The M60 Patton is the first main battle tank, built in the USA. Development of the M60 started in 1957. It was built to counter the threat posed by Soviet T-54 and T-55 medium tanks, that were superior in all aspects to the US M48 medium tanks. first vehicles were built in 1959 and contract was awarded to Chrysler for a batch of 180 MBTs. Production commenced in 1960 and ended in 1987.
The M60 was fitted With the Continental AVDS-1790-2 diesel engine, making 750 horsepower. Engine can be replaced in field conditions in 4 hours. It's worth mentioning that it was the first US tank, fitted with diesel powerplant. Previous vehicles were powered by petrol engines. The Patton tank has a torsion bar-type suspension, which is made up of six road wheels Using the idler in the rear, with three track return rollers.
