Thermal Sight (TTS) The M60A3 with Tank Thermal Sight (TTS), incorporates hybrid solid-state ballistic computer, laser rangefinder, and turret stabilization system. The tank combat full-tracked, 105mm gun M60A3 (TTS) is an improved version of its predecessor, with the addition of an improved fire control system, thermal sight device, top loading air filters, and a laser range finder. The tank combat full-tracked, 105mm gun (TTS), (M60A3), has the capability to engage the full spectrum of enemy ground targets with a variety of accurate, point and area fire weapons, incorporated with a shoot-on-the-move capability.  The M60A3 main battle tank is used as the principal assault weapon of tank battalions during all types of combat operations, conducted under any conditions, from low-intensity conflict to general nuclear and nonnuclear situations, as part of an offensive combined arms team. The M60A3 ise employed as the decisive element of army forces to defeat an enemy force using fire and maneuver. In the role of defense, it ise used as a part of a combined arms team to prevent, resist, repulse, or destroy an enemy attack. The M60A3 (TTS) replaced the m48 series of tanks, and the M60A1 tank.  This vehicle took the interim developments in the Rise Passive version, and added a laser rangefinder, new ballistic computer, a tank thermal sight (TTS), and a thermal sleeve to the main gun (to help prevent "gun droop"). The first A3s began to deploy in Germany in mid-1979. The laser rangefinder added significant capability to the M-60, and many of these are still in service, with many in foreign service. The Tank Thermal Sight was a significant advance, and tankers who have operated a3s and M1a1s almost universally state that the TTS on the M-60a3 was the best thermal imager ever fielded. It was not used on the M1 series due to cost and its large size. In the mid-80’s, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) upgraded it’s M60 tank force. The early model M60, with the rounded turret, received a series of much needed upgrades and was renamed the Magach-7 configuration. This upgrade included thick slabs of passive armour added to the turret and hull front, armoured side skirts, new fire control and a thermal sleeve for the 105mm.  Sabra A key IMI export is an upgrade program for the US-built M60A3 main battle tank (MBT). It features a 120mm gun, developed to fit the relatively small turret dimensions of older tanks. This upgrade is ideal: no machining or welding is necessary on the turret to match the 120mm with the M60. The characteristics, including dimensions, recoil force and range, are almost identical to those of the existing 105mm system. Within the turret, the only major changes are for ammunition racking and the fire control system. IMI prototype has been tested and fired.  The Sabra Main Battle Tank is a modernised upgraded M60A3, orignally developed for a proposal to Turkey by Israel Military Industries. The Sabra upgrade package is now being marketed elsewhere internationally. The original 60s and 70s technology is replaced by new systems which will extend the life of the M60 into the next century as an effective weapon system capable of defeating modern tanks. The Sabra's main armament is a new 120mm Gun system which is interoperable with NATO weapon systems and ammunition. Similar to the gun developed for the Merkava Mark 3 main battle tank, it is mated with thermal imaging sights and the "Knight" fire control system and which provides a fire on the move capability. The 120mm gun was developed to fit the relatively small turret dimensions of older tanks. No machining or welding is necessary on the turret to match the 120mm with the M60. The characteristics, including dimensions, recoil force and range, are almost identical to those of the existing 105mm system. Within the turret, the only major changes are for ammunition racking and the fire control system. The enhanced turret and add-on ballistic protection improve survivability against shaped charge and kinetic projectiles. |
