Arsenal: M1 Abrams in Desert Storm, 1991

A tank built for the forests of Central Europe earns its legend in the sands of Kuwait. In this episode of Arsenal, we ride with M1 Abrams crews into the blinding dust of Desert Storm, from the brutal overmatch at 73 Easting to the long armored thrusts that broke Iraqi defenses. Along the way, we unpack how composite armor, thermal sights, and that thirsty gas turbine changed what tank combat looked like, and what it cost in fuel, maintenance, and tragic friendly fire. It is the story of a machine that gave its crews rare confidence and protection, and how a Cold War design became one of the defining weapons of the Gulf War. Arsenal is developed by Trackpads.com.