M60 Main Battle Tank- Raytheon Upgrades M60A3

The M60A3 is one hell of a tank and we all know the classic and historically iconic M60 series of tanks. But did you know that the tank is still to this day being updated with new upgrades? Well in this video I go over some of the new features that the next generation of M60 tanks have and how it is able to furfull its next combat role commitment with some help from Raytheon.
Raytheon will soon offer an upgrade package for the venerable M60A3 main battle tank, to "mitigate the obsolescence" (sic) of aging M60s around the world and keep them somewhat still relevant in a modern battlefield.
mprovements include:
-A 120mm cannon
-A 950hp engine
-Better turret and cannon electronics (drives, optics, FCS, gunner controls)
-Turret slat armor
Doesn't look like there are more interesting offerings (ERA or applique armor, for example), since I guess SLEP is primarily meant to be a dirt-cheap update for nations who still use the M60 but can't afford more extravagant technological step-ups or making the jump to more modern platforms.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions on it!:-)
Hope you enjoy!
Original video: • Raytheon - M60 A4S Mai...
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[@dennishixson1908]

I crew the M60s tank, M48A5, M60A1, M60A2 and the M60A3. My icon photo is of me, standing in the driver's seat on a M60A3 reforger 1982 Germany.

[@_Matsimus_]

Very impressive my friend. I respect and commend your service. Thank you so much for watching. If you like, feel free to subscribe for more tank content! :-) have a great day. (By the way I'm super jealous that I never got to crew a M60!! Haha)

[@McSkumm]

you gotta crew the Starship? (M60A2) thats certainly an odd one to be sure

[@dennishixson1908]

+McSkumm I was with the 1/37 Armor Division, Katterback Germany. when I crew the M60A2, we never called it the Starship, I didn't hear that word Starship until many years after I got out of the Army, I'm still in contact with some of my buddies from back then 1975 to 1979 none of us know when that name came to be. we always have said The Deuce or just A2

[@McSkumm]

i cant be certain when or where i first heard the name either

[@_Matsimus_]

+McSkumm I have heard the name but I just thought I was a nickname.

[@MyHentaiGirl]

Have you see the M60-2000? M60 Hull with M1A1 turret

[@MyHentaiGirl]

@Jas. Strong-Oak lol

[@immortalwarrior2695]

Well it doesn't look bad. As a non american it looks good

[@ericolsen5592]

Stronk

[@stevenbreach2561]

A fine tank,not as powerful as my ride,the Cheiftain,but at least the engine wasn't shite

[@bobkohl6779]

The project was renamed the 120S and one prototype was built hopefully for Turkey who didn't want it. Turret was returned to the US Army. Egypt didn't want it either but settled for a license to build M-60s

[@scotanderson7689]

I was a driver and gunner on the M60A3 in Germany form 1987- 1988. We loved this tank.

[@grindcoreninja6527]

@scotanderson7689 If you have a decent PC I would recommend you check out "Gunner, Heat PC". It's a cold war tank simulator that actually takes place around the years you served. You might get a kick out of some gameplay footage of the M60A3 on KZbin.

[@whya2ndaccount]

Going from 105 to 120 probably reduces on board ammo capacity but at least you'll only have stubs left instead of complete empty cartridge cases.

[@_Matsimus_]

Ahh yeah! I totally forgot about that. That is actually a very good point. Less junk left around inside a already quite small interior. Do you think that the new gun will be disadvantage for the ammo those used?

[@whya2ndaccount]

Well the natures are probably interchangeable but depending on the storage arrangement this will probably cut the number of rounds carried by maybe 20% (e.g. M1 went from 55 105mm rounds to 40 or so 120mm rounds [M1 to M1A1 (HA)).

[@_Matsimus_]

+whya2ndaccount yeah that is a good point. Let's hope they have numbers of these things on their side lol

[@mixedchannelgameproduction901]

Well the 120 has a lot more pen, and i think a better gun is more important than more ammo since whats the point in carrying so much ammo when its not even that effective.

[@knerduno5942]

@@mixedchannelgameproduction901 The French 6×6 AMX-10RC was retired because the 105mm gun could not be upgraded, and could no longer pen frontal on modern MBTs

[@jamesozechoski8254]

I worked on the m60 when I was stationed in Germany in the 80s. Great tank.quick.rugged and easy to work on

[@colnagocowboy]

If memory serves me at least 20 nations still operate m60's

[@bigmiddle]

Taiwan still uses M60A3 as it's main armor force. this upgrade may have been targeted towards the roc army. it makes sense in both economics and geopolitics

[@_Matsimus_]

bigmiddle cool to know :-) thanks for sharing that info. What do you personally think of the tank??

[@ReviveHF]

Currently, Taiwan ROC is very likely purchasing this M60 upgrade on the other hand they are also getting refurbished M1A2SEPV3. That, means Taiwan ROC may have the fully upgraded M48, M60 along with the M1A2SEPV3, but it will be a logistic nightmare because the the M1A2SEPV3.

[@Lonewolf6565]

The SLEP kit was developed for Egypt who was requesting an upgrade package for their fleet of M60s. But Im sure the twenty other countries still maintaining M60 fleets would be interested. M60s are going to see a lot of use yet. They are a well made durable tank that the US still sells surplus of. They are perfectly adequate for self defense forces that are unlikely to be invaded by nations with better tanks (i.e. the UN security council member states). The 120mm gun upgrade is the most important part and gives the vehicle the ability to use modern US munitions. The thing with almost all MBTs is if they are hit properly they are pretty much destroyed with a single shot of 120mm. An Abrams commanders ass will pucker so hard it will eat his seat if he looks out his periscope and sees an enemy M60 with a 120 bore aiming at him. Modern munitions are dangerous to modern MBTs no matter how old the tank firing it is. A 120mm prowling a combat area will send IFVs or any of the millions of 113 APCs still in use in these countries scattering like roaches. It doesnt matter if its on an Abrams or bolted on top of an M3 Stuart.

[@hirokjyotideka5571]

ROC is in the process of buying Abrams though.

[@dodgedemonsrtx]

Republic Of Turkia is using these shits too

[@catman351]

The “Abramization” of the M-60.

[@Orca19904]

That's nothing; there's one program that takes an M1A1 turret and sticks it on a modified M60A3 hull.

[@catman351]

@@Orca19904 Yes. I know. But then again, changing out from one turret to another isn't trivial nor cost effective. There is something to rearming an existing platform to something else saves money, especially if as many of the original components can be saved. Clearly, you're not mature nor wise enough to think think these things through. Ergo, your juvenile dismissive response.

[@irememberjeepz]

I’ve always loved the M60 series MBT, it’s pretty cool to see it’s still being used today.

[@2polev355]

A cheaper, more cost efficient choice than the Abrams. This is very interesting and i would like to see how long they can extend the life of this old war wagon

[@oliverempleo9430]

Spunge Bub whatever improvement they will install in the m60,surely it will be smash into pieces if it encounters a t-90 or a t-80,even in an upgraded t-72 it will not stand a chance.against t-34 or t-55 maybe they have a chance.

[@Seth9809]

The tank can kill almost any tank it gets the drop on and it can snipe lesser tanks.

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

but it is much vulnerable to anti tank systems

[@dukenukem3059]

+Joe Freeman not necessarily i believe they would add explosive reactive armor and sabot rounds in the package this tank was able to go where the Abrams can not

[@Seth9809]

It already had Sabot rounds, and western explosive reactive armor isn't that great.

[@brotatochimp]

now if they can just do this to bring back battleships.

[@HY-mv4eq]

It would be so badass to see modern battleships.

[@englundus]

@@HY-mv4eq it is too bad they never built the Montana class battlewagons!

[@portee9113]

@@HY-mv4eq We have a modern battleship. It was used during the first desert storm. It launches it own drones to sight in their shells, and is also armed with cruise missiles for targets outside of their 20 mile gun range.

[@ainzooalgown7589]

@@HY-mv4eq Russia has one, the Kirov Battlecruiser

[@rahtorenripcore1699]

Battleship is dead🙁. I love the old girls but as a navel asset it ran it's course. Missile

[@bubba541]

I served on M60A1's 87-92, I love the old beast and often think fondly of them when I see these videos. That said, everything folks have said about the M1 being a better tank is correct. There a few areas that the M60 beats the M1 on but those areas are less important when you have a better built vehicle. One thing that is better is the ole diesel which is the heart of the tank, the one on the 60 is a lot more forgiving if you find yourself using bunker grade fuel oil cut with kerosene or any mixture of petroleum fuels mixed together using a pair Mark1's optical testers to judge the fuels "thickness", we learned how to change a lot of fuel filters and even got one engine so hot it melted a couple of the juggs, lol. The M60 series is a great tank for its time or if your going to fight people without modern weapons. I still remember how to "jumpstart" it from a slave cable connection on the top right of the engine. My ole A1 would keep 3 shells on the checkerboard/bore-sight target usually within about a 3-5 foot circle

[@_Matsimus_]

Thank you for your service sir :-) I appreciate veterans of this vehicle talking of their experiences! It's amazing to hear how much you all loved them. And yes I agree that this is clearly outclassed by the M1. It was designed to be so it makes sense lol. Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to check out some of my other tank videos and if you like them then feel free also to subscribe :-) have a great day and thanks for watching!!

[@colincampbell767]

I served in the M60A3, M1IP and M1A1. Even though the M1 series is a better tank - I still regard it as my favorite. The only thing I hated was the M85 machinegun. I was a Master Gunner for the M60A3, M1IP and the M1A1. The traverse/elevation on the A3 was smooth and precise. And the thermal sights were actually more modern (and provided higher resolution) than the sights on the M1 until the M1A2 came out. And the stabilization system worked just fine. We fired on the move on Table VIII every time we qualified. BTW - the 120mm gun ammunition creates a crew survivability issue. The ammunition uses a combustible case - and there is no armored bustle door between the ammo and the crew. Thin armor and exposed ammunition are not a good combination for crew survivability.

[@M60gunner1971]

Perhaps reactive armor would help.

[@colincampbell767]

@@M60gunner1971 Reactive armor won't stop a sabot round. Or even be of much use against a 125mm Heat-MP round. And it's not being used that much nowadays because everybody has modified their ATGM warheads to defeat reactive armor.

[@M60gunner1971]

@@colincampbell767 Old Paratrooper here, always loved tanks but no expert on them.

[@syn6294]

The M85 did suck. Too complex and unreliable. Plus it used push thru links, so we couldn’t just grab some extra ammo from the infantry, wouldn’t work without re-linking every round. Changing out the large TC cupola for a low profile one with a externally mounted M2 makes sense. And yes, the A3 has a great thermal sight, but it isn’t compatible with digital systems.

[@stevewilson7819]

What gun were you using as a coax? The M73/219, or did you have the M60E2? When I went through the Small Arms Repair School at Aberdeen in 1980 I remember the instructors talking about what a dangerous POS the M73’’s were. I remember going through the block on the M85 and that was a nightmare. We had to strip it down to its smallest parts, and memorize the nomenclature of every piece. The instructors would come over and shove all the pieces together into a pile and you had to put it all back together correctly with nothing missing, and pass a written test before you could graduate from that weapons system.

[@electric103]

Thank you for posting this video!! The M60A3 holds a special place in my heart. I was in one of the last Army units to still be using the tank (in Germany) back in the late 80's I spent most of my military career in the field on that tank. I was in the 1/1 Cav. and spent well over 200 days a year on maneuvers, From border patrols, gunnery, Hohenfels and many more. We were a "real world" unit because we were on maneuvers so much we were not expected to press uniforms or spit shine boots, unlike other units. My point here is I lived on the M60 and being the driver for the majority of my time I had a love affair with my tank. The thought of them fazing out such a wonderful platform makes me sick. The 1/1 Cav was on its way out as well and thus the majority of us were sergeants. so it was more common than not to have a sergeant as a driver and we never had full crews. Anyway I would not have traded that experience for anything. Thanks again!! sorry for rambling!!

[@_Matsimus_]

Don't apologize! Thank you so much for your service and I respect the fact you worked with these tanks! You should be proud :-) Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to subscribe or check out some of my other tank videos :-) have a great weekend!!

[@scotanderson7689]

@@_Matsimus_ i

[@scotanderson7689]

I was a driver and a gunner ln Germany. 8th id 4/69 armor. I would love to try this one too.

[@Archy11102]

I'd argue that while this indeed boosts firepower, the M60 still retains its poor protection because of weak turret. M60-2000, an upgrade by GDLS which replaces turret of the M60 for one of M1 Abrams with complete hunter-killer capability, is far better choice. At least that way you can have option to "first see" - "first served" during offensive or have it hulldown in defensive operations and making most of the Abrams turret protection. Of course this type of upgrade is more expensive, but at least you're getting tank that can actually be of use even against modern threats if used correctly.

[@theairmenrager6556]

poor mans m1a2

[@_Matsimus_]

Lol pretty much. Thanks for watching

[@sufimuslimlion4114]

Or just for countries who don’t need abrams or have so many m60s that they want to use too... even if they have Abrams too

[@airbats801]

usmc first iraq war 1st Battalion with M60A1s 2nd Battalion with M60A3s 4th Battalion with M1A1s 8th Battalion with M60A1s They did a beautiful job, and had no issues penetrating t54 to t72 tanks with the 105. Fantastic tank that finally got some recongnition during the first iraq war. Glad to see it getting revamped.

[@stevewilson7819]

The Marine Corps never purchased the M60A3. They only had A1’s. 2nd Tank Bn’s tank park was on the other side of the fence from 10th Marines Motor Pool. So I know what they had. 4th Tanks took over Army M1A1’s once they arrived in theater. They had to go through transition training at 29 Palms before they shipped out. One of my teammates was with 1st Tanks on the M60A1 when they rolled through the breach into Kuwait. And while they had appliqué armor on the tanks some of the tankers said the blocks were inert training blocks. And that only covered the turret. So a hit in the hull would have killed the whole crew. The Saudi tankers had more modern tanks then the Marines in 1991. They were sporting the M60A3. My teammate said they found an unattended Saudi M60A3 along the MSR. Since nobody was around they did what Marines do. They cut the lock on the turret hatch and rat fucked it. They stole everything they could from it and left it up on blocks. The thing they don’t discuss in the video is survivability. Without isolated ammo storage like the Abrams has, a penetration of the hull or turret would cause the ammo to cook off. Even if they were using the older 105mm fixed case ammo. And if they had the 120mm combustible case rounds then the crew would be doubly fucked!

[@Maddog3060]

My friend said when he hears the word "tank" he thinks of the Chieftain. Me, I always think of the M60. Also someone tell the guys at Armored Warfare to get an M60 in game based on this upgrade.

[@stevendavis1243]

I was in the US Army reserves, and was actually present when the last M60s were fielded to my division. I was also present when they were roled off the field for the last time to make way for the Abrams A1. That was in 1990. And your right they are a awesome peace of kit.

[@handyhippie6548]

i was a crewman on one of these in the mid 80's. my tank was a year older than i was.

[@Senbonzakura776]

Nice vid. I saw the Raytheon Vid on the day they released the information. It's good to see that they will be giving it an upgrade as its a fine tank. Like you said many countries cant afford new tanks so this will help them out. Many countries offer upgrade to the T-55, 62, and 72 tanks so this really came as no big surprise.

[@_Matsimus_]

Thank you :-) I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah it think it's the way Defence contractors are going now. Make upgrades for cheap instead of making a whole new design when they are not assured it anyone will buy it in today's economy. Sad to say but it's a fact nowadays. Trimming the defence budgets means slapping on whatever they can cheap to make it do what they need it to do. Gone are the days of just designing stuff to see how it goes. Thanks for watching :-) feel free to subscribe!

[@_Matsimus_]

Thank you :-) I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah it think it's the way Defence contractors are going now. Make upgrades for cheap instead of making a whole new design when they are not assured it anyone will buy it in today's economy. Sad to say but it's a fact nowadays. Trimming the defence budgets means slapping on whatever they can cheap to make it do what they need it to do. Gone are the days of just designing stuff to see how it goes. Thanks for watching :-) feel free to subscribe!

[@patmcbride9853]

I used to work on the older (laser only) fire control systems that were produced in the Hughes Aircraft El Segundo plants. Nice to see they got the thermal imager.

[@kennethconnors5316]

Got to check one of these out and was SO IMPRESSED ,targeting is really well done and armour upgrades just cool .. faster ,better economy and electronics first class and easy to train ,thermal sights really surprised me

[@916fanatic1]

Exellent discussion here, thanks for posting this!

[@bossatron6086]

The m60 is a great tank and it is still relavent in combat so it is a tank that should be admired

[@SuperGereng]

If it still lacks modern composite armor the first round will take it out.

[@MarcScholtemeijer]

Tank on tank combat is extremely rare these days... Armor is only a small piece of the puzzle.

[@_Matsimus_]

Very good points

[@johnmcqueen8827]

Just wait until WWIII Marc...

[@MarcScholtemeijer]

Again, armor is only a small piece of the puzzle. Crew training, ease of maintenance, combat range are among only a few factors that make a tank good or not. Even without Composite armor, there are factors like the chance of the vehicle being seen, engaged, hit, and what happens after a penetrating hit that can make a massive difference. Even if WWIII were to break out, tank on tank combat would be relatively rare due to the massive amount of other threats that can be found on a modern battlefield. Don't write a tank off because it seems outdated, the M60 is still a very potent weapon in the right hands.

[@VideoMatoran]

The M60 is my absolute favorite pre-abrams MBT ever. The first image that pops up in my head when someone says Tank.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Last used 30 yrs ago

[@nelsonperkins2334]

My job as a soldier fom 1982-8 in West Germany was at The Combined Arms Training Center at Vilseck near Graffenwoher. We taught fire control and thermal sight repair on the M-60 and M-1 tanks. What inprovements I see on the M-60 are several. An improved tank commander's flat screen, whereas in 1982-86, he had a scope to look through. The reference to turret and elevation stabilization likely means they have replaced the earlier analog electronics with digital units. The tank even in 1980 was able to engage targets while moving. The fact that they replaced the driver's handles (the old ones looked more like you find with Zero-turn riding lawnmowers today) means the electronic signals work more directly with the turret hydraulics. A hydraulic system turns the turret smoother than an direct electric motor. If you notice that the 120 millimeter looks like a front sight on the end of its muzzle, it's called a Muzzle Reference Sensor. During firing the main gun bends ever so slightly as it heats up. The commander can view a + on his screen, he can use it to adjust the elevation and windage from time to time for better accuracy, and apply that information to the tank's ballistic computer, which is likely much the same as on the newer M-1 tank. During operation, the soldier on the M-1 tank loading the main gun is able to hit a switch to quickly level the main gun so that he can load the next shell in the main gun. Because this is not that hard an upgrade, it would not surprise me if the M-60 now has that capability. The extra armor plating you saw on the sides of some M-60 tanks in the video was classified on the M-1. So I don't know if it's been declassified and/or superseded with something better. The M-1 armor was a composite that included ceramics. The simplified training of the M-60 could mean that the newer electronics eliminated the laboriously difficult task known as the Center Bearing Alignment. The extra window in front of the commander's station may be a newer laser range finder. The older laser beam was projected through a blister on the side of the turret. There were matching blisters on both sides of the turrets of the original M-60 tanks. The original M-60 tanks used stereoscopic range finders that provided the range to the target once it became clear. That was fed to an older ballistic manual computer. Since then several upgrades have been effected on the newer M-1.

[@wes11bravo]

I went back to Ft Dix where I went to BCT back in the 80s, took a ride down the range road and saw two beautiful, clean M60A3s getting ready to be towed downrange to be used as targets. I climbed inside and noticed that the main gun was still oiled and ready to be used. They pulled the engine but the Log Book was still there (wish I would have grabbed that). I did take that ammo selection control box that the TC used to select SABOT/HE/etc which I still have. The tank's name was 'ASSASIN"!

[@_Matsimus_]

Wes Harris oh wow! Lol that's awesome but also very sad to here :-( I saw the same thing happen to chieftains back in England. But fuck those tanks deserved to be lit up for years and years by sabot rounds lol! THEY SUCKED! Thanks so much for watching :-) and good catch on the box! Lucky bugger lol

[@powderriver2424]

This is interesting, I see some reasons why you would upgrade this tank 1st is the Abrams shortcomings infantry can't follow behind it and use it for cover because the exhaust will fry you,so it's no good in a support role. 2 the Marines didn't want it because it wasn't any good in amphibious landings because of the gas turbine engine. Upgrading the M60 could give back those capabilities and with urban warfare being more prevalent you need a tank instead of a Bradley fighting vehicle that does not carry the strength or firepower of a tank. These are just a couple reasons and with the new Russian tank coming online and the Chinese not far behind we need quick and cheap availability of a quality tank.

[@_Matsimus_]

Good points. I think mainly these are for export though. A upgrade to existing tanks for foreign countries. I would bet that the US has a back up plan for the worst case scenario lol. lets hope so anyway. Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to check out my other video about the new Leopard 2A5 upgrades! Have a great day!

[@juggy666]

I really liked the way you gave reasons and benefits for the different features.

[@jpmtlhead39]

My "home" for two years.(87/89) Great awesome tank..

[@reddevilparatrooper]

In the manual its called the GPH (Gunner's Power Handle) a.k.a Cadillacs.

[@MatsNorway]

I like the idea of reserves. it is a cheap way to have massive defensive capabilities with low running costs. I miss dry docks for larger ships for this reason.

[@Anonymous-vd4wl]

Had the pleasure of serving as an M60A3 Armor Crewman through 1993. We were "Dynamic Tankers on Dinosaur Clankers".

[@larrymonske5859]

My father taught tanks at Fort Knox 1960 and learned how to drive a M60 at ten years old. I played when ever the simulators were free I got to play. I would spend hours in the museums crawling all over tanks and playing on the ranges was a bonus.

[@_Matsimus_]

Awesome! I would love to drive a M60 so much lol. Thanks so much for watching :-)

[@_Matsimus_]

Please feel free to check out my new Tank Upgrade video on the Leopard 2 tank on my channel :-)

[@nikolabakich9709]

the US used them in the first golf war in 91 and they looked upgrade with panels even back then

[@_Matsimus_]

+Nikola Bakich awesome :-)

[@xuda7100]

were you a tank crewman?

[@_Matsimus_]

+xu da I was armoured repair vehicle crewman. Followed the tanks in my own armoured tracked vehicle fixing them main tanks as they go :-) thanks for watching!

[@xuda7100]

Tjecktjeck you realize they are replacing the M68 105mm gun with a 120mm gun.

[@indyjons321]

The M60A3, When you want an M1 Abrams, but are on a budget.

[@knerduno5942]

Actually the M60-2000 upgrade (which he did not cover) literally makes it an Abrams, but without the turbine engine.

[@FarmerDrew]

It's more like a 4x4 UTV compared to a 4x4 Truck

[@larrymiller5253]

I'm sooo glad he posted this!!! I was a dinosaur tanker and the A3 was my absolute favorite. Although I had an M1 as my last tank, I never received my cross over training. Would love to go to war in this upgrade. Well, and a good crew and infantry 😅. But I'm old now, so. Thanks again for the video 👍 Too bad many of ours are now reefs in the gulf of Mexico.

[@alexwest2573]

There’s an m60 Patton and 105mm howitzer on display at a church by my house, always loved driving past and looking at the badass Patton tank

[@JorGaming]

Why unfortunately not always about games? These video's are great. Keep them coming :)

[@_Matsimus_]

Thanks man :-)

[@AJPMUSIC_OFFICIAL]

5 years later and I didn't even realise this was a gaming channel

[@datboi8921]

for a second I thought the u.s was bringing back the m60 lol

[@_Matsimus_]

+Rick Wilosn Haha no no. Maybe if we go to war with China lol! Tanks for watching!

[@donnie861]

Actually I could engage targets really well with these tanks

[@knighttemplar6529]

I am pretty sure the US National Guard still has them

[@MOCentrists]

@@knighttemplar6529 noone is gonna train on em tho. Theres enough m1s already sitting around rusting...

[@dodgedemonsrtx]

@@knighttemplar6529 Republic of Turkia still use these bois.

[@delegation5971]

I loved my old M60a3-tts. Great tank!!

[@DSS-jj2cw]

When I was a Combat Enginner I rode on and in a couple of these at Ft. Bliss in '85. Except for one losing a track I was impressed.

[@cem4613]

turkey was also considering to upgrade their m60a3 tanks exactly the same like this one but with a 1250hp engine and a 25mm gun on top. it is called the affordable m60 project look it up the 25mm looks pretty badass nice vid!

[@_Matsimus_]

That's cool to know! And thank you very much :-) I appreciate it.

[@XoADREADNOUGHT]

This is a major upgrade for such an old tank. Basically, the takeaway is that it is being given the firepower of the Abrams M4A2+ MBT. It can attack an enemy as effectively as America's top MBT. It can't take many more hits than it already does, but when it can hit the vast majority of enemies before they can hit back, that doesn't mean much. It will be as lethal as an M1A3 in an open field. It will be marginally/barely better in urban and short range combat. It will still be vulnerable to most modern ATGM's and IED's. It did get some cages and spaced armor skirts, though. This will make certain anti-tank ammunition that would have devastated an M60A3 completely useless against this upgrade (assuming the shells hit the right spot). Still, if an enemy realizes this is an upgraded M60A3, most tanks will have the right ammunition to respond, negating these improvements against a smart/supremely aware enemy. The only defense that negates most or all ammunition is explosive reactive armor, which this upgrade does not include. Yes, an extra 200 HP is nice, but it won't be a worlds difference. It is going from ~14 to 18 horsepower per a ton, but the Abrams gets 24 HP/ton, so its not going to be much faster at top speed. In fact, it might not be any faster at all, if the tracks are not designed to go faster - or if they aren't also upgrading the tracks. It will, however, accelerate noticeably faster than it did with the 750 engine. That will be most useful in moving into positions to take advantage of its highly upgraded offensive capabilities. Won't make much of a difference in urban combat, in my opinion. An that's about it... which is a lot. This M60A3 Patton can potentially destroy an M1A2 Abrams, a Leopard 2, or a Challenger 2. Granted, that also assumes the ammunition technology is being provides along with the 120mm smoothbore. The ammunition is about 30-50% of how powerful a modern tank cannon can be.

[@_Matsimus_]

Indeed. ATGM's are a tanks true threat now really. Hide, fire and run with the shoot and scoot maneuvers. Sad to say it but it's true. Tank in tank would be rare now really. Infantry have always been a credible threat to tanks. But nowadays it is ten fold in risk. Thanks for watching :-)

[@Lonewolf6565]

Anything with a 120mm gun using modern munitions is a real threat to any MBT. You only need one well placed shot to tko an Abrams or Leo 2. Modern MBTs are just as vulnerable as their cold war older brothers and modern composite armors only do so much. MBT combat is 50% munitions 50% crew skill. A fucking Bradley took out a T72 at point blank range with just its 25mm cannon during 73 Easting. The engine upgrade is more so they can actually get new replacement parts and can stop cannibalizing surplus. The 120mm gun and accompanying turret drive components are arguably the single most useful addition. Now if they can find a way to mount a fixed position 155mm onto an Abrams chassis and deploy it as a modern JagdAbrams my fucking dick will be rock hard for weeks.

[@Repairguy2]

The m-60 A3 was equipt with the lazer range system . We could hit a pie plate at 2,000 meters . With thermal vision and it was excellent, we could find the bad guy faster at night also .

[@memespressions9235]

this is so cool I'm glad you're making a new m 60

[@xFlow777]

its like putting 2000 dollar rims on 1998 toyota corolla

[@Seth9809]

Well the Abrams is pretty expensive.

[@anasevi9456]

no, not really unless your corolla is a mint AE86. Tanks value is their platform, older tanks are often full of obsolete giant old electronics which means heaps of space inside once you tear them out. Targeting, communication, yeah, nothing to stop them from performing like a modern tank. They even redid the turret rotation on the sabra so it can swing its gun around and target at high speed like a abrams.

[@xFlow777]

@@anasevi9456 ae86 is 1986, i said 1998, google what it looks like lol the point is there is no point upgrading ancient hardware. It wasn't design to fight the weapon systems of today.

[@TNAROHfan]

@@anasevi9456 To a certain point yes, but there is only so much you can do with those old cast and weld beasts before the base platform itself becomes completely obsolete. They were by the 1990's. For the "new" modern composite tanks, I don't see why you really can't keep upgrading these base designs piecemeal for the foreseeable future. Basically as long as you can fit necessary appliques and upgrades on a current design there is no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater so to speak of, barring a true generational leap, which we haven't seen in armor in almost 50 years now! When I hear talk of doing just that, it often reeks to me of defense contractor greed more that it does the vehicle design being insufficient.

[@connorcolquhou5845]

More like a 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo. These were nice tanks back in the day after all.

[@Whitpusmc]

Technically 7/8 of the original cost is "a fraction of the original cost." It's just not a "good" fraction.

[@uralbob1]

Great vid. Thanks!

[@jakehayes1998]

I dont watch your gaming side that much but these tank and jet reviews are great, I love it, not biased that much.

[@FromMyBrain]

only here for not video games, you rock keep it up.

[@jasonstack122]

my tank for 8 years 3rd Inf. Div. 3 / 7 cavalry armored !

[@janallen2569]

I was on the M60-A1 Rise from 1977 to 1983. I Hell Of A Tank For It's Day.

[@sturmbringer2011]

I joined the US Army in 1986 and these were out of the inventory replaced by the Abrams. I'm 48. When they say there are still mechanics who have worked on it, they will be in there 50-80's. Yes we have massive stockpiles of these in mothballs in Arizona, but it will take them along time till they can get enough A3's done before they will be effective force multiplier.

[@dougshukers4658]

I was a 63N in the early 80's, working on these beasts in Germany and Texas. What a combat vehicle! I went through the A1 to A2 and the A3 upgrades. Good memories, thanks for the video!

[@stevewilson7819]

The only time I ever saw the M60A2 was at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in 1980. Until then I had never seen or heard of that animal. I did hear it was a colossal piece of shit and maintenance nightmare.

[@ODSTOninersIxTwO]

the M60 is a super upgrade of a 1953 tank the M48 so in theory the M60 is over 50 years old but some countries still use the T-54 which is a vehicle from 1947

[@_Matsimus_]

I find it highly impressive a tank of its age still being updated and utilized in the western world of tanks

[@ODSTOninersIxTwO]

yeah same

[@_Matsimus_]

+ODSTOniner sIxTwO thanks so much for watching :-)

[@luisala4117]

They said, 'one-third of a modern tank cost', Ok, but 1/3 of a Merkava Mk4/T-14 Armata US$4.5 million, or a M1A3 Abrams/AMX Leclerc US$10 million!?!?!? Because have a lot of difference...

[@euX222X]

Same to me, at the end it's more affordable to buy a new and modern tank from Russia, or Israel, China, Japan, Pakistan, either one at the end, less that upgrade.

[@Riceball01]

Sticker price per tank may be cheaper but you also have to factor in training time, time to train your people on how to use and maintain the new tanks. Then there's the cost of the spare parts, with an upgrade you can keep most of your spare parts stockpile which saves money.

[@OscarPanzer]

Antonio Amaral Even Thais are planning to get Chinese made VT4 tanks

[@Enos666]

I think it's also in regards to the cost you incur training engineers to work on the tanks, Spare parts and R&D without just taking into account unit production costs.

[@ShouldHaventJoined]

So here is a little theory crafting, First the countries that most likely to running herds of M60s or other older designs are most likely be not so well of countries. AKA second or third world countries which to us means pretty bad off but third world includes a score of different things I don't want to cover every variable of the Meaning of Third world. So for country possessing herds of M60's there is three possibilities. 1st. Nato ally yet cant afford current gen or last gen tanks due to cost or if able to afford a few not on a number that would impact-full for the nation. (BTW Italy has what 200 to 300 of their Ariete so lets assume anything under 200 as a reasonable number for a country that cant afford large numbers of more recent tank designs, at most maybe 50 or 75) 2nd. Nato/American direct friendly since M60's would have been sold to Nato allies then Nato friendly countries these two situations are most likely to be able to receive the said upgrade. (I'm using the M60 but any design from the same period is applicable) 3rd. Is Either a once favor nation of America or a failed state or just has few that was captured so this one is non applicable; since most likely these nations well be unable to receive any upgrades and will have to rely on current models on hand or self home brewed upgrades. Now onto cost, lets assume the "cost of 1/3 the price" is correct well are they basing this off purchasing already designed and currently be produced tank designs or to start from scratch and design a tank from ground up in house or have a company in another country to the dirty work. So which is it will most likely for the nato ally they well get either cheaper versions of current tanks so we will assume fresh brand new design cost. this can range from an cheap 50 million to a nice 500 million pending on the toys and gadgets put on the tank and the desires of the military command of said country. (yes 500 million is a lot for poor countries but in the U.S. 500 million for a new vehicle design is just the cost for the first year of the design process) So now we have the kind of country and the cost verses ratio figured, whats left? Oh yes should you upgrade or just hold out and slowly buy current or more recent designs. Well as anyone reading this well know the upgrades being provided so i'm not relisting everything. 1st. The gun! Look going from 105mm to 120mm sounds like a general overall make sense choice from the increased range, increased firepower. Nay sayers will bring up since current units will be stocked for 105mm and maximus himself brought this up himself NATO countries use 120 this means ammo will be eaiser to get and not relying on old 105 stocks or whatever production is still available for the 105mm gun. 2. Longevity! Yes I know a tank from the 60's it's long in the tooth already why adding another decade or two to such a tank how can this be beneficial? Well since this includes training keeping current logistical capacity focuses on what u have instead of upgrading it to meet the needs of a possibly newer design. This is best since most likely the second reason for a nation since it's neighbors will be using T-55's or other designs of comparison. So with all this theory crafting what would be the choice since getting a new design from scratch or purchasing a current in production design which is still costly and comes with all the needs for logistics. Since you can bet your current logistical train isn't up to snuff for that new addition to you military. Or you just cant afford to replace enough of what you have currently to make the cost worth while. So going with an upgrade is the wise and best choice for an immediate cost effectiveness until more current designs get put to pasture and are a lot cheaper to purchase just as the Maximus suggests.

[@pikminlord343]

great analysis

[@mauriciomdea]

Brasil is still using the M60A2 version, together with Leopards 1A5. They are our country's main battle tanks to this day.

[@Nathanial-Lee-Vigder]

would have loved to see your army have more than one of the eet-2/eet-3 tanks. those were beautiful. Maybe not as heavily armored as the M1, but still , much better on speed and gas. And it just looked beautiful.

[@sushilgeorge4989]

NOICE video main you deserve way more subs than you have!

[@_Matsimus_]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that!!

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

I was at Ft Knox when I went in the Army as a M60A3 Crewmen in 1982/83. This is a very reliable Armored Vehicle. It has been proven as to its durability, and the ease of operation system. And as you said this is a classic muscle car, not a sleek racecar like the M1A3. But I can see that the 120mm Main Gun be a huge success.

[@wendellsutphin4677]

I love it , From 1976 to 1980 I called A1s and A3s home . It was a bad ass in my day

[@WAJK2030]

Look for the Sabra MK1. You will fall in love with that Turkish m60 Upgrade!

[@kolinmartz]

It's actually an Israeli upgrade. Turkey is the sole client tho.

[@_Matsimus_]

+Kolin Martz interesting. Thanks for the info guys! :-)

[@kolinmartz]

+Matsimus Gaming it's pretty much a branch of the Israeli magach series. The only thing I can remember off the top of my mind that differentiates the Sabra is the retention of the cupola machine fine turret.

[@_Matsimus_]

+Kolin Martz oh ok. Well that's pretty neat then!

[@brockcherry5303]

the sabra is why i am here, and omg, what a beautiful upgrade! it makes me so happy there keeping the classic m-60 in service!

[@mredmond2928]

The gunners "cadillacs" are what they are called. I served on the M60A3 and M1 tanks in the US Army.

[@LyonPercival]

does that mean it's good or bad? is it a compliment? haha

[@mredmond2928]

@@LyonPercival the manufacturers name is Cadillac Gage, thats were the moniker comes from.

[@danaholm9486]

There is an M60A3 3 blocks from my house in an RV park. May have been in Desert Storm as it was a national guard tank. Was retired in 1995.

[@Lord_Shadowz]

Great video Maximus! I've really become a fan of your channel over the last few weeks. Great stuff! I worked 911 in Manhatten and one of my co workers was an M60 tanker in the marines. He said they loved the tank. I wish the US military would bring them back and restore all of the ones they have in storage. They could get into places M1's couldn't because they weigh less?

[@cookingonthego9422]

Not to shabby. Some reactive armor in front would be nice to.

[@_Matsimus_]

Yeah I think they are leaving the armor packages to the countries themselves who they export them to to install. Everyone has their own. Thanks so much for watching :-) feel free to subscribe and have a great day!!

[@heavylifter315]

Great vid. I was pretty surprised when I heard the M60 was getting an upgrade. I'm curious about that AC unit on the back though. It looks like it will get in the way of the turret traversing.

[@_Matsimus_]

Thanks man! I appreciate it :-) yeah i don't think it will cause much of a issue to be honest. But you never know!

[@916fanatic1]

No it wont be in the way, the tank has sensors that will elevate the gun automatically when traverse gets to the back.

[@syn6294]

The vehicle in the video was a proof of concept/demo tank. The boxes on the rear probably housed systems that had yet to be integrated into the hull or turret. None of the graphics of the finished version shows the boxes remaining.

[@user-Bornagain]

The U.S. military no longer use M 60s But we still have a substantially numbers in reserves We have them for Taiwan. And many nations that still use M 60s. Right to this day. I love this video. Love seeing legend tanks, come back to service. I am a huge tank fanatic. i Just subscribe.

[@AlexHahnvideos]

Wow! Nearly 10k Views! Very impressive content as usual.

[@_Matsimus_]

Lmao I'm as shocked as you man! I'm a gaming channel and this is my most viewed lol. Maybe I should become a military talk channel lol. Thanks so much for watching :-)

[@AlexHahnvideos]

Matsimus Gaming It's seems to be a good place for a military community. You videos are great, no need to thank me. Also the tanker community loves stuff like this. I had no idea the m60 was getting an upgrade, the Marine Corps doesn't even use those anymore.

[@_Matsimus_]

+Alex Hahn Games well thank you anyway :-) and I don't think the US is using them or getting the upgrade. It's for other countries who own them and need a cheap update.

[@theotherfoot129]

If this blows your mind you should look up the M60-2000

[@Armored_Kong]

They need to bring back M60 2000 aka 120S. The M60 2000 is like mini Abrams tank.

[@_Matsimus_]

I want to see the war stores the US has of these things lol

[@arctrooper9615]

ARMORED KONG same!

[@zorkwhouse8125]

I had no idea about this either - very interesting.

[@Creppystories123]

Beautiful :D

[@ghostdog688]

I'd heard that manufacturers are offering updates for t72's and even t55s!

[@_Matsimus_]

Yeah they have always had someone tinkering with them. That's how they have lasted so long lol. Thanks for watching :-)

[@whatsnew100]

Johnnie walker

[@timothymercer3526]

Yeah I heard they are upgrading them into range targets lol jk brother....

[@Julio4394]

¡The 120S/M60-2000 MBT is a much better upgrade for this tank!.

[@_Matsimus_]

I heard a lot of people saying that :-) thanks for watching!!

[@reshadreswan]

yeah that is a better one

[@1701Larry]

OK-------- This is basically making the Old M-60 into a new M-1 tank lethality wise. With the M-1 targeting system using the M-1's 120mm gun that can destroy tanks 5 miles away. The Airconditioner you comment on is an APU so they don't have to run the drive engine as they sit waiting for a target. The electric turret drive also makes the tank a lot safer and dependable as the old hydraulic system was prone to leaks and maintenance quirks that made it hard to put the cross on moving targets and keep it there. Not to mention ranging with the old stereoscopic sight. Even the old laser ranger finder most were equipped within the 70s overheated if used to much and was not that reliable. This also gets rid of all the hydraulic lines clogging up the turret that was a pain in the butt every time you tried moving Amo around and was famous for springing leaks if the tank was hit even if not penetrated (that also added to the fire hazard if you were penetrated as the Israelis found out the hard way). Rebuilding the engine from 750 h/p. to 950 should make it a little faster (if they take off the Governer) as the side skirt should not add that much weight. This is also an upgrade Taiwan should get for their M-60s as it will allow them to take out moving landing craft miles from the beach with cheap shells. Then quickly move (with the added horsepower) to a new firing position before shells can be returned.

[@southwestxnorthwest]

I got to drive that thing at Ft Leonard Wood in 1996 when I was going through Army basic. Fun to drive, but the driver's seat was uncomfortable and my ass kept falling asleep.

[@RandomVideos2]

Raytheon's upgrade package seems very weak compared to the Israeli Magach style upgrades. The gun is fine but it appears to have barely any armor upgrades. It looks like just some thin plates on the body and a tiny bit of slat armor on the turret. Compare that to the Turkish M60 Sabra upgraded by Israel and Raytheon's upgrade just looks pitiful. You could probably penetrate this M60A3's weak armor and kill the crew with just a basic RPG-7. I guess this must be a bare bones budget upgrade for poor customers with expendable tank crews.

[@_Matsimus_]

I think the armor has been left off so that countries can add their own versions. As we all know armor is mostly classified to whoever uses it. So it makes sense for them to leave it open for other countries to put their own on :-) thanks so much for watching!! Feel free to check out my leopard 2 upgrade video! Have a great week!

[@MFitz12]

The armor shown on the prototype is NOT included in the Raytheon upgrade. I don't even know where it comes from. This upgrade is a service life extension designed primarily to improve reliability and maintainability by replacing worn out and obsolete systems which almost coincidentally improves performance. Cost should be substantially less than the $3.8 million/unit of Sabra (note how few Turkey bought) and without the political baggage and it may of course be available to recipients of FMS aid. No doubt Raytheon is counting on that last bit.

[@_Matsimus_]

awesome info :-) thanks!

[@ReviveHF]

The bar armour on the M60SLEP can easily be swap for the modular laminated armour just like the Israeli Magach and Sabra series.

[@hummerskickass]

Blah b I wouldn’t say so. With reactive armor and the new trophy systems like the one equipped to the Mirkiva 4 makes older tanks much more viable. The trophy system the Israelis field is incredibly effective as shown by there invasion of the Gaza Strip in 2014. Allowing you to be able to operate older tanks against opponents with ATGMs and RPGs and have a high probability of survival. And make use of payed for exsisting equipment.

[@progx8679]

Hmmm smell the Diesel !!!! Semper Fi

[@_Matsimus_]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@progx8679]

+Matsimus Gaming Hey I know I just repeated others on the world's M60s I should have read the posts first. I'm a 16 yrs Marine Vet 2000' - 2015 w/three Combat tours (2 Iraq, 1 Afghan) Just like to post know and then to give the Basement Boys some facts know and then. Lol You know how YT is !!!! Semper Fi

[@_Matsimus_]

+Prog X hey man thanks for your service!! I appreciate you coming by and watching and leaving some comments. Arte et Marte

[@progx8679]

Matsimus Gaming Ah you were REME in the British Army, good for you mate ! Keep Calm and any other Brit stereotype I can think of Lol Catch you later Brother !

[@_Matsimus_]

+Prog X thanks mate!! :-D

[@abitofapickle6255]

My cousin operated M60's. He said some dude stole one of the tanks and they hopped in theirs and chased him. My dad in the Guard also directed half a dozen M60's across a road. It's a big ass Tanks

[@lwl59]

When I was a kid in Germany in 1970 we lived on an armor base, Christenson Barracks. I used to play on the M60's and hobnob with the GIs.

[@jackfrost2288]

1967 was M60 tank guy, well the ass end of it is its sweet spot, hit that tank stops.

[@_Matsimus_]

Thank you for your service :-) must have been a hell of a tank to crew. And yeah it does look very weak there. But as like any tank it's rear is its weak spot. Thanks for watching :-) feel free to subscribe :-)

[@thetwomountainbikers]

I think the south african centurion olifant is much more impressive considering its a 1946 chassis

[@_Matsimus_]

This is true. But that is a tank that really has served its time in the spotlight. Being a Brit and hearing first hand how much tankers hated that tank, I wouldn't want to have it in my arsenal :-/ thanks so much for watching :-)

[@cecilbannister8681]

I Left The Military In 0ctober 79. The M-60 A1 RISE Was The Last Armored Combat Vehicle I Was Assigned.. 0ur Cavalry Regiment Turned In. 0ur M-551A1's. Being A Driver 0n The Sheridan 7 Years, The M-60A1 RISE Drivers Compartment Was Like A Small Studio Apartment.

[@mr16ga]

I worked with some USMC Officers Trackers (Tankers) when the Corps got the M1A2. They said while doing live fire using M60's as targets. With practice rounds they got hull to hull penetration. That was around 1990 or so. With modern anti-tank weapons you could not give me one.

[@brandonm1881]

Matsimus, is the gun stabalized? I think gun stabalization should come standard with ever modern armored fighting vehicle

[@romanbuinyi]

Maybe Sherman or Pershing needs upgrading too? :)

[@_Matsimus_]

Lol I doubt that. But it would be interesting to see lol. Thanks for watching

[@f45411]

those are WAY to old to modernize, assuming they are even still around, its heavily outdated, like most other WW2 tanks, they are simply novelties now

[@_Matsimus_]

+f45411 it's a easy upgrade. Simple stuff for smaller countries

[@_Matsimus_]

+f45411 it's a easy upgrade. Simple stuff for smaller countries

[@f45411]

Matsimus Gaming the parts in general are too dated, if something were to break, you can't replace it with ease, a wheeled TD would make more sense then pimped out M4 considering how slow and worthless its armor is today

[@jameslovelace8958]

I spent 8 years of my life in this turret. From the A1 to the A3 you can’t find a more beautiful tank. She is dependable and can go for days. Feed her fuel and rounds and she will kill T72’s all day long. Going to the 120mm will cut down on the number of rounds carried. We had 63 main gun rounds in the 105mm the new gunners control will enhance kill times. I’m proud to see this old girl still in use. I know Turkey has bought 1,000’s of the A3’s. I’d love to see it and fire her one more time.

[@jaywhite1683]

Interesting video. My concern with improving the gun from the 105 to 120 is ammo. Ammo for the M60A3 is stored open. What I mean is the ammo is stored in racks in the open turret bustle and stacked standing upright in the floor. Once fired, the shell casing is ejected in the crew compartment on the turret floor. 120mm ammo is combustible with the exception of the rear of the casing which is metal. When stored on an M1A1/2 or Leopard 2 the ammo is stored in an ammo bunker in the rear of the turret with a door that opens and closes as rounds are loaded. This protects the crew from an ammunition fire/explosion in the event the vehicle is hit and penetrated in the ammo compartment. The force of the explosion is channeled away from the crew compartment. With that said, I wonder how the ammunition is protected in this upgrade because if it isn't, it would be a death sentence for the crew and would be no more survivable than a WW2 Sherman.

[@toprob20]

Well not knowing people are still upgrading old tanks makes you a light weight military nerd... However being one is enough to get a sub from me! And the upgrades aren't meant for Western customers as those still using M60 usually upgrade their own. On the other hand it's nice if they could sell some refurbished ex US army machines to the 3rd world. Though most of these upgrades aren't new and have been done by others.

[@_Matsimus_]

Well thank you very much! I appreciate you subbing and watching. Glad you enjoyed it :-) hope you have a great day!

[@lordemarsh6804]

120 mm as in "german"?

[@d17a2dude]

The king of Jordan gifted an m60a3 to Paul Allen who has it on display at his museum, Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett, WA. I got to see it running around in person at Tankfest Northwest last summer. Awesome machine.

[@ellsworth1956]

In the early 1980s I worked at Hughes Aircraft and built the Laser Range Finder Systems for the M60A3. It was an Analog System but if I remember correctly it did have thermal sighting also. I can't believe that any of these tanks are still rolling. Because I was shifted over to the XM1 Laser Range Finder System after about 6 months. So the newest any of these tanks could be is 35 years.

[@rogerrice1772]

I served for many years on the 60A1 in both Europe and in the States. I don't believe that those great hulking boxes in the rear are air conditioning units, although it is a nice thought. A/C would only really be effective if the vehicle was buttoned up, and even then, unless the turret seal was inflated, the cooled air would still leak out. So, A/C would be a waste of energy. I think that those two boxes aft are an enhanced air cleaner system for the upgraded 950 hp engine. Although the old air cleaner boxes are visible, they may be plumbed together.

[@_Matsimus_]

Thank you for your service sir. I have never served on them but highly respect those who have. I appreciate hearing people who have actually used these beasts opinions. Its awesome to hear first hand how people see these new features as and their thoughts on it. I think its a good thing personally but I get your points for sure! :-) Thank so much for watching! Feel free to subscribe if you would like to see more :-) Have a great day!

[@steveevans424]

REACTIVE ARMOR UPGRADES ? ? ? SKIRTS ? ? ? It looks highly vulnerable to low tech shoulder-fired rockets !

[@LikeUntoBuddha]

In May 2016, Raytheon revealed they had engineered a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the M60A3 as a cost-effective upgrade to procuring more modern tanks. Changes include increased engine power from 750 hp to 950 hp, new electric turret controls that are faster, more responsive, and quieter than the previous hydraulic controls, adding the larger L44 120 mm gun along with digital fire-control and targeting systems with thermal sights, and protection enhancements of side skirts, slat armor, and likely reactive armor. The M60A3 SLEP puts the vehicle's performance on par with tanks such as the T-72 and M1A1 Abrams, while keeping training and maintenance costs down as crews are already familiar with the basic M60. The vehicle has undergone testing at the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Grounds.[33] Changing out the hydraulics with electronic systems decreases weight by one ton and the digital FCS allows for firing on the move.[34] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M60_Patton

[@ryanfoley8035]

My grandfather was a tank commander on one of those tanks this was a special model I did not have a Cupolla I just had a Hatch

[@XoADREADNOUGHT]

Americans still have a sizable number of M60A3 Pattons in reserve. What this means is that many National Guard outposts are equipped with one of these tanks. This is for urban response and potentially for invasion - where the tanks are already where they need to be to defend. Otherwise, there are no M60A3's in active service - none that will ever see battle in an offensive war. Only 3rd world/Middle Eastern countries allied to the United States in some way actively use this tank.

[@XoADREADNOUGHT]

Additionally, you can watch a video of one such tank being hijacked by a mentally ill National Guardsman and being driven through neighborhoods and highways of California, before it finally got stuck on a median, and the hatch opened/drive shot in the head.

[@_Matsimus_]

+Ron Ronson yeah I saw that video! Crazy! But I didn't know the US had them in reserve. Very interesting. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@mattcharette7928]

+Matsimus Gaming The U.S. holds many types of tanks in reserve such as the M-41 Walker Bulldog. It's a fast replacement for a lost Abrams.

[@_Matsimus_]

+Matt Charette that's pretty cool to know. I would love to see the storage area for all that equipment

[@sushilgeorge4989]

+Matt Charette wonder if they still keep the m551 in reserve