Don't get me wrong: this isn't a field swap, from what I understand its a 40 level (depot) operation.
And also: In the next 5 to 10 years all M1's are going to have to have it done in the real world. Why?
Things to note:
All engines, especially high stress types like Turbines can only run so long before needing a rebuild.
Every time you rebuild one, the hours till it needs another is less than before.
We haven't made a new Turbine for the M1 in almost a decade - even the new tanks going to Australia and Iraq are going out with (admittedly very good) rebuilt engines.
Something to consider: Back when my old 1SG was a buck Sgt, he said that to swap a M1 engine was a call a Spec4 could make at anytime without a second thought. In 05, in order to swap out a engine required the approval of the Motor Pool CWO. Says something about the engine supply situation doesn't it?
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Member of the Bofors fan club! The M1911 of automatic cannon.
Proud fan(atic) of the CV90 Series.
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