammunition) between the turret basket and the powerpack compartment. Phase II also trialed new single-shoe XT166 [[Continuous track|tracks]] (Phase I retained the original, two-shoed T156 of the M1), an in-arm [[hydropneumatic suspension]] and the Multi-Sensor Target Acquisition System (MTAS) with its low-power, millimetric wave radar. Both vehicles were tested extensively at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The aforementioned Thumper is often erroneously described as a de-tuned CATTB, although it predates the latter by five years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1994 |title=Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, EME Journal 1994 issue #2, pages 25 to 28 |url=https://archive.org/details/eme-journal-1994-issue-2/page/24/mode/2up <!-- 11:50:55 --> |access-date=2023-04-03 |website= |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zweig |first=J. |title=Benét Labs – Future Tank Armaments |url=https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/401705/20184655MNBT989107254F026170I002.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516050110/https://emu.usahec.org/alma/multimedia/401705/20184655MNBT989107254F026170I002.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 May 2022 }}</ref>
[[File:AbramsX.jpg|thumb|AbramsX at [[Association of the United States Army|AUSA]] 2022]]
*'''AbramsX''' is a technology demonstrator<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY32JHXxwrk&t=1s |title=AUSA 2022 Day 1 defense exhibition Washington US AbramsX StrykerX Stryker Leonidas TRX Breacher GDLS |website=[[YouTube]] |date=11 October 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022 |archive-date=26 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026142802/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY32JHXxwrk&t=1s |url-status=live}}</ref> of the M1 Abrams series by General Dynamics Land Systems. The AbramsX features a lightweight Watervliet Arsenal [[XM360]] smoothbore gun with pepperpot [[muzzle brake]], an [[autoloader]] which reduces the crew to three, an unmanned turret, a hybrid diesel-electric Cummins ACE power pack that gives 50% more fuel efficiency, a [[30 mm caliber|30&nbsp;mm]] [[M230 chain gun#M230LF and MAWS|XM914 chain gun]] in a [[remote weapon station]], [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy]] [[active protection system]]s with three launchers, an [[augmented reality]] suite that would increase the crews' [[situational awareness]] thanks to cameras and sensors mounted around the tank's exterior, a silent mode when running on electric power, the ability to be updated more easily than existing tanks and use [[loitering munition]]s such as the [[AeroVironment Switchblade]] as well as surveillance drones,{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} and reduced weight for improved mobility. In October 2022, GDLS released a video showing the Technology Demonstrator and various technology tests.<ref name="AbramsX">{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Jeff |title=General Dynamics business units to participate in AUSA 2022 |url=https://www.gdls.com/general-dynamics-business-units-to-participate-in-ausa-2022/ |website=General Dynamics Land Systems |date=5 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009011312/https://www.gdls.com/general-dynamics-business-units-to-participate-in-ausa-2022/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Gabriel Honrada |title=Heavy metal: new US tanks made to blast China, Russia |url=https://asiatimes.com/2022/10/heavy-metal-new-us-tanks-made-to-blast-china-russia/ |website=Asia Times |date=12 October 2022 |access-date=14 October 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014050052/https://asiatimes.com/2022/10/heavy-metal-new-us-tanks-made-to-blast-china-russia/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Specialized===
[[File:M1 Surrogate Research Vehicle c. 1985.jpg|thumb|right|Surrogate Research Vehicle c. 1985. Note the four crew members located in the hull.]]

*'''Surrogate Research Vehicle''': The surrogate research vehicle (SRV) project was conducted from 1980 to 1987 to evaluate the effectiveness of different crew arrangements using a turretless Abrams test bed. These modifications included adding two crew stations to the front hull. Two crew positions were retained in a rotating basket where the turret had been.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=276}}
* '''Armored Recovery Vehicle''': Initially known as the '''RV90''', this was a prototype designed by General Dynamics. It was produced under contract with TACOM in 1988 despite an earlier preliminary decision to procure the M88A1E1.<ref name="Jane's logistics" >{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Military Vehicles and Logistics 1994–95 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Surrey |year=1994 |isbn=0-7106-1162-5 |page=53 |edition=15th |chapter=Armoured Recovery Vehicles |url=https://archive.org/details/janesmilitaryveh0000unse}}</ref> The prototype was evaluated against the [[M88 Recovery Vehicle|M88A1E1]] later that year.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=271–273}} The Abrams RV was based on the Abrams chassis, but housed a crew of three in a unique armored superstructure. The Army selected the M88A1E1 regardless,<ref name="Jane's logistics" /> which went into production as the M88A2 Hercules.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=271–273}}
*'''Air Ground Defense System''' ('''AGDS'''): Proposed air defense variant of the Abrams equipped with dual 35&nbsp;mm [[Bushmaster III]] autocannons, 12 [[Air Defense Anti-Tank System|ADATS]] missiles and advanced electro-optical and radar targeting systems derived from the ADATS. It was supposed to be capable of both air defense and anti-tank purposes with the ADATS MIM-146 missiles which was a dual purpose ATGM/SAM. The proposal never saw consideration and was never developed further.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Sharoni|first1=Asher H.|last2=Bacon|first2=Lawrence|date=July–August 1996|title=Forward Area Air-Ground Defense |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3TIN9O_JusgC&q=m1+agds&pg=PA17|journal=Armor|volume=105|issue=4|pages=15–20|via=Google Books|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=14 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114043819/https://books.google.com/books?id=3TIN9O_JusgC&q=m1+agds&pg=PA17 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Panther II US Army.jpg|thumb|right|Panther II in 2002]]
* '''M1 Panther II''': A [[demining|mine-clearing vehicle]] with turret removed, mine rollers on the front, and magnetized dog bone.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Collin |editor1-first=King |title=Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 1998–99 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=London |year=1998 |isbn=0-7106-1803-4 |page=565 |edition=3rd |chapter=Mine Clearing Equipment |url=https://archive.org/details/janesminesminecl0000unse}}</ref>{{sfn|Green|Stewart|2005|p=24}} This could be operated remotely or with a crew of two. Six were built and two were deployed in 2007 by the USMC in Iraq.{{sfn|Zaloga|2019|p=39-40}}
* '''[[M104 Wolverine]] Heavy Assault Bridge''': GDLS produced these under contract for the U.S. Army with testing beginning in 1996. The {{convert|26|meter}} bridge was produced by [[Krauss-Maffei Wegmann]]. The chassis is an Abrams converted to M1A2 standard. Forty-three units were produced when production wrapped up in 2003.<ref name="Janes 2011"/>
*'''Battle Command Vehicle''': The vehicle was visually modified with a mock M256 gun to appear like an ordinary Abrams MBT, but featured communications equipment and workstations for battle commanders. [[United Defense LP]] constructed a prototype which the Army tested at Fort Hood in 1997.{{sfn|Foss|2002|p=610}}
*'''Visually modified''': The [[National Training Center]] possesses 28 [[visually modified]] M1A1s resembling [[T-80]]s.<ref name="Janes 2011"/>
* '''M1 Grizzly''' ('''Breacher'''): In 1997 TACOM awarded United Defense a $129 million contract to construct this vehicle based on the Abrams chassis. This was capable of clearing minefields and demolishing obstacles with its dozer blade and telescopic power-driven arm. The chassis had suspension of M1A2 standard and was operated by a crew of two. Two vehicles were delivered to the Army in 1999. Development was halted by the following year.{{sfn|Foss|2002|p=148–154}}

[[File:M1 Grizzly 2.jpg|thumb|A Grizzly Combat Mobility Vehicle (CMV)]]

* '''[[M1074 Joint Assault Bridge]]''' ('''JAB'''): Bridgelayer combining a heavy "scissor" bridge with the M1 Abrams chassis. Expected to reach low-rate initial production in 2019 to replace the [[M60 AVLB]] and M104 Wolverine.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/articles/army-drs-set-to-integrate-new-bridging-system-on-tanks Army, DRS Set To Integrate New Bridging System on Tanks] – Defensenews.com, 6 September 2016</ref>
* '''[[M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle]]''' ('''ABV'''): Assault variant for the USMC. Based upon the M1A1 Abrams chassis, the Assault Breacher Vehicle has a variety of systems installed, such as a full-width mine plow, two [[mine-clearing line charge|linear demolition charges]], and a lane-marking system. [[Reactive armor]] has been fitted to the vehicle providing additional protection against HEAT warhead-based weapons. The turret has been replaced by a new smaller one with two MICLIC launchers at its rear. A M2HB .50 machine gun in a remote weapons station is mounted on the commander's cupola and a bank of grenade launchers are fitted to each side of the superstructure to cover the frontal arc for self-protection.<ref>Abramson, Mark, "[http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=67677 ABVs ready to break Afghan ground]", ''[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]'', 1 February 2010.</ref>

=== Additional equipment ===
*'''Mine clearing plows''': An early example consisted of two mine plows and a chain with a weight running between them.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=253}} The '''Mine Clearing Blade System (MCBS)''': It is capable of clearing mines up to 6 feet in front of the tank's path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1mcbs.htm|title=M1 Mine Clearing Blade System|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227152650/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m1mcbs.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Mine-clearing rollers''': The '''Tank Mounted Mine Clearing Roller''' ('''TMMCR''') comprises two roller banks of five discs each and a chain with a weight running between the rollers.{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=253}} '''Self Protection Combat Roller (SPCR)''' targets pressure activated explosive devices. The system comprises two 4-wheel roller gangs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/self-protection-combat-roller/|title=Battlefield Capabilities|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119220434/https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/self-protection-combat-roller/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> An optional Magnetic System Duplicator (MSD) can be fitted to help protect the equipment from the effect of magnetic influence fused mines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magnetic Signature Duplicator |url=https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/magnetic-signature-duplicator/ |publisher=Pearson Engineering |access-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226011058/https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/magnetic-signature-duplicator/ |archive-date=26 February 2021}}</ref>
*'''Surface Clearance Device''' (SCD): The SCD is employed to clear surface laid mines and IEDs from roads, trails and rough terrain. There are two versions of the SCD; a V-blade optimised for clearing routes and a straight angle-blade which is optimised for clearing staging and assembly areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/surface-clearance-device|title=Surface Clearance Device – Product Page|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=19 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119201814/https://www.pearson-eng.com/products/surface-clearance-device/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Vehicle Magnetic Signature Duplicator''' (VEMSID): The VEMSID causes detonation of magnetic influence mines. The system comprises four emitter coils, two associated power boxes and an MSD Control Unit (MSDCU).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/DOD/MIL53112NOT-1218709|title=MIL-V-53112/1(1) NOT 1 – Vehicle Magnetic Signature Duplicator (Vemasid) System, M109/M992 Family of Vehicles, An/VSQ-3(4) (No S/S Document)|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619161613/https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/DOD/MIL53112NOT-1218709 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Bulldozer attachment'''. The U.S. Army tested this attachment in 1982.<ref name="Janes 2011"/> This was unsuccessful in part because it resulted in transmission overheating,{{sfn|Hunnicutt|2015|p=253}} and was never used.<ref name="Janes 2011"/>