Convoy of Massive US M1 Abrams Tanks Jump in Middle of the Water

YouTube / The Daily Aviation

A Step Closer to Submarine Tanks

If the M1 Abrams wasn’t scary enough, look at how it seamlessly traverses rivers like it was land. 

The US’ main battle tank can ford water up to 6 and a half feet deep using its Deep Water Fording Kit or DWFK. Additionally, the Abrams can also ford rivers up to 3.9ft deep without the kit. 

This can happen because the Abrams’ exhaust is located behind its engine at the rear. Basically, if the tank’s engine and exhaust don’t become submerged, the M1 can attempt to ford at any depth. 

Still, this can be pretty dangerous to pull off as the tank’s crew is susceptible to getting trapped inside if something goes wrong.

In such cases, the Marines look for alternatives, such as Improved Ribbon Bridges or even Landing Craft Air Cushions to cross deeper bodies of water.