...just a curiosity, but why Abrams tank didnt mount fully last generation composite side skirt instead the older weak steel ones?
Lucio

... Probably should be noted that the M1 was never fitted with Chobahm,in fact, American M1s never saw anything in the way of cermic based armour but Australian M1s did.

Mike,

I agree with your assessment of the alterations.

If the truck was going to FBGA, he was lost since he was heading EAST on I-20 in SC. If he was going to the Charleston Port, he was passed I-26 exit on I-20.

I think Camp Legune, Fort Bragg (maybe), FBVA (Research), Aberdeen (if they still do testing), or maybe even a Defense Show say in DC?

Wading Pool?

Could you tell what the items covered in styrofoam wrap and duct tape are ???

And no one replied to my question about the "II3" marking on the hull corner...2nd Armored?

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Mike,

I agree with your assessment of the alterations.

If the truck was going to FBGA, he was lost since he was heading EAST on I-20 in SC. If he was going to the Charleston Port, he was passed I-26 exit on I-20.

I think Camp Legune, Fort Bragg (maybe), FBVA (Research), Aberdeen (if they still do testing), or maybe even a Defense Show say in DC?

Wading Pool?

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Isn't the AUSA show coming up next week?

And are all Maritime Prepositioning Ships outfitted with M1s now?

AUSA 2011 Annual Meeting & Exposition is 10-12 OCT11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, D.C. per their webpage

Is somebody going to be there?

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And are all Maritime Prepositioning Ships outfitted with M1s now?

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Yes, PrePo ships and stocks have been all M1s for quite some time now. M60s were pretty much out of the active force shortly after ODS ('90-'91). A few hung around in the National Guard after that, but not for too long. Most M60s were either sold to foreign buyers or became artificial reefs and range targets.

I would be surprised if this was actually for the US military. The M60 production line has long been shut down and it would be more expensive to restart it than it would be to take existing Abrams tank hulls and modify them. Plus the logistical tail would be hugely expensive to bring back a long out of service vehicle.

"but why Abrams tank didnt mount fully last generation composite side skirt instead the older weak steel ones" probably a combination of politics,cost, and weight management in the early M1s. Those composite guards on the front weigh much more then just steel plates. Probably should be noted that the M1 was never fitted with Chobahm,in fact, American M1s never saw anything in the way of cermic based armour but Australian M1s did.

"but why Abrams tank didnt mount fully last generation composite side skirt instead the older weak steel ones" probably a combination of politics,cost, and weight management in the early M1s. Those composite guards on the front weigh much more then just steel plates. Probably should be noted that the M1 was never fitted with Chobahm,in fact, American M1s never saw anything in the way of cermic based armour but Australian M1s did.

Which statement is that? I never said all the skirts were all steel. Also as for the 'special' armour, according to Janes the M1's armour is laminated steel just like the T-72's armour. I guess that would explain why so many M1s, at least 80, were KO'ed in Iraq while so few Chally IIs were KO'ed. Would also explain why the Australian gov't proudly touted their M1s as having special composites as opposed to Uranuim. I have nothing to gain monterily either. Clearly you are misinformed.