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SYNOPSIS

What are tanks and where do they come from? Planet Science answers this using the best tank on the planet, the American made Abrams M1A2. This truly is a tank of today. It is fully integrated with computers but still shares all its main features with its relatives of 90 years ago. It is designed on a principle established in WW1- the balance between: Mobility, Armor and Gun.

Part One: Tanks are mobile artillery, able to destroy bunkers, buildings vehicles and other tanks. It takes a big gun to do this and the Abrams has one, the 120mm. the National Technical Systems testing range illuminates the awesome power contained in this monster. But the gun is not the whole story- ammunition is just as important and ingeniously designed.

Part Two: To use the gun in battle, the tank must be able to take a hit and keep on rolling. Armor has always been critical to a tank’s survivability. The Russian T34 revolutionised the way tanks used armor during the second world war and its effects are still felt today. A tank is made from thousands of parts and its armour accounts for half the tank’s weight. General Dynamics build the Abrams tank and its construction provides a fascinating look into the heart of a modern marvel.

Part Three: Tanks provide an attractive target for the enemy and as their weapons and tactics evolve so too must the Abrams ability to protect itself. This is when fire fights fire. The Abrams is literally covered in high explosive- reactive armour. This sophisticated design blasts back into the incoming projectile, neutralising its effects and stopping it from penetrating the inner armour of the tank. The world respected explosives facility at New Mexico Tech captures this phenomenal principle on super high speed film . Images not accessible the naked eye are played out on dramatic digital film.

Part Four: Tanks must be able to move to engage the enemy and out manoeuvre its return fire. To do this tanks rely on their tracks. Designed to spread the massive weight of a tank it allows them to cross rugged terrain and clime steep slopes. The Abrams weighs nearly 70 tons yet it can achieve speeds of 45 mph and can hold position on a 60° slope. On General Dynamics test track the Abrams is put through it’s paces.

Part Five: To learn to drive and operate such an advanced piece of kit needs a high tech solution. Simulators mounted on hydraulic legs give near perfect realism for trainees to learn in safety. But once in a real Abrams the computers kick in. The devastating hunter killer system helps the crew in the acquisition and termination of targets by day or in the dead of night. The M1A2 ‘owns the night’ thanks to its advanced thermal imaging system. It can see in the pitch black as well as through snow, fog and even thick smoke. Described as a 70 ton PC the Abrams is triumphant with a combination of engineering, computerization and expertly trained soldiers.

ASPECT RATIO 4.3
MAIN SOUNDTRACK English Stereo
DISC FORMAT DVD 5
REGION 1 NTSC
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
NOTE Not available for shipment outside the USA

Runtime: 54 minutes