The thing that gets me is that some of those comments seem quite reasoned and accurate - the fuel consumption on the Abrams is quite high, as I understand it. OK, understood. Still doesn't mean that it was an invalid design choice or a bad tank, though? If it gets you more than it costs you (smaller silhouette, lightweight unit engine that can be switched out easily...), that's pretty much the definition of a good engineering decision, no?
Individually and taken in a vacuum they are reasonable, but neither is terribly relevant in the real world.
Take the engine as an example. At the time they designed the M1 true multi-fuel high power diesel engines weren't really a thing yet despite claims to the contrary. At the time the M1 entered service the Leopard 1 could run on a variety of grades of diesel while the M1 could run on anything they could force through the fuel filters.
I could go on and on, but the end conclusion is that its a compromise that made sense at the time. Still does to some extend though a diesel upgrade is looking more and more tempting.
_________________
“Close” only counts with horseshoes, hand grenades, and tactical nuclear weapons.
That which does not kill me has made a grave tactical error
Worklist
Source Materiel is always welcome.