[Coming Soon] M1A1 HC Platoon: Dictate of Force

M1A1 HC Platoon (Rank XI)

Historical note

In 1992, the US Marine Corps initiated the development of a specialized version of the Abrams tank, which was to replace the outdated M60A1 RISE. The army's M1A1 HA was taken as a basis and underwent extensive modernization. The key changes included reinforced second-generation uranium armor, an optical-electronic suppression system, an improved digital engine management system, and an increased ammunition load for the 120 mm gun. These improvements have allowed the tank to be adapted to the specific operations of the US Marine Corps, including landing from amphibious assault ships.

Since 1993, 880 M1A1 HC tanks have been produced, becoming the main tanks for the Marine Corps in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their key advantages are increased survivability and adaptability to difficult conditions. Despite being gradually replaced by the more modern M1A2 SEP, some HC tanks remain in service, demonstrating the effectiveness of the “main battle tank” concept.

M1A1 HC

One of the modern modifications of the American main battle tank Abrams is becoming the leader of the new top tank platoon of the United States! Meet the M1A1 HC: a variant with a 120 mm gun, excellent APFSDS shells, incredibly high turret protection, and an optical-electronic suppression system for protection against guided missiles!

The M1A1 HC (Heavy Common) is a special version of the Abrams tank, built to order for the US Marine Corps. The Marines needed a versatile heavy support tank with powerful armament and reliable protection for operations in all combat conditions. The tank is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, a licensed version of the Leopard 2 series gun, but with a different range of shells. In this case, the commander will be able to take three types of HE shells into battle, including the M908 HE-OR. The main type of ammunition for the M1A1 HC will be two types of APFSDS. The most advanced of these has a penetration of over 600 mm, enabling the tank to penetrate most of the enemies it faces.

Protection is another distinctive feature of the M1A1 HC. The tank's armor uses depleted uranium filler, with the highest concentration in the front of the turret. Here, the enemy will have to aim at small, weakened areas around the gun mantlet or turret ring. It is hardly possible to penetrate the M1A1 HC in the turret cheeks. The tank also retains its signature blowout panels, which protect the crew from the detonation of ammunition in the turret. A new feature of the modification will be an optical-electronic suppression system (OESS), which suppresses ATGMs flying at the Abrams with a semi-automatic homing head, diverting them from their trajectory.

The M1A1 HC perfectly combines all the main combat characteristics: high firepower, good protection, and excellent maneuverability. Thanks to this, the vehicle doesn't limit the commander's choice of combat tactics. Breakthrough, reconnaissance, capture of key points, defense, sniper ambush – the M1A1 HC can handle any task with ease, adapting to different combat scenarios. Among the tank's shortcomings is its insufficient hull armor, which can be penetrated by any enemy's armor-piercing (AP) shell. It is worth taking care in advance to conceal the hull in uneven terrain or low cover.

What vehicles will accompany the M1A1 HC? Take a look!

IPM1

A transitional modification from early to modern Abrams tanks. The tank received reinforced frontal armor, and the 105 mm gun can now fire new APFSDS rounds with increased penetration. When playing with the IPM1, it is worth paying attention to hull protection and remembering the considerable vulnerable area at the bottom of the front of the turret. Otherwise, it is a very effective and versatile tank, a worthy representative of the famous family!

M1128

Here is the famous Stryker, the main support vehicle of the US Army with heavy armament. The vehicle is distinguished by its very high speed and effective 105 mm gun. The hull is additionally equipped with mounted screens to protect against anti-tank missiles.

M247

The Sergeant York SPAAG is already well known to experienced War Thunder Mobile commanders. The tracked chassis carries a turret with a pair of 40 mm automatic cannons, which are very effective against aircraft due to their HE-VT shells, and against light armored vehicles that decide to pass through your team's rear.

*Platoon vehicle lineup, vehicle specifications and camouflages are still under development and may differ from those in this article.

The M1A1 HC (Rank XI) platoon will become accessible once you reach level 21** in the tank campaign. You have the option to instantly upgrade your campaign level using Golden Eagles to gain faster access to this platoon compared to other players, or you can progress through battles to level up.