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| Science & Technology |
| Raytheon Can Turn Old American-Made M60A3 Tanks Into Killing Machines |
| 2016-05-11 |
| [The National Interest] Raytheon is pitching a new upgrade for the venerable M60A3 Patton main battle tank that would turn the elderly design into a competitive force on the modern battlefield--all at a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle. Named the Raytheon M60A3 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), the upgrade is being offered for export to nations that need the performance to take on threats like a Russian-built T-90S, but can’t afford a top-of-the-line machine like the M1A2 SEP(v)3 Abrams or Leopard 2A7. At the core of the upgrade is a new 950-horsepower diesel engine--which replaces the original 750-horsepower unit. As part of the deal, the engine would be reconditioned to a zero hour condition. Meanwhile, the old turret hydraulic controls would be replaced with new electrical systems, which are faster, more responsive and quieter than their predecessors. Offensive firepower is exponentially improved by swapping out the old 105mm M68 rifled gun in favor of the Abrams’ German-made L44 120mm smoothbore cannon. The addition of the new weapon would give the M60A3 the ability to engage enemy tanks as advanced as the T-90MS on a near equal footing. In fact, with the upgrade, the M60 probably outperforms older M1A1 variants. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #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 |
| #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 |
| #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 |
| #4 ^^ this, and VW can help with the EPA mandated tests |
| Posted by: Frank G 2016-05-11 14:27 |
| #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 |
| #2 How much more work just to make a tank-drone out of it? |
| Posted by: 3dc 2016-05-11 12:01 |
| #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 |