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Wednesday, July 11, 2018

M60A1


Despite attempts to downplay the M60's relationship with the M48A2, the connections and the limitations associated were obvious. It was clear from the beginning that the M60 was not the significant improvement over the M48A2 as desired. So although the M60 was fitted with the M48A2 turret, work continued on developing an elongated-style turret based on the T95E7. The design pushed the cannon five inches forward, giving the crew more room, and provided greater ballistic protection. This project was initially referred to as the M60E1, although work continued on even more improvements to the M60 design centered around crew comfort, such as adjustable seats and a rearrangement of the driver's pedals. In addition to the M60E1 changes, the M60A1 was standardized with improved hull armor.

You might be able to guess I'm not a fan of the changes Wargaming has made to the (Tier X) M48 Patton. I just can't agree with buffing the turret armor so unrealistically, hence the redesign of this particular branch to down-tier these US medium tanks. If Wargaming wants to give the M48 improved turret armor at Tier X, the least they could do is use something more authentic. This is where the M60A1 comes in.

The M60A1 has the decent turret armor and hull armor of the old over-buffed M48 Patton, but it keeps the large and bulbous cupola as a result because this kind of tank needs some kind frontal weakspot. The M60A1, as the old M48 Patton before it, cannot go hull-down effectively because of this limitation. The M60A1's strength lies in its on-the-move gun handling, like the rest of the branch leading up to this point.

At Tier X, I think the M60A1 would more authentically encapsulate the changes Wargaming wants to this particular vehicle.



Guns: 105 mm Gun M68

EnginesContinental AVDS-1790-2A (750 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): M60A1 (254/140/57)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M60A1 (46.63)

Hull Armor (mm): 143/74/41

Top Speed: 48 km/h

Crew: 4 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander/Radio)


Parents: M48A2
See Also: M48A5, M60, XM60 120

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Patton, 2015 

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