Development of the American M60 series of tanks began in 1956 following a decision to create an improved version of the M48 'Patton' tank. Built by General Dynamics, the M60 entered service in 1960, but was quickly superceded by the A1 to A3 versions. Over 15,000 vehicles have been produced, many of which are still serving in the armies of 22 countries. The M60 has been continuously advanced and upgraded with advanced weapon control, ammunition, applique armor, and increasingly powerful engines. The M60 series main battle tanks of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the US were deployed in Operation: Desert Storm in 1991 during the Gulf Crisis.

The M60 A1 with a new turret, thicker armor, and a new ammunition stowage system, was manufactured from 1962 to 1980. The M60 A2, fitted with a new turret mounting a 152mm gun and missile launcher, was halted in the mid-70's and development and production effort was instead diverted to the highly successful M60 A3, which incorporated improvements to the gun fire control system. The M60 A3 entered service with the US Army in 1978 and is still being used by several National Guards units. Although General Dynamics' Land Systems Division has ceased production of the tank, it continues to provide fleet management support to the US Army Tank Automotive Command and to user countries world-wide.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a USMC M60A1 Patton medium tank with Explosive Reactive Armor that was attached to the 3rd Section, Alpha Company, 8th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, then participating in Operation Desert Storm during 1991. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 8-1/4-inches
Width: 3-inches

Historical Account: "In Country" - Between November 1990 and January 1991, 4th Tank Battalion was mobilized in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Elements of the battalion were "in country" and combat ready within 32 days of activation. During the Gulf War mobilization, the 4th Tank Battalion, a United States Marine Corps Reserve unit in the 4th Marine Division, successfully transitioned from the M-60 to the M1-A1 Main Battle Tank in just 45 days. The battalion trained, shot and qualified, then deployed to the Gulf where it fought alongside its active Marine Corps counterparts. Indeed, one of its companies knocked out 35 of 36 Iraqi tanks in less than five minutes.