M60A3 Main Battle Tank

The first batch of M60A3’s entered service in 1978. It was an amalgamation of all updates to the M60A1 plus the addition of M239 smoke dischargers, a thermal shroud for the 105mm main gun and a new rangefinder and ballistic computer with meteorological sensor on the turret roof. However soon after its introduction a new sub variant entered service. The M60A3 with Tank Thermal Sight (TTS). It incorporates hybrid solid-state ballistic computer, laser rangefinder, and a turret stabilization system. It was a significantly improved version of its predecessor. All M60A3 have top loading air filters, a thermal shroud (to help prevent “gun droop”) for the 105mm gun and a laser range finder plus new T142 tracks with octagonal rubber blocks. Another visible feature is the armoured flap cover over the range finder housing near the CWS. The M60A3 had the capability to engage the full spectrum of enemy ground targets with a variety of accurate, point and area fire weapons, incorporated with a shoot-on-the-move capability.

The M60A3 main battle tank was used as the principal assault weapon of tank battalions during all types of combat operations, conducted under any conditions, from low-intensity conflict to general nuclear and non-nuclear situations as part of an offensive combined arms team. The M60A3 (TTS) replaced the M48 series of tanks and the M60A1 tank.

The first A3’s were deployed to Germany in mid-1979. The laser rangefinder added significant capability to the M-60 and many of these are still in active foreign service or as US OPFOR vehicles. The Tank Thermal Sight was a significant advance and tankers who have operated A3’s and M1A1’s almost universally stated that the TTS on the M-60A3 was the best thermal imager ever fielded. It was not used on the M1 series due to its cost and large size. With the achievements in US ammunition technology the inferior calibre of the 105mm gun did not play a significant role. With depleted Uranium rounds the 105mm gun was a very effective weapon even compared against larger guns.
The M60A3 was not officially a part of the USMC inventory, however, several saw action with USMC Tank Battalions during Desert Storm as FO/FAC platforms due to the capability of the thermal sight for locating targets. The Mech Museums A3 has been painted in the 4-color MERDEC pattern and has the tactical markings of a tank from 1st Platoon, Co. C, 3rd Tank Bn.

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