In 1980, the first production model of the M1 Abrams MBT was finished. The production version became known as the M1 Abrams main battle tank. In November 1976, the Army announced that Chrysler had been chosen to produce the new tank. In June 1973, the United States awarded both Chrysler Defense Division (now part of General Dynamics Land Systems) and General Motors contracts to develop prototypes of the XM1 Abrams.īoth companies built prototypes, which where then tested. Later, it became known as the XM1 Abrams, after Vietnam War general Creighton Williams Abrams Jr. The funds that were budgeted for the MBT-70 project were transferred toward the development of a new main battle tank.Īt first, this new main battle tank was designated the XM815 MBT. The West Germans went on to develop their own new main battle tank, the Leopard 2 MBT.Īt the end of 1971, the US Congress canceled development of the MBT-70. West Germany withdrew from the project in 1969. In addition, costs began increasing dramatically. The Americans wanted the MBT-70 to replace their M60 Patton MBT, while the West Germans wanted it to be a replacement for their Leopard 1.Īs time went on and the MBT-70 project continued, the two countries began to disagree about the new tank’s design. This new tank, which was designated the MBT-70, was to be equipped with a Shillelagh missile system. Development of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tankĭuring the 1960s, the United States and West Germany began collaborating on the development of a new main battle tank that would be a match for any new tank that the Soviets were working on. The M1 Abrams main battle Tank is known for its exceptional service in the 1990/19 Persian Gulf Wars. It is the only battle tank currently produced in the United States. The M1 Abrams main battle tank is the primary main battle tank of the United States Army and the United States Marine Corp. Last updated on February 19th, 2019 at 10:15 pm