King of the Killing Zone: The Story of the M-1, America's Super Tank

by Orr Kelly

Orr, Kelly

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1989

Reviews

[Michael Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A particularly cognizant in-period over view of the procurement of the M1 Abrams MBT.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came out in 1989, so deployment of the M1 Abrams was still fairly early on, and the likely opponent was the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact. With that said, it's an interesting look at the procurement process and decisions that went into the M1 - decisions on main weapon and the 120 mm v. 105 mm cannon; propulsion system (turbine v. diesel); use of Chobham armor. Kelly does a nice job telling this tale of design, competition and procurement process in an interesting, insightful way. It's interesting now with an additional 3 decades+ of perspective to look at how the M1 has mainly fought in wars in different locations and different intensities than initially imagined. I did not agree with all of Kelly's assessment of the historic role of armor in WW2, for example, but found this to provide an interesting insight into the design decisions on the M1 and the procurement process with its challenges.

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Politics vs the Military

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of the M-1 tank development.

[JZ Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of the M1 Tank. OK, not for everyone, but if you are interested in the subject, it's a very readable, enjoyable work.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have an interest in what it takes to produce a really effective armored vehicle read this one. It's an eye opener!

[Matt Caris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic look at the acquisition system and the tortured development of what turned out to be a remarkable weapons system, Pierre Sprey aside.