Spook's Shack

M60AX - In search of sustainability

In the late 1970s, the United States’ fleet of armored vehicles was quickly becoming outdated. While the new XM1 MBT was being developed, a way to upgrade the aging M60 MBT was sought out.

A private venture between Teledyne Technologies and Continental Motors replaced the power train and suspension, providing a new AVCR-1790-1B engine with a Renk RK-304 transmission and hydropneumatic suspension.

Later modifications included appliqué armor designed to defeat shaped charges and a new low profile cupola for the tank commander. The modified tank was dubbed the M60AX. 

Despite the increase in overall weight, mobility was greatly improved. Top speed on level ground and cross-country speed both increased by 15mph, reaching 45mph and 29mph respectively.

Assault Tank T26E5

Based off of the M26 medium tank, the T26E5 had much thicker armor, and was intended almost entirely to support infantry units. US medium tanks usually had two roles, exploitation and infantry support. The T26E5 sought to trade effectiveness in exploitation (speed) for effectiveness in infantry support (armor).

Several changes were made to account for the extra weight. Equilibrator capacity was increased, and a 60 pound weight added to the recoil guard to balance the gun. The tracks were extended to keep ground pressure at acceptable levels, and the final drive gear ratio was changed.

Production started at Detroit Arsenal in June of 1945, with the first production vehicle being delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground in July. Test results were satisfactory. 27 T26E5s would be produced before the end of the war made them obsolete. 

Armament

Primary: 90mm M3 Cannon

Secondary: Roof mounted 12.7mm M2HB, coaxial 7.62mm M1919A4, hull mounted 7.62mm M1919A4

Armor

Upper glacis plate: 152.4mm @ 46° ( ~220mm effective)

Lower glacis plate: 101.6mm @ 54° ( ~170mm effective)

Side front: 76.2mm

Side back: 50.8mm

Gun shield: 279.4mm

Turret front: 190.5mm

Turret sides: 88.9mm

Performance

Engine: Ford GAF (500hp)

Transmission: Torqmatic

Suspension: Torsion bar

Power to weight: 8.8hp/ton

Ground pressure: 11.8psi

Top speed: 32km/h

Turret rotation speed: 18° per second

Medium Tank T23E4

After the introduction of the Horizontal Volute Spring System (HVSS) on the M4E8, it was proposed that this system should be tried on the T23. Ordnance submitted a T23 pilot equipped with HVSS, T23E4, that was rejected by the Army Corps of Engineers. The 23 inch tracks, in combination with the already wide chassis of the T23, would exceed width limitations. This was important for the use of makeshift bridges and other equipment.

Eventually three production T23s would be fitted with HVSS and sent to Fort Knox for testing. Test results were promising. Ground pressure was decreased to 11.8 psi, a large improvement over the T23E3, with 13.9 psi. Despite the promising results, the T23E4 never saw production. Electric drives were not seen favorably, and with the war drawing to a close, the tank was not needed.

Armament

Primary: 76mm M1A1 Cannon

Secondary: Roof mounted 12.7mm M2HB, coaxial 7.62mm M1919A4, hull mounted 7.62mm M1919A4, 51mm smoke mortar with 12 rounds

Armor

Upper glacis plate: 76.2mm @ 47° (~110mm effective)

Lower glacis plate: 63.5mm @ 56° (~113mm effective)

Side front: 50mm

Side back: 38.1mm

Gun shield: 88.9mm

Turret front: 76.2mm

Turret sides: 63.5mm

Performance

Engine: Ford GAN (500hp)

Transmission: Electric

Suspension: Horizontal Volute Spring System

Power to weight: 12.2hp/ton

Ground pressure: 11.8psi

Top speed: 56km/h

Turret rotation speed: 24° per second