The **M60A3** was the final and most technologically advanced variant of the US M60 tank series, serving as a critical component of American and allied armored forces during the latter half of the Cold War. While it retained the M60 family’s general layout and steel armor, its most significant improvements were centered around a highly modernized **Fire Control System (FCS)**, granting it superior first-round hit probability, especially at night.
Key Upgrades and Features
Unlike earlier models, the M60A3 focused on electronic and sighting systems rather than major changes to the main gun or armor:
Laser Rangefinder:It replaced the older, less accurate optical coincidence rangefinder with a reliable **AN/VVG-2 laser rangefinder**, dramatically increasing ranging speed and accuracy.
Ballistic Computer:The FCS incorporated a new **solid-state M21 ballistic computer** which automatically calculated fire solutions based on range, ammunition type, crosswind, and tank cant.
Tank Thermal Sight (TTS):The most crucial addition was the **Tank Thermal Sight (TTS)** for the gunner. This system gave the tank a massive advantage by enabling the detection and accurate engagement of targets in complete darkness or poor visibility (smoke, fog, etc.).
Main Gun:It retained the proven **105 mm M68 rifled gun** (a US-built version of the British L7), a NATO standard weapon, often fitted with a thermal shroud to reduce barrel warp from heat.
装备：105 mm M68 rifled gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun.
装甲：Rolled homogeneous steel armor.
Despite its superior FCS, the M60A3’s armor was less survivable against new anti-tank guided missiles and kinetic energy penetrators developed in the 1980s. It was eventually succeeded by the M1 Abrams tank in US service, though the M60A3 remains in use with numerous foreign armies.
