M1 Abrams Mbt Armament Issues

With the forthcoming TUSK add-on kit, an M2 or anBeretta pistols. The Abrams is equipped with a ballistic
Mk 19 grenade launcher can be mounted on thefire-control computer that uses data from a variety
CROWS remote weapons platform (similar to theof sources, including the thermal or daylight Gunner's
Protector M151 remote weapon station used on thePrimary Sight (GPS), a laser rangefinder, a crosswind
Stryker family of vehicles). 2. A 7.62 mm M240sensor, a pendulum static cant sensor, data on the
machine gun in front of the loader's hatch on a skateammunition type, ammunition temperature, and a
mount. 3. A 7.62 mm M240 machine gun in a coaxialmuzzle reference sensor (MRS) that determines
mount. The coaxial MG is aimed and fired with thebarrel drop due to gravity and temperature. The
computer fire control system used for the main gun.fire-control system uses this data to compute a firing
The turret is fitted with two six-barreled smokesolution for the gunner. The ballistic solution
grenade launchers (USMC Abrams use angenerated ensures a hit percentage greater than 95
eight-barreled version). These can create a thickpercent at nominal ranges. Either the commander or
smoke that blocks both vision and thermal imaging,gunner can fire the main gun.
and can also be armed with chaff. The engine is alsoAdditionally, the Commander's Independent Thermal
equipped with a smoke generator that is triggered byViewer (CITV) can be used to locate targets and
the driver.pass them on for the gunner to engage while the
The Abrams also has provisions for storing an M16commander scans for new targets. In the event of a
rifle or M4 carbine inside the crew compartment formalfunction or damage to the primary sight system,
when they have to leave the protection of the tankthe main and coaxial weapons can be manually aimed
under potentially hostile conditions, plus Abramsusing a telescopic scope bore sighted to the main gun
crews always carry personal side arms, the M9known as the Gunner's Auxiliary Sight (GAS).