With the forthcoming TUSK add-on kit, an M2 or an Mk 19 grenade launcher can be mounted on the CROWS remote weapons platform (similar to the Protector M151 remote weapon station used on the Stryker family of vehicles). 2. A 7.62 mm M240 machine gun in front of the loader’s hatch on a skate mount. 3. A 7.62 mm M240 machine gun in a coaxial mount. The coaxial MG is aimed and fired with the computer fire control system used for the main gun. The turret is fitted with two six-barreled smoke grenade launchers (USMC Abrams use an eight-barreled version). These can create a thick smoke that blocks both vision and thermal imaging, and can also be armed with chaff. The engine is also equipped with a smoke generator that is triggered by the driver.
The Abrams also has provisions for storing an M16 rifle or M4 carbine inside the crew compartment for when they have to leave the protection of the tank under potentially hostile conditions, plus Abrams crews always carry personal side arms, the M9 Beretta pistols. The Abrams is equipped with a ballistic fire-control computer that uses data from a variety of sources, including the thermal or daylight Gunner’s Primary Sight...