| The M1 Abrams is powered by a 1500 hp (1119 kW) | | | | for the infantry to proceed shadowing the tank in |
| Honeywell AGT1500 (originally made by Lycoming) | | | | urban combat. The turbine is noisy, comparable to a |
| gas turbine, and a six speed (four forward, two | | | | helicopter engine, although the noise character (pitch) |
| reverse) Allison X-1100-3B Hydro-Kinetic Automatic | | | | is significantly different from a contemporary diesel |
| transmission, giving it a governed top speed of 45 | | | | tank engine, reducing the audible distance of the |
| mph (72 km/h) on paved roads, and 30 mph (48 km | | | | sound, thus the nickname, "Whispering Death". Future |
| h) cross-country. With the engine governor removed, | | | | US tanks may return to reciprocating engines for |
| speeds of around 60 mph (100 km/h) are possible on | | | | propulsion, as 4-stroke diesel engines have proven |
| an improved surface; however, damage to the drive | | | | quite successful in other modern heavy tanks, e.g. |
| train (especially to the tracks) and an increased risk | | | | the Leopard 2, Challenger 2 and Merkava. The small |
| of injuries to the crew can occur at speeds above | | | | size, simplicity, power-to-weight ratio, and easy |
| 45 mph. The tank can be fueled with diesel fuel, | | | | removal/replacement of the turbine power pack |
| kerosene, any grade of MOGAS (motor gasoline), or | | | | does, however, present significant advantages over |
| JP-4 or JP-8 jet fuel; the U.S. Army uses JP-8 jet fuel | | | | any proposed reciprocating replacement. |
| in order to simplify logistics. The gas turbine | | | | The Abrams can be carried by the C-5 Galaxy and |
| propulsion system has proven quite reliable in practice | | | | C-17 Globemaster III. The limited capacity (one |
| and combat, but its high fuel consumption is a serious | | | | combat-ready tank or two transport-ready tanks in a |
| logistic issue (starting up the turbine alone consumes | | | | C-5, one combat-ready tank in a C-17) caused serious |
| 40 liters of fuel). | | | | logistical problems when deploying the tanks for the |
| The high speed, high temperature jet blast emitted | | | | First Gulf War, though there was enough time for |
| from the rear of M1 Abrams tanks makes it difficult | | | | 1,848 tanks to be transported by ship. |