M60A1

M60A1. . The role of tanks has been an evolving concept. During world war two, for example, US tanks were classified into categories of light, medium, and heavy. Their role directly related to infantry support while tank destroyers were used to combat enemy armor. Technology would change that. An earlier medium tank could weigh less than a more modern light tank. By the late 1950's changes in mobility, armor, and firepower were able to be combined more efficiently. Armored cars and multi-wheeled vehicles eventually replaced the light tank. The idea of the main battle tank (MBT) took shape in 1957 at the Fourth Tripartite Armour Conference. It was proposed that medium and heavy tanks would be replaced with the main battle tank. The M60 was born of this idea and it offered the increased speed, armor, and mobility an MBT needed., To address a firepower deficit the M48 Patton had, the new M60 carried the 105 mm M68. This gun had increased penetration over the 90mm of the Patton while maintaining 7 rounds per minute. The gun rated superior to others in accuracy, lethality, range, and penetration to competing guns. Ammunition was also shared with a comparable British gun, making ammunition common. This was favored in the expected clash with Soviet and Eastern Bloc forces. , The armor was very similar to the outgoing M48, this changed with the M60A1. Armor was increased on both the upper glacis and turret to 10 inch equivalent. This made it far more survivable for crews. Even though it entered service in 1960, it didn't see combat until 1991 in the Persian Gulf War. Bridge laying and combat engineering versions did deploy in Vietnam but no combat units did. In the Persian Gulf only one tank was lost with no casualties. The Air Force fielded a detachment as well for ordnance disposal duties. Most of its life was relegated to training for a war that would never come. Throughout the Cold War it was believed combat would take place in Eastern Europe and the camouflage schemes reflected this, like the summer verdant seen on this example. This pattern was easily modified to change with the seasons in Europe. Though they began to be limited and more rear echelon roles through 2005. The M60 still serves in the MBT role with other nations today. , Technical Data , M60A1 , Height - 10 feet 6.5 inches , Width - 11 feet 11 inches , Length - 22 feet 9 inches , Weight - 120,000 lbs. , Speed - 30 mph on road , Range - 300 miles , Armament - 105 mm M68 Cannon , Hull - Cast , Engine - Continental AVDS-1790-2 V12 @750 hp, Did you know? , Though developed from the Patton series of tanks the M60 was never officially give the Patton name. However it is still called Patton by many and in popular culture., Captions , Upper Right: 24th Infantry Division maneuvering M60A1's during Exercise GALLANT EAGLE in 1979. , Photo Source: National Archives . This historical marker was erected by USS Alabama Memorial Park. It is in Mobile in Mobile County Alabama