Interesting notes about the M1-A1.
The M1 uses a
Turbine engine to achieve it's incredible (for it's weight) top speed. This engine also generates a
tremendous amount of
heat. (in other words if you are driving behind one don't get to close unless you want the
paint stripped from the hood of your car) Many
soldiers used this heat during
Desert Storm to dry their clothes and to keep warm during the incredibly cold desert nights.
During an inspection of a field exercise being performed by the Georgia
National Guard, the
Brigade commander of 3rd Infantry Division(Mechanized) noticed a M1 with
condensation forming on the main gun
barrel. He entered the tank to find the barrel had been stuffed with
ice and cans of
beer.
These last two
examples show the
domestic versatility of the M1.