What is an M60 tank?
The M60 tank was originally based on the M48 Patton tank. Fielded in the early 1950s and itself based on the M47 and M46 tanks, the Patton featured advanced fire control that gave it nearly a 50 percent chance of a first round hit at 1,500 meters, a reduction in crew from five to four, and a hemispherical turret that gave excellent crew protection.
What was the purpose of the M60?
The M60 was intended to be the United States’ first Main Battle Tank, which could meet operational requirements at both the tactical and strategic level. The MBT concept was designed to combine the firepower of a heavy tank with the mobility of what was then termed a medium tank.
Which countries still use the M60A3 tank?
The US Army phased M60A3 out of service in 1997 and it was superseded by M1 Abrams, a third-generation main battle tank. As of 2010, Egypt is operating around 1,700 upgraded M60A3s while Turkey and Israel are operating 900 and 700 units respectively.
How did the XM60 tank change the US military?
The United States responded by starting development of the XM60 tank in September 1957. This new tank design incorporated many Army Combat Vehicle (ARCOVE) committee improvements to the M48A2, chiefly the use of diesel engines to increase its operational range and the use of a more powerful main gun.
What kind of machine gun is the M60?
The M60 is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed, automatic machine gun that fires from the open-bolt position and is chambered for the 7.62 mm NATO cartridge. Ammunition is usually fed into the weapon from a 100-round bandolier containing a disintegrating, metallic split-link belt.
What does M60A3 stand for?
M60A3 – Main Battle Tank (M60) The M60 is one of the world’s most successful main battle tanks with 15,000 having been produced and serving in the armies of 22 countries.
What is the difference between a Patton and an M60?
Although developed from the M48 Patton, the M60 series was never officially classified as a Patton tank, but as a „product-improved descendant“ of the Patton series. In March 1959, the tank was officially standardized as the 105 mm Gun Full Tracked Combat Tank M60.