Article

2016-05-11 Science & Technology

Raytheon Can Turn Old American-Made M60A3 Tanks Into Killing Machines

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Posted by Besoeker 2016-05-11 11:26|| || Front Page|| [4 views ] Top

#1 They can improve speed and firepower, but survivability is still a stickler. Can't really improve the armor and there is only so much reactive armor can do.

An active defense helps, but the M-60 is still a little weak compared to modern tank armor.

Posted by DarthVader 2016-05-11 11:52|| 2016-05-11 11:52|| Front Page Top

#2 How much more work just to make a tank-drone out of it?

Posted by 3dc 2016-05-11 12:01|| 2016-05-11 12:01|| Front Page Top

#3 They could also improve the M-1 a lot by putting a current-tech diesel in it. Since the gas turbines are a little long in the tooth and maintenance is getting harder with them, I think it would help a lot.

Posted by Thing From Snowy Mountain 2016-05-11 12:25|| 2016-05-11 12:25|| Front Page Top

#4 ^^ this, and VW can help with the EPA mandated tests

Posted by Frank G 2016-05-11 14:27|| 2016-05-11 14:27|| Front Page Top

#5 Since the gas turbines are a little long in the tooth.....

I believe the Marines continue to use the JP-8 fuel in their M1A1 so they can utilize the same fuel type for all their large military engines, including jets and helos. Keeps the supply chain fairly simple (except for dealing with the 'Pogues').

I do know that the Aussies use a diesel-fuel only engine as their military doesn't use the JP-8 much.

Posted by Mullah Richard 2016-05-11 16:08|| 2016-05-11 16:08|| Front Page Top

#6 #2 How much more work just to make a tank-drone out of it?

Phase 2 of the plan, no doubt. We shall soon hear about tank swarms on This Week In Killer Robots.

Posted by SteveS 2016-05-11 17:03|| 2016-05-11 17:03|| Front Page Top

#7 Nothing says a blend of offensive TO&E armor units with the M1Abrams latest variant cannot be married to a defensive oriented organization like border or base defense units with the upgraded M-60Awhatever. High protection Chobham allows for offensive maneuver, but with the bigger/better tooth L44 120mm smoothbore cannon, state of the art fire control systems and comms, it would remain a formidable second tier unit at a fraction of the cost. Instead of rust targets or memorials, perhaps a border/base defense application?

Posted by NoMoreBS 2016-05-11 18:55|| 2016-05-11 18:55|| Front Page Top

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