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The first 18 (of 59) M1A1 AIM MBTs and 5 (of 7) M88A2 ARV arrived in Melbourne this morning. Motorists were warned of delays as the transporters travelled at 10kph over the Westgate Bridge (I hope that won't be the usual speed for deployment):

www.defence.gov.au/med...060922.cfm

Although in an urban/industrial landscape, the photos of the Abrams show how much the sand finish will contrast with the Australian environment (unless operating in coastal dunes). For those unfamiliar with Australia, our deserts have red sand and the bush is generally olive green to brown. I guess that's why our military equipment is generally olive drab, tan and black (or red for northwestern arid environments).

David

Thanks David, I had heard they were being shipped a while ago and was begining to wonder where they were!

Interesting, you really can see the clear hubs on the road wheels, and the tracks have rusted. Might have to have a look for that new M1A1 AIM kit now.

So what's with the Leo that is being unloaded, too?

- David_Clark

...Although in an urban/industrial landscape, the photos of the Abrams show how much the sand finish will contrast with the Australian environment (unless operating in coastal dunes). For those unfamiliar with Australia, our deserts have red sand and the bush is generally olive green to brown. I guess that's why our military equipment is generally olive drab, tan and black (or red for northwestern arid environments).

David

Why would the color matter that much, unless you plan on fighting the enemy on your own homeland. Many western aligned nations do not really fear fighting off an invasion since most enemy forces lack global power projection (ability to get their stuff to your shore).

It makes more sense to keep your equipment painted in their homeland colors. It sends them a subtle message.

Knowing that the Aussies have desert/hot weather experience with their Leo 1's, you can be sure there have been frequent liaison visits with the Canadians. We know how to make our kit work in the worst cold of the Northern hemisphere. But unless Australia needs to run its LAVs in, oh say Norway or southern Chile, we won't be able to reciprocate.

Second point, I closely examined one of the M1A1 in transit photos. I see no evidence of the infamous AFV News Forum 'comb' on the glacis plate.

The last time the US shipped tanks to the Aussies, didn't they all have 'combs'? What's going on?

- A2_Prius

So what's with the Leo that is being unloaded, too?

First up, I do not know. But it could be that they wanted to put on some parade or display in Melbourne and brought it along to show what the M1 was replacing.

Even in the high res photo there is a lot of heat haze but it looks fairly neat and tidy, it could be that it is not being unloaded, it's being loaded, possibly for a museum in the US maybe?

- Sabot

Why would the color matter that much, unless you plan on fighting the enemy on your own homeland.

Rob

Apparently, they will be fitted with the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System so it probably doesn't matter what colour they are:
www.defense-update.com...racuda.htm

The three colour camouflage would have made for a much more interesting model - perhaps we should have ordered the NATO three colour finish.

The 1st Armd Regt used to be known as the Koalas - endangered species, never to be exported and definitely not to be shot at. That changed with the deployment of Centurions to Vietnam but it's difficult to see the circumstances that would justify the offshore deployment of our new MBTs. However, the world certainly isn't what it used to be.

David

- A2_Prius

So what's with the Leo that is being unloaded, too?

I haven't managed to find out anything about the Leo but the caption says that it is being loaded onto the transporter. However, it's highly unlikley that the ship would have called in at Darwin to pick up a Leo. It seems to be in pristine condition and I suspect it may have been brought down from Puckapunyal as a prop for the handover ceremony.

David

- Maple_Leaf_Eh

Second point, I closely examined one of the M1A1 in transit photos. I see no evidence of the infamous AFV News Forum 'comb' on the glacis plate.

The last time the US shipped tanks to the Aussies, didn't they all have 'combs'? What's going on?

Hey when you get a cutrate price something has to be deleted to make the deal work. That extra $9.95 item (Available at the dime store for $.39 but under a government contract the price is always higher) may have just been the deal maker/breaker

- Maple_Leaf_Eh

Second point, I closely examined one of the M1A1 in transit photos. I see no evidence of the infamous AFV News Forum 'comb' on the glacis plate.

The last time the US shipped tanks to the Aussies, didn't they all have 'combs'? What's going on?

I must admit that I haven't looked closely but I can't recall combs on any of the preserved M3s (could be hidden under the transmission applique armour). Perhaps we were ripped off and should now demand recompense in the form of a decent 3 colour camouflage on the M1A1s.

David

- Maple_Leaf_Eh

Second point, I closely examined one of the M1A1 in transit photos. I see no evidence of the infamous AFV News Forum 'comb' on the glacis plate.

The last time the US shipped tanks to the Aussies, didn't they all have 'combs'? What's going on?

Rendered obsolete and redundant by the introduction of the portable hair dryer since WWII....check in the stowage boxes.

Found this News video clip, for those interested.

National News: Army reveals new Abrams tanks

Don

On the National Geographic Channel they had a program called "Ultimate Factories M-1 Tank" where they showed how the M-1 was remanufactured. Towards the end of the program they show several of the M-1's with the kangaroo painted on the turret and hull. It isn't out on DVD yet, but when it does come out the programn will be worth getting.

That explains the Leo - it was a prop for the Minister's speech!

David