The M1 Abrams was the next stage in American tank development after the M60 series. Chrysler completed the prototype in 1978 and the first production vehicles appeared in 1980 with 30 tanks a month being built in the years that followed by General Dynamics, then a division of Chrysler Motors. Its advanced Chobham armour makes the M1 the best protected US main battle tank yet devised. Its gas turbine engine is smaller and easier to service than a diesel engine, but the extra fuel requirement negates the space saved, which is perhaps why the idea was rejected for acquiring the German-built Leopard 2. Thermal sights, laser rangefinder equipment, and a sophisticated gun stabilization system give the M1 excellent firepower on the move, be it day or night. In the 1991 Gulf War, the Abrams proved itself the best tank in the world, knocking out Iraqi T-72s with impunity. In fact, no Abrams were lost due to enemy fire.

According to General Dynamics, international sales of the Abrams tank are strong. Egypt has purchased 777 M1A1 tank kits. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia purchased and fielded 315 M1A2 Abrams tanks in the Royal Saudi Land Forces, and lest we forget the Government of Kuwait, which purchased and fielded 218 M1A2 Abrams tanks in the Kuwaiti Land Forces. All of these nations are considering additional orders or configuration upgrades for their existing fleet of M1A1/A2 tanks.

This particular 1:72 scale M1A1HA Abrams main battle tank was attached to the US Army's B-Troop, 1-4 Cav, 1st Infantry Division which was subordinate to the United Nation's Implementation Force (IFOR) during its involvement in the Kosovo Crisis. Comes with decorative display base and numbered certificate of authenticity. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: July 2005

Historical Account: "Lay Me Down on a Bed of Roses" - Two days after the Dayton Peace Agreement was signed in Paris on December 14th, 1995, NATO launched the largest military operation ever undertaken by the alliance, Operation Joint Endeavor. A 60,000 strong NATO-led multi-national Implementation Force (IFOR), started its mission on December 20th, 1995, with a one-year mandate to end hostilities, separate the Federation and Serbian forces, transfer control over remaining pockets of Federation or Serbian held territory to their respective Entities, and secure heavy weapons.

IFOR accomplished these tasks by the end of June 1996, and also opened roads, repaired bridges, freed up Sarajevo airport and key railway lines, while providing security for the September 1996 and subsequent elections.