WWW.SAMPUBLICATIONS.COM 73defences for attacking forces. The ABV itself
is based on the hull of the M1A1 model of
the Abrams. These hulls were not specially
constructed for the ABV, but were actually
refurbished, General-Dynamics built-hulls
taken from Army Surplus stocks. To reduce
costs and construction time, the ABV uses
many components from the Abrams, not
least, the entire power pack and suspension
systems. The biggest change between the M1
tank and the ABV was the complete removal
of the turret and accompanying armament
and replacement with a large, armoured
superstructure. This superstructure has
limited horizontal traverse, with an arc, and
is similar in shape to the Abrams’ turret face
and is covered in Explosive Reactive Armor
(ERA) blocks, a total of fifty-three individual
pieces. This gives the vehicle protection from
high explosive and shaped charge ordnance.
The front plate of the superstructure (where
the Abrams’ gun would be) is additionally
protected by a spaced-armour panel. It is to
this panel that ERA is adhered to. There is
storage on the side of the structure for spare
track links, road wheels, sprocket wheel teeth,tow lines, and other equipment.
The vehicle is operated by just two
personnel, the Commander and the Driver.
The Driver’s position is typical of the
Abrams, being front and centre of the hull.
The Commander’s position is located front
and centre in the superstructure under an
armoured vision cupola. Here is also where
the vehicle’s only armament can be found;
a single .50 Cal (12.7 mm) Browning M2
heavy machine gun. The mount is able to
traverse and elevate via powered or manual
controls that allow it to be aimed and fired
‘buttoned up’ (hatches closed, crew inside).
The weapon is for defensive fire. For this
purpose, there are also two banks of eight
smoke grenade launchers on the left and rightassault breacher
Maintenance ManualTHE ABV WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO CLEAR ROUTES THROUGH BATTLEFIELDS
HEAVILY SATURATED WITH MINES AND OTHER OBSTACLES