Hey War Thunder team and fellow players,
I want to bring up several important issues regarding the in-game representation of the M1 Abrams series, specifically the M1A1 HC, M1A2, M1A2 SEP, and M1A2 SEP v2. There are some notable inaccuracies in how the armor, spall liners, armor penetration mechanics, and turret ring vulnerabilities (including the shot trap) are represented in the game, and I believe these should be addressed to improve realism and gameplay balance.
Integral Spall Liners in M1 Abrams Tanks
The M1 Abrams tanks, including the M1A1 HC and its variants, are equipped with integral spall liners. These liners are crucial for improving crew survivability by preventing the internal fragmentation of armor when it’s struck. However, this important feature isn’t currently reflected in the game, which gives a misrepresentation of how resilient the Abrams is in combat.
Supporting Evidence for Spall Liners
Here are some sources that support the inclusion of spall liners in the M1 Abrams:
- Tank Encyclopedia - M1 Abrams
A great resource that outlines the importance of spall liners and composite armor in Abrams tanks. - DOT&E Report on Abrams M1A2 SEP (2017)
This report discusses the improvements in the M1A2 SEP series, including spall protection and other survivability enhancements. - GAO Report - Operation Desert Storm (1992)
This government report mentions the spall liners and armor protection systems that were integral to Abrams tanks during the Gulf War. - Abrams Spall Liners Video
This video explains how spall liners are part of the Abrams’ armor and critiques their absence in War Thunder. - M1 Abrams System Technical Overview (Federation of American Scientists)
A detailed look at the M1 Abrams system, including armor and survivability, which applies to all variants, such as the M1A1 HC. - War Thunder Community - Abrams Turret Ring Issues
A forum discussion addressing the absence of spall liners and issues with armor penetration mechanics affecting Abrams gameplay. - War Thunder Community - Abrams Glacis and Turret Ring Inaccuracies
Another discussion on problems with armor penetration and turret ring inaccuracies in the Abrams models. - How to Fix the M1 Abrams in War Thunder
A detailed thread discussing the M1 Abrams’ weaknesses in the game, including Point #3, where it is stated that the turret ring needs more armor to prevent excessive vulnerability. The current armor model allows these vehicles to be easily destroyed by shots aimed at the turret ring, making the tank far more vulnerable than it would be in real life. Autocannons can easily penetrate the turret ring, leading to instant crew kills, which isn’t an accurate representation of the M1 Abrams’ real-world armor protection.
Vulnerability of the Turret Ring
In addition to the turret ring vulnerability, another key issue is the ability of certain vehicles, such as the 2S38 and Gepard, to penetrate the M1 Abrams’ turret ring from the front. These autocannons are capable of exploiting this weak spot, effectively defeating the tank with shots to the turret ring, something that shouldn’t happen in real life, given the tank’s armor and design. The lack of proper armor on the turret ring leads to an unrealistic and overly exploitable vulnerability in the game.
Conclusion
The current representation of the M1 Abrams series in War Thunder doesn’t fully reflect the tank’s true survivability, particularly in regards to spall liners, shot traps, and armor penetration mechanics. By addressing these issues and including features like spall liners, proper turret ring armor, and a more accurate armor penetration system, the game could provide a more realistic and balanced experience. This would greatly improve the immersion for players and create a more authentic representation of the M1 Abrams series.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this, and I hope we can get some improvements in future updates!
Cheers,
Max
