L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems develops M60 upgrade

L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems (CPS) has developed a major pre-production standard upgrade package for the General Dynamics Land Systems M60A1/M60A3 main battle tank (MBT).

The M60-series was built in large numbers for the US Army and was subsequently replaced by the M1 Abrams. Surplus M60A1/M60A3 MBTs were exported in vast quantities and many remain in service.

The first example of the L-3 CPS is based on the final production version of the M60A3. An upgraded vehicle ran for the first time in 2011 and has since completed initial contractor mobility and firing trials.

The CPS includes an appliqué armour package for the front of the standard M60A1/M60A3's cast and welded conventional steel armour hull, and another for the turret. Side skirts have been fitted that extend to the hull rear to provide a higher level of ballistic protection, while bar/slat armour along the sides and rear protects against rocket-propelled grenades. Spall liners can also be trimmed inside the vehicle.

The legacy M60A1/M60A3 is powered by an L-3 CPSs AVDS-1790-2 series V12 diesel coupled to a General Motors Corporation automatic transmission. CPS replaces this with a new L-3 diesel developing 1,200 hp at 2,400 rpm coupled to an Allison automatic transmission derived from the X-1100 and new final drives.