Replying to a message of Tony Ingenoso to Adam Flinton:

 TI> From: "Tony Ingenoso" 

 TI> Time for a basic physics lesson:  F=MA.  The student can calculate
 TI> what "F" is needed to quickly move a stationary 50 ton tank.  The
 TI> student can also calculate what fuel expenditure will be needed to
 TI> keep that tanks turbines at full crank rather than idle to it can
 TI> generate the necessary "F" quickly enough to manouver as proposed. 
 TI> Bonus points: how many full tilt burn-out accelerations can an Abrams
 TI> get until its clutches are burnt a nice shade of char black?

I think the Abrams has automatic transmission(s).  No clutches. 
But your point is valid, machinery can only be abused to a certain point
and then it fails.

During WWII some of the Russian tanks' transmissions were so bad that the
crews carried a spare transmission strapped on top of the engine
compartment.

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