Since first coming into service in 1980, the M1 Abrams tank has become a staple of US ground forces. The 67-ton behemoth has since made a name for itself as an incredibly tough, powerful tool that has successfully transitioned
from a Cold War-era blunt instrument to a tactical modern weapon.
In the slides below, find out how the M1 Abrams became, and remains, the king of the battlefield.
Here is one of the first M1 Abrams in 1979. The Abrams entered service in 1980, but didn't see heavy combat until Desert Storm in 1991.
DoD photo by: EDDIE McCROSSAN
The Abrams was the first tank to incorporate British-developed Chobham composite armor, which includes ceramics and is incredibly dense.
Despite the British-designed armor, the Abrams tanks were made in Ohio and Michigan.
The Abrams is highly mobile, with a top speed of more than 40 mph and an impressive zero-turn radius.
Source: Federation of American Scientists
The M1 Abrams sports a 120 mm smooth-bore cannon capable of firing a variety of rounds.
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