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| kW) Honeywell AGT1500 (originally made by | | | | The turbine is noisy, comparable to a |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