M60 Patton US Main Battle Tank

M60 Patton US Main Battle Tank
The M60 Patton is the first main battle tank, built in the USA. Development of the M60 started in 1957. It was built to counter the threat posed by Soviet T-54 and T-55 medium tanks, that were superior in all aspects to the US M48 medium tanks. first vehicles were built in 1959 and contract was awarded to Chrysler for a batch of 180 MBTs. Production commenced in 1960 and ended in 1987.

The M60 was fitted With the Continental AVDS-1790-2 diesel engine, making 750 horsepower. Engine can be replaced in field conditions in 4 hours. It's worth mentioning that it was the first US tank, fitted with diesel powerplant. Previous vehicles were powered by petrol engines. The Patton tank has a torsion bar-type suspension, which is made up of six road wheels Using the idler in the rear, with three track return rollers.

Via : groundcombatsystems.blogspot.com