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 Built by General Dynamics, the M60 entered service in 1960, but was quickly superceded by the A1 to A3 versions.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 series has been continuously upgraded with advanced weapon control, ammunition, applique armor, and increasingly more 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.

In 1963, the M60 was upgraded to the M60A1. This new variant, which stayed in production until 1980, featured a larger, better-shaped turret and improvements to the armor protection and shock absorbers.The M60A1 also has on board stabilization added to the main gun, however, this did not mean that the main gun could be fired accurately on the move, only that the turret would stay pointed in the same general direction and elevation during cross country maneuvers. The vehicle still had to stop to fire to have any chance of hitting its target. It did however enable the coaxial machine gun to be brought to bear while moving with some accuracy.

Now Minichamps has created a gorgeous 1:35 scale diecast replica of the US Army's illustrious M60A1 main battle tank, which is studded with exploding reactive armor cells around the turret. This stunning recreation features a rotating turret and commander's cupola, elevating gun, fold down travel lock, working suspension, and treads that are made of flexible metal links! This particular tank bears the sobriquet "Beirut Payback" on the length of its gun barrel, and was deployed against Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait in 1991. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 11-inches
Width: 4-inches
Height: 3-1/2-inches

Release Date: April 2004

Historical Account: "Payback is a B***h" - The Khobar Towers bombing was an attack on part of a housing complex in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, located near the national oil company (Saudi Aramco) headquarters of Dhahran. In 1996 it was being used to house foreign military personnel, including Americans. On June 25, 1996, as per official statement, individuals identified as members of Hizballah Al-Hijaz (Saudi Hezbollah) by the United States, exploded a fuel truck adjacent to Building #131 in the housing complex. This eight-story building housed United States Air Force personnel from the 4404th Wing, primarily from a deployed rescue squadron and deployed fighter squadron.

In all, 19 U.S. servicemen and one Saudi were killed and 372 of many nationalities were wounded.