Article Summary: The M60 Patton, a Cold War-era main battle tank, remains a symbol of American military innovation. The tank had one mission: beat the Soviet Union on any battlefield or its proxy forces.
Key Point #1 – Entering service in 1960, it improved upon the M48 Patton with a 105mm M68 gun, better armor, and a more efficient diesel engine. The M60 saw action in multiple conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War and the Gulf War, proving its durability and firepower.
Key Point #2 – While the U.S. phased out the M60 in favor of the M1 Abrams, many countries continue to upgrade and operate it today. Its lasting influence on tank design ensures the M60 Patton’s legacy in military history.
M60 Patton: The U.S. Tank That Still Fights Today
The M60 Patton, a Main Battle Tank (MBT) developed by the United States during the Cold War, served as the staple of America’s tank fleet. Although it was never officially christened as a “Patton” tank, the M60 is often associated with the Patton series due to its lineage and design evolution from the M48 Patton.
Due to its history and its enduring legacy, the M60 deserves to be remembered as one of America’s most reliable tanks.
Development and Design
The development of the M60 Patton began in the late 1950s as a response to the Soviet Union’s advancements in tank technology.
The U.S. Army sought to create a tank that could counter the threat posed by the Soviet T-54 and T-55 tanks.
The M60 was designed to improve the M48 Patton, incorporating a more powerful 105mm M68 gun, a diesel engine for better fuel efficiency, and enhanced armor protection.
Built before the advent of composite armor, the M60’s design featured a cast steel hull and turret, providing robust protection for its four-man crew.
The tank’s main armament, the M68 105mm rifled gun, was capable of firing various ammunition types, making it versatile in combat situations.
Secondary armament included a .50 caliber M85 machine gun and a 7.62mm M73 machine gun, later replaced by the M240.
From the Cold War and Beyond
The M60 Patton entered service with the U.S. Army in 1960 and quickly became the backbone of American armored forces.
It saw extensive use during the Cold War, with deployments in Europe to counter the Warsaw Pact forces. The tank’s reliability and firepower, though it never saw combat in Europe, would have made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
One of the M60’s most notable combat engagements was during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, where it was used by Israeli forces against Egyptian and Syrian armor. The M60 proved itself admirably, demonstrating its effectiveness in both offensive and defensive operations.
The tank also saw extensive action in the Iran-Iraq War, the Lebanese Civil War, and the Gulf War, where it continued to prove its worth in various combat scenarios, even against T-72s, despite its age.
Perfecting the M60 Tank
Over its production run, the M60 underwentt several upgrades and modifications to enhance its capabilities.
The M60A1, introduced in 1962, featured improved armor and a more advanced fire control system.
The M60A2, known as the “Starship,” was equipped with a 152mm gun/launcher capable of firing conventional rounds and guided missiles. However, the M60A2’s complex systems proved problematic, limiting production.
M60 Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The M60A3, introduced in the late 1970s, represented the pinnacle of the M60 series. It featured advanced thermal imaging sights, a laser rangefinder, and improved ballistic protection.
The M60A3 remained in service with the U.S. Army until the early 1990s, when the M1 Abrams gradually replaced it.
The M60 Lives on
The legacy of the M60 Patton extends beyond its service life. Over 15,000 M60 tanks were produced, and many were exported to U.S. allies worldwide.
The tank’s durability and adaptability have allowed it to remain in service with several countries well into the 21st century.
Even today, the M60 continues to be modernized in countries like Turkey thus further extending its service life.
The M60’s design principles, including the M1 Abrams, influenced subsequent tank development. Its emphasis on firepower, protection, and mobility set a standard for future main battle tanks.
Additionally, the M60’s ability to be upgraded and modified ensured its relevance in an ever-evolving battlefield.
M60 Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The M60 Patton’s history is a story of innovation, resilience, and adaptability. From its inception during the Cold War to its continued use in modern conflicts, the M60 has proven to be a reliable and effective main battle tank.
Its legacy lives on through the lessons learned and the advancements made in armored warfare, cementing its place in American military history.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
