M60 Phoenix Main Battle Tank

[BLACKEAGLE]

Courtesy : Nabil !

Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories AORAK Mk 1 Explosive Reactive Armour
Date Posted: 22-May-2003

Development / Description

The Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories, well known for the design, development and production of missile and rocket systems, have developed the AORAK Mk 1 explosive reactive armour (ERA) system to improve the combat survivability of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles against attack from Chemical Energy (CE) projectiles.
So far, the Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories have developed three different sizes of ERA modules to meet different user requirements.
They are known as Type A, B and C and differ only in their size. Each module consists of two thin steel plates between which the explosive is inserted. This in turn is inserted in a box which is then bolted on to the hull or turret of the vehicle.
Efforts have also been made ​​to reduce the risk of accidental detonation of the ERA modules by small arms fire, shell fragments and lightning strikes as well as reducing the sympathetic detonation of surrounding ERA modules.
This armour system is claimed to have a shelf-life of 10 years and an operational temperature range of -40 to +52 º C.


Specifications

Type A
Type B
Type C

Size
305 × 305 mm
229 × 229 mm
152 × 152 mm

Weight
16 kg
9 kg
8 kg

Weight of explosive sheet
1.2 kg
0.75 kg
0.35 kg

Status

Development complete. Believed to be in low-rate production for the Pakistan Army for installation on Type 59, 69 and 85 series MBTs. Late in 2000, Pakistan showed the Al Khalid and Al Zarra MBTs fitted with ERA over their frontal arc. At this stage, the source of this ERA is not known. Al Khalid is now entering production for Pakistan with 315 to be built over a three year period.

Source: http://www.defence.pk/forums/pakist...t-2000-information-pool-16.html#ixzz26frlQsJm

And if you go through the rest of the thread you're going to come across more information about what the AK is all about including more info on indigenous and foreign ERAs considered for the MBT !

Is this your settled way of telling me screw your ERA which is basically a Swiss tech compared with Pak indigenously developed ERA?

Well, I will keep it down this time

 

[Pak47]

M60 is a 2nd Generation tank

The third post-war generation of main battle tanks has improved digital computerized fire control systems and more advanced composite armor.

Al-khalid is 3rd Gen.

List of main battle tanks by generation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Please note yes.. tanks can be upgraded.. but please don't compare.. one tank vs another.. just keep it in classes.

I compare jets/ military hardware by class.

5th gen vs 5th gen etc.

 

[BLACKEAGLE]

M60 is a 2nd Generation tank

The third post-war generation of main battle tanks has improved digital computerized fire control systems and more advanced composite armor.

Al-khalid is 3rd Gen.

List of main battle tanks by generation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

M60 is a 2nd gen tank, while M60 Phoenix is a 3rd gen tank. The only thing it shares with M-60 is it's chassis.

 

[Pak47]

M60 Phoenix: Jordanian upgrade, being carried out by the King Abdullah II Design And Development Bureau. Upgrade includes shoot-on-move capabilities, increased firepower (with a RUAG 120 mm smoothbore gun) and armor protection scheme upgrade.

That the upgrade...

(this is hard.. trying to go soft)

I'll leave it at that.. Allahaffiz.

 

[BLACKEAGLE]

M60 Phoenix: Jordanian upgrade, being carried out by the King Abdullah II Design And Development Bureau. Upgrade includes shoot-on-move capabilities, increased firepower (with a RUAG 120 mm smoothbore gun) and armor protection scheme upgrade.

That the upgrade..

I'll leave it at that.. Allahaffiz.

My friend, both tanks belong to the same generation, M-60 Phoenix was upgraded to meet NATO standards. However both are modern and powerful tanks.

The full article:

M60 Phoenix

The M60 Phoenix is a Jordanian upgrade of the M60A3 main battle tank. It was developed by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB). The ageing M60A3 poses little threat to modern main battle tanks, due to inferior armament and poor protection. The M60 Phoenix is a cost-effective modular upgrade package with increased lethality, mobility and survivability.

Armor protection of the M60 Phoenix was significantly increased. Add-on armor packages were added to the hull and turret. The Level III/IV upgrade package involves installation of explosive reactive armor. This MBT is fitted with a laser warning receiver and smoke grenade dischargers. Vehicle is also fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems. It is worth mentioning that protection of the M60 Phoenix can be reconfigured depending on mission requirements.

A 105-mm rifled gun was replaced with a fully-stabilized 120-mm smoothbore gun. Firepower and lethality were significantly improved. The M60A3 was unable to engage targets while moving. The new gun is fitted with load assisting system. It is claimed that the M60 Phoenix has a maxim rate of fire increased to 6 - 10 rounds per minute.

Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another 12.7-mm MG mounted on top of the roof.

The M60 Phoenix is fitted with Raytheon's integrated digital fire control system. It has improved first round hit probability, comparing with it's predecessor. The Phoenix is also fitted with digital data bus.

The M60 Phoenix has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
Vehicle is powered by the General Dynamics diesel engine, developing 950 horsepower. It has improved acceleration and cross-country performance comparing with the M60A3. Furthermore improved hydropneumatic suspension system allows to increase weight of the M60 Phoenix to 62 - 63 tonnes without significant loss of mobility.

 

[Armstrong]

So the Phoenix is comparable to Pakistan's Al-Zarrar which basically, unless I'm mistaken, is as upgrade of the Type 59 (or was it the 55 ?) to the extent (something like 55 new modifications) that its basically a new tank. I even remember reading somewhere that some of the goodies of the T-80UDs/T-84s that Pakistan got from Ukraine were incorporated onto this tank as well to make it more than worthy to handle MBTs that they (the Al-Zarrar's) maybe called onto to face.

 

[Pak47]

So the Phoenix is comparable to Pakistan's Al-Zarrar which basically, unless I'm mistaken, is as upgrade of the Type 59 (or was it the 55 ?) to the extent (something like 55 new modifications) that its basically a new tank. I even remember reading somewhere that some of the goodies of the T-80UDs/T-84s that Pakistan got from Ukraine were incorporated onto this tank as well to make it more than worthy to handle MBTs that they (the Al-Zarrar's) maybe called onto to face.

Yup, thats where i concluded as well.

 

[Desert Fox]

I agree with BlackEagle, the concept of Al-Khalid is that of a Traditional Eastern Tank, ie; low profile/silhouette, 125mm main gun, light weight/fast, less fuel consumption, auto loader, wide tracks for equal and greater weight distribution. But all of the mentioned have their advantages.

The common perception of many people is that all, or most Eastern Tanks, are inferior to their Western counterparts. This view was strengthened in particular after the Arab-Israeli wars and further reinforced by GW1. However what most people failed to take into consideration is that the Iraqi Tanks were low quality models of Soviet Tanks, also known as "monkey models", just as their predecessors were in the Arab-israeli wars.

Not to mention the Iraqis didn't employ their tanks properly, even if they did, what chance did a T-72, who's gun wouldn't last more than 100 rounds , have against a M1A1 who's gun could last 1,000 rounds, add to that the proper training of the Western Tank crews, technological gap between the opposing sides, and proper tactics employed by the Western generals?

And most Iraqi armored vehicles were knocked out by Bradley IFV's armed with ATGM's, not M1A1's.

 

[Dazzler]

Deal with it Mr! your tank is a jock.

Till the above post, you "appeared" sensible. However, not anymore so it is pointless to argue with you so carry on.

 

[Dazzler]

M60 is a 2nd gen tank, while M60 Phoenix is a 3rd gen tank. The only thing it shares with M-60 is it's chassis.

M-60 "Phoenix" is an Upgrade package for a SECOND GENERATION tank to bring its overall capabilities upto modern MBTS to an extent, it is not a THIRD GENERATION tank by any standard. Read between the lines if you understand the difference between the two.

 

[BLACKEAGLE]

Till the above post, you "appeared" sensible. However, not anymore so it is pointless to argue with you so carry on.

Obviously, I was joking!

 

[LegionnairE]

Note that Turkish Army consider these 3rd gen. aswell: M60T

As they were upgraded to counter Greek Leopard2A6HELs

 

[BLACKEAGLE]

M-60 "Phoenix" is an Upgrade package for a SECOND GENERATION tank to bring its overall capabilities upto modern MBTS to an extent, it is not a THIRD GENERATION tank by any standard. Read between the lines if you understand the difference between the two.

Yes, it was. But when it's equipped with:

The Phoenix Project addresses both immediate and emerging operational threats to the M60 Main Battle Tank using a modular and flexible approach to improve shoot-on-the-move capabilities, as well as increased lethality, mobility, and survivability. These upgrades are achieved at low technical and operational risk and at low cost.

Pre-upgrade Status
Old fire control system (TTS), slow in engaging targets
105 mm Main gun
Unable to acquire and fire on targets while moving
Thermal sighting system is not stabilised.
Armour protection level is not suitable to the foreseeable threat
Engine Power and suspension system overdue for upgrade
Post Upgrade Status
Ability to acquire both moving and stationary targets
High rate of first round hit probability
Improved protection and survivability
Improved mobility and manoeuverability
Upgrade Specifications
Phoenix Shoot-On-the-Move Upgrade
True shoot-on-the-move capability, day/night target acquisition, and improved first round hit probability are achieved

with Raytheon's Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS) upgrade.

Phoenix Lethality Upgrade
Significant improvement in the firepower and lethality of the current M60 platform is achieved through the replacement

of the M60 105 mm rifled cannon with RUAG Land Systems L50 120 mm smooth-bore Compact Tank Gun (CTG).

Phoenix Mobility Upgrade
Improvements in M60 acceleration and cross-country capability are achieved with the mobility upgrade provided by

General Dynamics Land Systems.

Phoenix Survivability Upgrade
Survivability is improved through the addition of the armour protection scheme for both the M60's turret and the hull.

The protection scheme can be reconfigured to changing threat conditions.

Surveillance and fire control
Eye-safe laser rangefinder integrated into gunner's sight system:
One pulse / second rate

200 - 9,995 m range

One million shot life

Second generation night sight integrated into gunner's sight system:
Linear cooler

240X4 detectors

Two-axis, stabilised line of sight platform with a director system.

Gun elevation sensor:
With electrical resolver

Replaces mechanical ballistic drive

Dynamic Vehicle Cant Sensor
Modular Ribbonised Organised Integrated (ROI) wiring system
Digital ballistic computer system
Turret stabilisation system upgrade
MIL-STD 1,553 digital data bus
Laser Warning Device
Hemispherical Coverage down to -30°
Continuous Coverage from 500 -1,800 nm
Probability of detection:
95 % Single pulse;

99 % Multiple pulse threats.

Threat Coverage includes latest generation, beam rider and high energy dazzle lasers
Optical threat reloading and identification
Gun Parameters
Semi-automatic dropping wedge breech
Mean Recoil Travel: 440 mm
Maximum Recoil Travel: 450 mm
Mean Recoil Force: 290 kn
Maximum Recoil Force: 390 kN
Design Gas Pressure: 7,400 bar
Elevating mass: 3,780 kg
Recoiling mass: 1,860 kg
Rate of Fire 6 to 10 rounds per minute
Survivability
In Development: add-on armour protection pack, ammunition storage and containment system
Man-ready Ammunition Containment unit

20 rounds ready-rack storage

Electro-mechanical Gun/Turret drive unit (In development)
Digital motor drive unit

EM Traverse mechanism assembly

Fully developed turret control and stabilisation software

Mobility
Upgrade engine to 950 HP(General Dynamics Engine upgrade)
Upgrade transmission to CD 1,000
New air cleaner and air induction systems
Improved suspension system
New and improved final drives
High speed directed launcher (HSDL)
Number of tubes: 2 to 12
Coverage: hemisherical
Payload type: multi-spectral smoke optional hardxill

It was upgraded to meet "NATO standards", it has nothing to share with M-60 A3 but only the chassis. Let me ask you whether you would consider this upgraded M-60 a 2nd gen tank or not:

The same thing goes for M-60 Phoenix.

 

[BLACKEAGLE]

I agree with BlackEagle, the concept of Al-Khalid is that of a Traditional Eastern Tank, ie; low profile/silhouette, 125mm main gun, light weight/fast, less fuel consumption, auto loader, wide tracks for equal and greater weight distribution. But all of the mentioned have their advantages.

The common perception of many people is that all, or most Eastern Tanks, are inferior to their Western counterparts. This view was strengthened in particular after the Arab-Israeli wars and further reinforced by GW1. However what most people failed to take into consideration is that the Iraqi Tanks were low quality models of Soviet Tanks, also known as "monkey models", just as their predecessors were in the Arab-israeli wars.

Not to mention the Iraqis didn't employ their tanks properly, even if they did, what chance did a T-72, who's gun wouldn't last more than 100 rounds , have against a M1A1 who's gun could last 1,000 rounds, add to that the proper training of the Western Tank crews, technological gap between the opposing sides, and proper tactics employed by the Western generals?

And most Iraqi armored vehicles were knocked out by Bradley IFV's armed with ATGM's, not M1A1's.

I was a fan of Russian tanks and preferred them over the Western ones, but as soon as you get a good idea about tanks and it's parts as well as operation history, you would absolutely change your view.

 

[Dazzler]

Yes, it was. But when it's equipped with:

The Phoenix Project addresses both immediate and emerging operational threats to the M60 Main Battle Tank using a modular and flexible approach to improve shoot-on-the-move capabilities, as well as increased lethality, mobility, and survivability. These upgrades are achieved at low technical and operational risk and at low cost.

Pre-upgrade Status
Old fire control system (TTS), slow in engaging targets
105 mm Main gun
Unable to acquire and fire on targets while moving
Thermal sighting system is not stabilised.
Armour protection level is not suitable to the foreseeable threat
Engine Power and suspension system overdue for upgrade
Post Upgrade Status
Ability to acquire both moving and stationary targets
High rate of first round hit probability
Improved protection and survivability
Improved mobility and manoeuverability
Upgrade Specifications
Phoenix Shoot-On-the-Move Upgrade
True shoot-on-the-move capability, day/night target acquisition, and improved first round hit probability are achieved

with Raytheon's Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS) upgrade.

Phoenix Lethality Upgrade
Significant improvement in the firepower and lethality of the current M60 platform is achieved through the replacement

of the M60 105 mm rifled cannon with RUAG Land Systems L50 120 mm smooth-bore Compact Tank Gun (CTG).

Phoenix Mobility Upgrade
Improvements in M60 acceleration and cross-country capability are achieved with the mobility upgrade provided by

General Dynamics Land Systems.

Phoenix Survivability Upgrade
Survivability is improved through the addition of the armour protection scheme for both the M60's turret and the hull.

The protection scheme can be reconfigured to changing threat conditions.

Surveillance and fire control
Eye-safe laser rangefinder integrated into gunner's sight system:
One pulse / second rate

200 - 9,995 m range

One million shot life

Second generation night sight integrated into gunner's sight system:
Linear cooler

240X4 detectors

Two-axis, stabilised line of sight platform with a director system.

Gun elevation sensor:
With electrical resolver

Replaces mechanical ballistic drive

Dynamic Vehicle Cant Sensor
Modular Ribbonised Organised Integrated (ROI) wiring system
Digital ballistic computer system
Turret stabilisation system upgrade
MIL-STD 1,553 digital data bus
Laser Warning Device
Hemispherical Coverage down to -30°
Continuous Coverage from 500 -1,800 nm
Probability of detection:
95 % Single pulse;

99 % Multiple pulse threats.

Threat Coverage includes latest generation, beam rider and high energy dazzle lasers
Optical threat reloading and identification
Gun Parameters
Semi-automatic dropping wedge breech
Mean Recoil Travel: 440 mm
Maximum Recoil Travel: 450 mm
Mean Recoil Force: 290 kn
Maximum Recoil Force: 390 kN
Design Gas Pressure: 7,400 bar
Elevating mass: 3,780 kg
Recoiling mass: 1,860 kg
Rate of Fire 6 to 10 rounds per minute
Survivability
In Development: add-on armour protection pack, ammunition storage and containment system
Man-ready Ammunition Containment unit

20 rounds ready-rack storage

Electro-mechanical Gun/Turret drive unit (In development)
Digital motor drive unit

EM Traverse mechanism assembly

Fully developed turret control and stabilisation software

Mobility
Upgrade engine to 950 HP(General Dynamics Engine upgrade)
Upgrade transmission to CD 1,000
New air cleaner and air induction systems
Improved suspension system
New and improved final drives
High speed directed launcher (HSDL)
Number of tubes: 2 to 12
Coverage: hemisherical
Payload type: multi-spectral smoke optional hardxill

It was upgraded to meet "NATO standards", it has nothing to share with M-60 A3 but only the chassis. Let me ask you whether you would consider this upgraded M-60 a 2nd gen tank or not:

The same thing goes for M-60 Phoenix.

Alzarrar is a radical upgrade of Type 59 and 69 mbts with more than 250 changes in every dimension ranging from 125 mm indigenous smoothbore gun, fire control, optics, IIT, thermal imagers (Thetis TI from Italy, 2nd Gen), jammers, LWS, newly designed composite armour as well and ERA, 730 or 1000 hp multi fuel turbo charged engine instead of original 530 hp, auto transmission, track pads, new suspension with torsion bar, hydraulic dampers combo, newly developed shells and DU rounds, even the chassis is upgraded. FCS is from Krauss Maffei (Germany).

Even after all this, it is considered as a 2nd Gen tank with 3rd gen upgrades/ capabilities. Additional anti spall kevlar armour platings are applied all over the vehicle for added protection.