M1 Abrams vs M60 Patton: The M1 Abrams and the M60 Patton are two iconic tanks that have played significant roles in the history of armored warfare. While the M1 Abrams represents the pinnacle of modern tank design, the M60 Patton stands as a testament to an earlier era of armored warfare. In this detailed comparison, we will explore the history, design, firepower, mobility, and protection of these two legendary tanks, shedding light on their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on the battlefield.
M1 Abrams vs M60 Patton Specification
| Specification | M1 Abrams | M60 Patton |
|---|---|---|
| Name | M1 Abrams | M60 Patton |
| Type | Main battle tank | Main battle tank |
| Origin | USA | USA |
| Produced | 1980 | 1960–1987 |
| Unit cost | $8.58 million (2012) | – |
| Main armament | 120 mm L/44 M256A1 smoothbore gun (42 rounds) | 105 mm (4.1 in) M68 gun (M60/A1/A3) |
| Engine | Honeywell AGT1500C multi-fuel turbine engine | AVDS-1790-2 V12, air-cooled Twin-turbo diesel engine |
| Speed | 67 km/h (42 mph) – M1A2 | 48 km/h (30 mph) |
| Weight | 62 tonnes (M1A2) | 48 tonnes |
| Crew | 4 | 4 |
| Caliber | M1 Abrams – 120mm | M60 Patton – 105mm |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 9.77 m | 9.31 m |
| Width | 3.66 m | 3.63 m |
| Height | 2.44 m | 3.21 m |
M1 Abrams vs M60 Patton Detailed Comparison
History:
The M60 Patton was developed in the early 1960s as a successor to the M48 Patton. It served as the primary battle tank for the United States Army and Marine Corps during the Cold War, seeing extensive service in Vietnam, the Arab-Israeli conflicts, and other conflicts around the world. The M60 was known for its reliability and firepower, armed with a 105mm main gun and a range of secondary weapons.
In the 1980s, the M1 Abrams was introduced, marking a significant leap forward in tank design. It was developed in response to the Soviet Union’s new generation of tanks and featured advanced composite armor, a 120mm smoothbore gun, and a gas turbine engine. The M1 Abrams quickly became the main battle tank of the US military and has since undergone several upgrades to maintain its status as one of the most advanced tanks in the world.
Design:
The M60 Patton has a conventional design, with a cast homogeneous steel turret and a welded steel hull. It weighs around 52 tons and has a crew of four. The tank is powered by a Continental AVDS-1790-2 V12 air-cooled diesel engine, which gives it a top speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h) on roads.
In contrast, the M1 Abrams features a more advanced design, with a chobham armor composite that provides superior protection against both kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charges. It weighs around 60 tons and has a crew of four. The tank is powered by a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which gives it a top speed of around 45 mph (72 km/h) on roads.
Firepower:
The M60 Patton is armed with a 105mm M68 rifled gun, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including APFSDS, HEAT, and HE. It also has a .50 caliber M2 machine gun and a 7.62mm M240 machine gun for anti-infantry and anti-aircraft defense.
The M1 Abrams, on the other hand, is armed with a 120mm M256 smoothbore gun, which is more powerful and accurate than the M60’s gun. It also has a .50 caliber M2 machine gun and a 7.62mm M240 machine gun for secondary armament.
Mobility:
In terms of mobility, the M1 Abrams has a clear advantage over the M60 Patton. Its gas turbine engine gives it a higher top speed and better acceleration, allowing it to outmaneuver the M60 on the battlefield. The M1 Abrams also has a range of around 265 miles (426 km), compared to the M60’s range of around 300 miles (483 km).
Protection:
The M1 Abrams’ chobham armor composite provides superior protection against both kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charges compared to the M60’s steel armor. Additionally, the M1 Abrams has a number of other features, such as a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system, that further enhance its survivability on the battlefield.
Upgrades and Variants:
Both the M60 Patton and the M1 Abrams have undergone upgrades and variants over the years to improve their capabilities. The M60 was upgraded to the M60A1 and later to the M60A3, which featured improved fire control systems and other enhancements. However, these upgrades were not enough to keep the M60 competitive with more modern tanks.
The M1 Abrams has undergone several upgrades since its introduction, including the M1A1 and M1A2 variants, which feature improved armor, firepower, and electronics. The latest variant, the M1A2 SEPv3, incorporates even more advanced technology, such as improved thermal sights and a new ammunition data link, further enhancing its combat capabilities.
Export and Legacy:
The M60 Patton has been widely exported to various countries around the world and is still in service with some nations today. Its reliability and simplicity make it a popular choice for countries with smaller defense budgets or less advanced military industries.
The M1 Abrams, on the other hand, has been less widely exported due to its high cost and advanced technology. However, it has still been sold to several countries, including Australia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, among others. Its reputation as one of the most powerful and capable tanks in the world has made it a sought-after asset for many nations.
Future Prospects:
Looking ahead, the M1 Abrams is likely to remain a key component of the US military’s armored forces for the foreseeable future, with ongoing upgrades and improvements keeping it at the forefront of tank technology. The M60 Patton, while no longer in service with the US military, will likely continue to serve in various roles with allied and partner nations for years to come, thanks to its robust design and proven track record.
Which one is Powerful?
The M1 Abrams features a 120mm smoothbore gun, compared to the M60 Patton’s 105mm rifled gun, providing it with superior firepower and accuracy. Additionally, the M1 Abrams is powered by a gas turbine engine, giving it a higher top speed and better acceleration than the M60 Patton, which is powered by a diesel engine.
Furthermore, the M1 Abrams boasts advanced composite armor, offering better protection against both kinetic energy penetrators and shaped charges compared to the M60 Patton’s steel armor. The M1 Abrams also has a range of additional features, such as a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system, further enhancing its survivability on the battlefield. Overall, the M1 Abrams’ advanced technology, firepower, mobility, and protection make it the more powerful and effective tank when compared to the M60 Patton.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while both the M1 Abrams and the M60 Patton are iconic tanks that have played significant roles in the history of armored warfare, the M1 Abrams is clearly the superior tank in terms of design, firepower, mobility, and protection. Its advanced technology and capabilities make it one of the most formidable tanks in the world, ensuring its place as a key asset in the US military’s arsenal for years to come.
