What is the "battlefield endurance" of the M1A2 Abrams? Could it withstand multiple direct enemy hits from other battle tanks? If a missile hit the tank head on, would it surive? What type(s) of weapons(s) could defeat the armor of the M1A2?
by 
kuyakev
ANSWERS: 6
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It depends on the armour configuration and what type of weapon.
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That's classified..... Having driven an M113 in a CAv unit next to M1A1s I can say they are very fast but burn a lot of fuel. Now that they have a lot of add on armor that makes them able to with stand more powerful hit but are probably not able to go as far. All this info can be gotten to some extent on the web. But most of it is classified. The latest anti tank weapons can take out the Abrams. head on is not the best way to take out a tank, the weakest part of the armor it on top. The newest anti tank devices use this and go up then down on top or use a parachute to come down then explode sending a jet of hot material which cuts trough everything like a hot knife through butter. I am not 100% up on all the new technology. There are new armor plates being used with unknown materials and new weapons that can defeat them. This is how it works, you build better armor someone builds something that can punch a hole in it.
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An abrams can definitely withstand a direct fire from another abrams head on. Abrams is a durable tank.
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The M1A2, Challenger 2 and Leapard 2 are some of the best vehicles currently in service. There are stories of Abramses getting hit by up to a dozen RPGs and not having a scratch, in fact, the most insurgents can do is smash the vision and communications devices. The "next generation" of Chobbam-type armour renders modern MBTs almost, and emphisise the "almost", indestructable, however, blinding the crew and smashing the communication airials is as good as immobalizing it. By the way, do you know more Challenger 2s have been lost in Iraq by malfunctions and friendly fire than direct enemy action?
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there is always a way to kill a tank. The number of Abrams destroyed is classified so it is difficult to asses how they withstand anti armour missiles. They would be much better protected if they had of used dorchester armour like the challenger 2. The chally 2 is regarded as the best protected tank in NATO. On one occasion it was hit by 15 RPGs and a milan anti tank missile. The crew were unharmed and the tank was back in action within 6 hours. No chally has ever been lost to enemy fire.
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Yes, modern tanks are extraordinarily robust, but the current means of engaging such beasts is not to make the pointless attempt at penetrating their glacis or turret where the armor is strongest. Even an old RPG is quite adequate to disable the road wheels, sprockets, or break the tracks of any tank. Many modern tanks are not so well protected on the decks or turret top and are thus vulnerable to older weapons that way. Hell, even Molotov Cocktails on the engine exhaust grates are still a desperate, but potentially effective, means of disabling a tank. Don't forget mines, either. A disabled or immobile tank is just a bunker and incapable of offensive movement.
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