The M1 Abrams is a series of 3rd generation MBTs, developed as a replacement for the m60 Patton. It was designed by Chysler Defense but now known as General Dynamics Land Systems. It is the successor to the XM-1, a prototype design of the Abrams. It has balanced protection against all types of ammunition, smoke grenades to create a smoke screen infront of the vehicle, and ESS which is another creation of a smoke screen in the direction of the movement of the vehicle. It's main armament is a 120mm M256 barrel. It can use HEATFS and APFSDS rounds. The Abrams' machine guns overtime were the 12.7mm M2HB machine, the 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and the coaxial version of the M240. Some of it's weaknesses are that the Abrams' stock speed very sluggish, the turret ring armor is relatively weak which can lead to fatal shot traps, hull and turret armor are less effective against kinetic rounds, and that you aren't able to depress the gun over the rear end of the tank since its engine deck is slightly raised. Comparison wise, an aced crew can reload the Abrams' main gun with the same amount of time in a Leopard 2a5, LeClerc, and T-80U.