How long does it take for an abrams tank to become fully operable!?

Question

basically is there ever a time your a "sitting duck"

Answer 1

It depends on the conditions. A tank in the motor pool is generally a 'sitting duck' because it will have no ammunition, the machine guns will be locked away in a vault, the hatches will be padlocked shut and the crew will be somewhere else.

Under combat conditions a tank will usually have at least one of its weapons manned at all times and will be able to go to battle readiness in anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.

If the tank is down for maintenance the speed which the tank can be brought to battle readiness will depend on the exact circumstances.

Tank units in the field (or combat) will be at a specified 'readiness condition.' 'Redcon1' will generally indicate a tank unit where all tanks are fully manned, engines running and need nothing more than the 'go' command over the radio. 'Redcon 2' usually indicates a tank unit that can be at 'Redcon 1' status in 15 minutes. (Generally Redcon 2 status is for a unit where 50% of the people are sleeping, minor maintenance is being performed, soldiers are eating meals etc.) The conditions for 'higher redocn levels will be set by the 'TacSOP' (Tactical Standard Operating Procedures) set by the higher headquarters.

Answer 2

The abrams m1 tank is the fastest tank 'off the line' thanks to its jet engine, similar to air craft engines. Its fortified armour has never been penetrated by another tank, and no personnel have ever been killed within the tank. In terms of vulnerability, it only gets 1 mile per gallon, but on the upside in can burn just about ANY type of fuel. It is also vulnerable to sand. The blades of the engine can get 'sandblasted', the broken blades can damage the engine.

Answer 3

It all depends on the crew. If they're sleeping or horsing around, they are vulnerable. If they are paying attention and alert, pick another target. The time from "awshit" to "let's get moving" varies, but it aint' long.

The engine does not have to be running for the crew of an M1Ax to put a HE sabot round up your poopshoot if you present yourself to be a threat. Many have discovered the dearth of 72 virgins trying.