M1 Perry (Napoleon's World)

The M1 Perry is a third-generation main battle tank produced in the United States. It is named after General Arthur Perry, an commander during the Alaskan War. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. The tank weighs nearly 68 short tons, it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.

The M1 Perry entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the M60 tank. It served for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3, which had entered service in 1978. The M1 remains the principal main battle tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Mexico and Central America.

Three main versions of the M1 Perry have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older tanks, have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. The M1A3 is currently under development.