AGT1500 Gas Turbine Engine

Power to spare in a compact modular design

With the AGT1500, Honeywell packs 1,500 horsepower in a lightweight, low-volume package that delivers the power soldiers need to get the job done. The engine has a well-earned reputation for superior acceleration and mobility, with a power-to-weight ratio that lets the M1 Abrams accelerate from 0-to-20 mph in six seconds and reach speeds of over 40 miles per hour.

The AGT1500 is designed for all environments, from sub-arctic conditions to extreme desert heat. It runs on multiple fuels, power available instantly with no warmup period, has a very low noise profile, and produces no visible smoke, enabling stealth operations.

•          More than 40 years of reliable service
•          1,500 shaft horsepower performance
•          Low weight and compact volume
•          Quiet, stealthy operating profile
•          Fast starting and responsive acceleration
•          Multi-fuel operational capabilities
•          Modular design for on-condition maintenance

A main battle tank turbine engine for the ages

Honeywell has implemented many engine upgrades over the years to improve fuel efficiency, reliability and maintainability.

In 2023, the company launched an enhanced configuration of the AGT1500 powerpack, which frees up 46 cubic feet of space under armor that can be used for additional fuel, ammunition or even energy storage, all within the protection of the Abrams’ armor.

The additional space is created by a configuration that rotates the engine into a transverse orientation, which also supports hybridization options for that could lead to better fuel economy, increased range and improved performance. The transverse engine configuration also allows the implementation of an improved air induction system that will reduce foreign object damage and decrease maintenance requirements.

Importantly, the AGT1500 engine is adaptable to both hydraulic and electric transmissions and compatible with various size motor generators.

Other AGT1500 improvements include the transformational Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program launched in 2005. TIGER is a continuous improvement program that has enhanced engine quality, durability and readiness, all while reducing operation and support costs through an integrated lifecycle management approach. Honeywell also made engine sustainment easier with the introduction of an engine memory unit (EMU), which acts like an aircraft flight data recorder.

The Honeywell Difference

The proven performance and established support structure of the AGT1500 engine in Abrams tanks over the past 40 years, combined with Honeywell’s continued innovation of the engine, provides the Army with a premier powerplant as it begins the next major modernization of the Abrams platform.

Honeywell turbine engine technology is ready now to support main battle tank applications. We have more than 60 years of gas turbine engine experience, including developing turboshaft engines for military helicopters like the legendary CH-47 Chinook.

The AGT1500 puts our unique expertise on the line, supporting U.S. Army and international military operators such as Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Poland and Taiwan that expect to use the Abrams until at least 2050.