Is the M60 Still in Service?
The M60 is a legendary tank that has served in the United States Armed Forces for over six decades. Introduced in the early 1960s, the M60 was one of the most widely used main battle tanks (MBT) in the world during the Cold War era. But as new technologies emerged and newer tanks were introduced, the M60 was gradually phased out of active service. But is the M60 still in service today?
Direct Answer:
The M60 is no longer in active service with the United States Armed Forces. The US Army retired its last M60A1 tank in 1997, replacing it with the M1 Abrams. However, some M60 tanks have been kept in reserve or transferred to allied countries, where they are still in use today.
History of the M60
The M60 was developed in the early 1960s as a response to the Soviet Union’s T-54/55 main battle tank. The M60 was designed to be a more powerful and maneuverable tank, with a 700 horsepower engine and a top speed of 30 miles per hour. It was equipped with a 105mm gun and was designed to be airbrushed against armor-piercing and high-explosive ammunition.
Technical Specifications:
Here are some of the key technical specifications of the M60:
- Weight: 49.2 tons
- Length: 23 feet 1 inch
- Width: 11 feet 4 inches
- Height: 7 feet 4 inches
- Crew: 5
- Main armament: 105mm M68 gun
- Powerplant: 750 horsepower Continental AVCO AV1790-2B turbine engine
- Speed: 30 miles per hour
- Range: 150 miles
Service History:
The M60 was first deployed in Vietnam in 1965, where it was used by the US Army and Marine Corps. The tank was effective in taking on enemy bunkers and fortifications, and was also used to provide firepower support to ground troops. The M60 was used extensively during the Gulf War in 1991, where it played a significant role in coalition forces.
Current Status:
Although the M60 is no longer in active service with the US Armed Forces, it is still in use with some countries. Here are a few examples:
- Israel: The Israeli military has upgraded its M60 tanks to the M60T Arjun standard, which is equipped with a 120mm gun and advanced communication systems.
- Australia: The Australian Army used M60 tanks during the Vietnam War, and later upgraded them to the M60A1 standard.
- Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Arabian military still operates a small number of M60 tanks, which were upgraded to the M60A3 standard in the 1980s.
Why the M60 is No Longer in Service:
The M60 was retired from service due to a number of factors, including:
- Age: The M60 was developed in the 1960s and was already showing its age by the 1990s.
- Performance: The M60 was outperformed by newer tanks, such as the M1 Abrams, in terms of speed, armor, and firepower.
- Maintenance: The M60 required frequent maintenance, which was costly and time-consuming.
- Technological advancements: The development of new technologies, such as composite armor and guided missiles, made the M60 less effective on the battlefield.
Conclusion:
The M60 is a legendary tank that played a significant role in the military history of the United States. Although it is no longer in active service, it is still in use with some countries around the world. The M60’s legacy will continue to be felt, as newer tanks are designed and built with its lessons learned.
