M1 Abrams vs T-90 The battle of tanks

In the modern world, the two most famous tanks are arguably the Russian T-90 and the American Abrams. Both are the main battle tanks of two of the most powerful armies in the world and are considered each other's biggest rivals. Today, we are going to discuss which of these tanks is the strongest and would win in a battle. Will Russian engineering win the day, or will America’s might take the battle? Let's find out.

Source: left m1 Abrams, right T-90. The Battle of T-90 vs M1 Abrams: Who Comes Out on Top? (2023b, november 28). Battle Machines. https://battlemachines.org/2023/01/24/t-90-vs-m1-abrams-which-tank-is-better/

Armor

M1 Abrams:

- The Abrams is renowned for its exceptional armor protection, featuring a combination of composite materials, including layers of depleted uranium in later models. This provides superior defense against kinetic and chemical energy rounds.

- The Chobham armor gives the Abrams a significant edge in survivability against direct hits. There are many videos online that show an Abrams surviving direct hits from rocket launchers without any major visible damage.

T-90:

- The T-90 is equipped with composite and reactive armor, which is effective but generally considered less protective than the Abrams’ advanced composite armor.

- Reactive armor on the T-90 can mitigate the impact of incoming projectiles, adding a dynamic layer of defense.

Winner: M1 Abrams

source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024g, juli 13). M1 Abrams. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Abrams

Firepower

M1 Abrams:

- Armed with a 120mm smoothbore cannon, the Abrams can fire a variety of advanced munitions, including highly effective depleted uranium rounds.

- The advanced targeting systems enhance accuracy and engagement range, providing superior firepower.

T-90:

- The T-90 features a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in addition to standard rounds.

- The T-90 also has an autoloader, while the Abrams must be loaded manually after each shot. While the autoloader is faster, it is also more prone to malfunction.

- While powerful, the T-90’s targeting systems are generally considered less advanced compared to the Abrams, potentially reducing its effectiveness at longer ranges.

Winner: Draw (The T-90's ATGM capability balances the Abrams' superior targeting systems)

Source: M1 Abram left: M1 Abrams tank. (z.d.). Key Model World. https://www.keymodelworld.com/m1-abrams-tank. T-90 right: IsraeliGunslinger. (z.d.). Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/user/Israeligunslinger/

Mobility/Speed

M1 Abrams:

- Despite its heavy weight, the Abrams is equipped with a powerful gas turbine engine that offers impressive speed and maneuverability across various terrains.

- The tank’s agility is somewhat limited by its weight, making it less versatile in certain environments.

T-90:

- The T-90 is lighter and more agile, allowing for greater versatility and maneuverability in diverse terrains.

- Its design prioritizes speed and mobility, making it highly effective in environments where heavier tanks might struggle.

Winner: T-90

source: Zichoe. (2016, 6 mei). Russian T90 flying tank live firing at RAE 2015 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NppABJ9kUV4

Defensive Systems

M1 Abrams:

- The Abrams is equipped with advanced thermal imaging and targeting systems, which enhance its ability to detect and engage targets in low-visibility conditions.

- Its defensive capabilities are more passive, relying heavily on its armor for protection.

T-90:

- The T-90 features advanced defensive technologies such as the Shtora-1, which can disrupt incoming anti-tank guided missiles, and the Arena active protection system, which can intercept incoming projectiles.

- These systems provide an additional layer of dynamic defense that can counter a variety of threats.

Winner: T-90

Source: Kivimäki, V. (2017, 2 april). Tankspotting: T-90As in the Donbass - bellingcat. Bellingcat. https://www.bellingcat.com/news/uk-and-europe/2017/04/02/tankspotting-t-90as-donbass/

Modifiability

M1 Abrams:

- The Abrams is highly modifiable, with numerous upgrades available to enhance its armor, firepower, and electronics.

- Its modular design allows for significant customization to meet specific mission requirements.

T-90:

- The T-90 also supports various modifications, particularly in its defensive systems and firepower.

- Upgrades are often focused on improving its already strong mobility and defensive capabilities.

Winner: Draw

Source: Admin, & Admin. (2012, 3 februari). US Army to receive CVTESS trainers from Saab. Army Technology. https://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-to-receive-cvtess-trainers-from-saab/

Fuel Consumption

M1 Abrams:

- The Abrams’ gas turbine engine is notoriously fuel-thirsty, requiring substantial logistical support to maintain its operational range.

- High fuel consumption is a significant drawback, impacting long-term operational sustainability.

T-90:

- The T-90’s diesel engine is more fuel-efficient compared to the Abrams, allowing for longer operational ranges without the need for extensive resupply.

- Lower fuel consumption contributes to its operational versatility and sustainability.

Winner: T-90

Source: Wikipedia contributors. (2024f, juli 7). T-90. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-90

Cost to Make and Maintain

M1 Abrams:

- The Abrams is one of the most expensive tanks to produce and maintain, reflecting its advanced technology and robust design.

- High production and maintenance costs can be a limiting factor for widespread deployment.

T-90:

- The T-90 is generally more cost-effective to produce and maintain, making it a practical choice for large-scale deployment.

- Lower costs contribute to its popularity among various militaries seeking a balance between capability and affordability.

Winner: T-90

Source: BulgarianMilitary.com. (z.d.). T-90. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/tag/t-90/

Conclusion

In summary:

- Armor: M1 Abrams

- Firepower: Draw

- Mobility/Speed: T-90

- Defensive Systems: T-90

- Modifiability: Draw

- Fuel Consumption: T-90

- Cost to Make and Maintain: T-90

The T-90 seems to be a better tank overall, winning in most categories due to its cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, speed, and advanced defensive systems. However, the Abrams excels in armor protection and is renowned for its survivability. During the Gulf Wars, it was almost impossible for terrorist organizations to take down an Abrams tank. In a one-on-one fight, the Abrams will most likely win thanks to its superior armor.

Of course, the outcome of any battle depends on various factors such as the skills of the crews, the environment, and the type of warfare being fought. The most likely winner is whoever gets the first shot. However, due to the Abrams' superior armor and the United States' significant industrial capability, I would choose the M1 Abrams as the winner of this tank battle.

Winner: M1 Abrams

Source: Dowling, D. (2021, 11 april). HD wallpaper: Abrams, US Army, M1 Abrams, M1A2 SEP, Main battle tank USA. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.es/pin/my-saves--626985579375391124/

Now, you might be disagreeing with me and still believe that the T-90 should have won. If that's the case, you can always test your theory in the game War Thunder, one of the most realistic tank battle simulators out there. The game's realism is so intense that some dedicated War Thunder fans have leaked actual secret tank blueprints from various militaries worldwide to enhance its accuracy. This realism proved useful during the Russia-Ukraine war when a Ukrainian soldier managed to destroy a Russian tank by remembering a weak spot he found while playing War Thunder. So, if you want to defend the T-90's honor or uphold the Abrams as the superior tank, War Thunder is the game for you.