Large-Scale Production of the M1 Tank Should Be Delayed Until Its Power Train Is Made More Durable

摘要

The Army has requested funds to procure 720 M1 tanks in fiscal year 1982. Although the tank has met virtually all of its major combat requirements, the tank's power train durability must be improved so that the tank's performance can measure up to its full potential. Until this is done, it would be unwise to produce the M1 in large numbers. To do so would merely increase the inventory of tanks hampered by engines requiring frequent replacement and costly maintenance. Other tank components also required frequent maintenance during testing. Whether this was generally a correctable problem of poor quality control at contractor plants, as the Army contends, or whether it will become a chronic problem remains to be seen.