The M60 Main Battle Tank directly replaced the Patton series as the primary combat tank of the United States Army.
The Succession of US Main Battle Tanks
The Patton tanks refer to a series of American main battle tanks, including the M46, M47, and M48. These tanks served as the backbone of the U.S. armored forces from the post-World War II era into the early Cold War. As technology advanced and operational needs evolved, a new tank was required to build upon the lessons learned from the Patton series.
This successor was the M60, which became the standard main battle tank for the United States starting in 1960. While often colloquially, though unofficially, referred to as part of the "Patton" family due to its evolutionary lineage from the M48 Patton, the M60 was a distinct design incorporating significant improvements.
The M60 served as the frontline main battle tank for the U.S. for two decades. Its tenure as the standard U.S. MBT continued until it was ultimately replaced by the more advanced M1 Abrams in 1980. Despite its replacement in U.S. service, the M60 has seen extensive and continued use worldwide by numerous other nations, a testament to its robust design and capabilities.
Below is a brief overview of the succession of these iconic American main battle tanks:
Tank Series | Primary Role | Key Features | US Service Period (Standard MBT) | Successor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Patton Series (M46, M47, M48) | Main Battle Tank | Developed post-WWII, saw service in Korea and Vietnam. | Late 1940s - Late 1960s | M60 Main Battle Tank |
M60 Main Battle Tank | Main Battle Tank | First American tank with a diesel engine, 105mm main gun. | 1960 - 1980 | M1 Abrams |
M1 Abrams | Main Battle Tank | Introduced advanced composite armor and a gas turbine engine. | 1980 - Present | N/A |
Key Aspects of the M60's Role:
- Direct Successor: The M60 took over the operational role of the M48 Patton, inheriting and improving upon its design principles.
- Standard Main Battle Tank: It served as the primary combat vehicle for the U.S. Army during a crucial period of the Cold War.
- Technological Advancement: The M60 introduced significant upgrades over the Patton series, including a more powerful 105mm M68 gun and a diesel engine, enhancing its firepower and operational range.
[Military History]