Irani new development of the M-60?

[Stratos]

Any chance of seeing this new toy?

https://www.zona-militar.com/2024/09/02/el-ejercito-de-iran-devela-la-mas-reciente-y-radical-modernizacion-de-sus-tanques-m-60-de-origen-estadounidense/

[DRG]

Probably, once I get so more photos and specs for it though I do have a rear shot of the turret

https://defencesecurityasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_20240902_062146_100.jpg


https://armyrecognition.com/templates/yootheme/cache/c1/Significant_Update_to_Iranian_M60_Tanks_Introducti on_of_Soleiman-402_Model-c1f99572.jpeg

^^^^Soleiman-402^^^^

BUT

In the meantime, you could simulate it with the Israeli Mag'ach 7 (Israel unit 41or 42 )......

Mag'ach 7

https://i.redd.it/je0upa8hefr81.jpg


The overall shape of the turret is not that much different thought the Iranian is a bit wider it is not all that different at game scale .........and the irony alone is worth it.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRio1zOW4AEb_XN?format=jpg&name=large

[Mobhack]

Moved post to the appropriate sub-forum.

[DRG]

I was about to do that when you did......


https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/iran-showcases-modernized-us-made-m60a1-tank-soleiman-402-at-ground-forces-event


The Soleiman-402 is also outfitted with an electro-optical countermeasure system, similar to the Russian-made Shtora jammers found on T-72S tanks.

....well we know how well that works...........

https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/09/01/american-m60-tank-named-soleiman-402-entered-service-in-iran/


the Soleiman-402 tank is equipped with systems similar to the Shtora’s electro-optical “jammers,” which are used on many Soviet-Russian T-72S tanks. These jammers are renowned for their ability to disrupt the guidance systems of incoming enemy missiles.

Yeah..... sure


No info about a gun upgrade so still the 105 it appears




This was done really quick and will be refined

https://i.imgur.com/pc7FhA8.png

[Stratos]

Thanks guys! That was really fast!

[DRG]

Another version this one based on the Turk M60T.......

https://i.imgur.com/Dp6Z0XE.png

..... which I like more than the previous

[Stratos]

Another version this one based on the Turk M60T.......

https://i.imgur.com/Dp6Z0XE.png

..... which I like more than the previous

I think is more realistic as well.

[DRG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n1MD9v5v7U

[Stratos]

Thanks for the link!

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well, I'll start with this...
https://mehler-protection.com/blog/stanag-4569-protection-levels-for-light-armoured-vehicles-explained/

What this Iranian tank is NOT ...
https://electronics.leonardo.com/documents/16277707/0/M60A3.pdf?t=1678369710974
https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/Italy/leonardo-m60a3-upgrade-solution/
(Includes a range table for Detection, Recognition and Identification of targets.)

It's not even an M60A3 SLEP though it's the weakest of the upgrades as far as the turret in particular is concerned but it has the M256 120mm as was carried on both the M1A1 & M1A2 ABRAMS (Early.) plus a RWS 25MM CG.
Further it's powered by a 1200HP engine.
https://fighting-vehicles.com/tanks/m60a3-slep-tank/

Similar to the SLEP ...
https://fighting-vehicles.com/tanks/m60-2000-main-battle-tank/
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/sabra/?cf-view
(As submitted and entered in also for Turkey. They also have just this year done a further upgrade to those tanks.) .

But "fear not" the Iranian tank looks sort like the first proposed upgrade from the early 80's it was from us so therefore you can appreciate its name the US Super M-60 and no one bought it including us. Well...

Until now by Iran and they called it the "SOLEIMAN-402" 44 years later they almost look the same as compared to the "Super M-60 (Though has less rivets and a cleaner finish.)"
https://tanknutdave.com/the-us-super-m60-tank-upgrade-package/

Like it's new counterpart in North Korea, with all those rivets it's just another "Titanic" on tracks. This shows in tank manufacturing with limited resources just how far behind these countries (Iran/North Korea some others.) (are) in tank development; I'd say at least a generation in most areas of tank development certainly construction. And SHOTORA 1 you'd almost be better off throwing rocks at the incoming missiles. :D

Grant it they look "modern" but, that won't help you on the "modern" battlefield.

It's late!!!! Have to sneak in "Commando" style!?! ;) :cool:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

Like it's new counterpart in North Korea, with all those rivets it's just another "Titanic" on tracks. This shows in tank manufacturing with limited resources just how far behind these countries in tank development; I'd say at least a generation in most areas of tank development certainly construction. And SHOTORA 1 you'd almost be better off throwing rocks at the incoming missiles. :D

Grant it they look "modern" but, that won't help you on the "modern" battlefield.

It's late!!!! Have to sneak in "Commando" style!?! ;) :cool:

Regards,
Pat
:capt:


Pat... the bottom line is this "upgrade" brings the Iranian M60 to the level the Israelis were at with their M60s 34 YEARS AGO with the Mag'ach 7.....maybe as good..... but probably not. They are using the "dazzlers" that even the Russians don't use any longer and the side skirts they put on it look to be little better than sheet metal.

look at the side skirt plates of this Gimel

https://photo.weaponsystems.net/image/s-carousel/n-ve_mbt_magach7c_p02.jpg/--/img/ws/ve_mbt_magach7c_p02.jpg

compared to the Soleiman

https://gagadget.com/media/cache/af/3b/af3be6aac534a9fb2d56303c8bb40bee.jpg

It's the type of target the Warthogs were designed to chew up

( FWIW I now have the correct photo for the Mag'ach 7A ( Alef) into the game now )

ALSO

https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/03/19/iran-reveals-local-upgrade-of-us-m60-tank-inspired-by-israeli-m60t/

claims

the enlarged turret complicates the driver’s task of exiting the tank through the hatch. To navigate this challenge, the turret must swivel to a 90-degree angle, enabling the driver to exit safely.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

From the para you quoted from, I'm right there with you ...
"This shows in tank manufacturing with limited resources just how far behind these countries (Iran/North Korea) (are) in tank development; I'd say at least a generation in most areas of tank development certainly construction. "

It's NOT even as good as the Israeli tank for one Israel (And some others.) are on par or near peer in tank development to include armor though DU certainly still has its advantages.

I'm not seeing any signs of ceramic or applique armor on that Iranian tank I see armor steel riveted over an M-60 tank with some ERA. Not unlike the North Korean one or the CHALLENGER 2 from Ukraine where at least they made an effort to make it look "presentable".

Iran had the same issues somewhat recently with F-16A modernization which was to simply just to keeping them flying and really nothing more. I wonder how many "micro-cracks" some of those fuselages have as those jets date back to the late 70's with less than a handful received before we cancelled the order for 160 fighters with the fall of the Shah in 1979. It is thought of the rest came from Venezuela in the early 2000's but would've been just as old as what they got from us. They don't have very many of them.

My thinking is the Israeli UNIT 035 Mag'ach 6R is closer with some minor adjustment for the side skirts but that's just me.

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

[DRG]

This is where I have it for now. I think I've been generous but in the big scheme of things it doesn't matter. If they ever get into actual combat with anything even remotely top tier a bit more armour one way or the other won't matter

https://i.imgur.com/Sm8a6KA.png

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I was thinking the same about EW & TI/GSR which I believe was what we settled on for the KARRAR.

But on a much more SEROUS note, SANTA LIVES!!!!!! :eek:

So, by extension I can put my "Elve on Shelf" back on the fireplace mantle, ahh the magic of Christmas is in the air!!!!!! :angel

Unless of course as pointed out you're in that tank and happen across an angry LEOPARD!!!!!! :D

I now feel much better now. ;)

Regards,
Pat
:capt:

P.S. Hous 'bout havin some of damm dare Christmas E-M-E JOES out hare!?! :sec: (Definitely a N.Y. thing/getting ready to head back in Oct. gotta stay fluent.)

[Stratos]

Iran had the same issues somewhat recently with F-16A modernization which was to simply just to keeping them flying and really nothing more. I wonder how many "micro-cracks" some of those fuselages have as those jets date back to the late 70's with less than a handful received before we cancelled the order for 160 fighters with the fall of the Shah in 1979. It is thought of the rest came from Venezuela in the early 2000's but would've been just as old as what they got from us. They don't have very many of them.

:capt:

Are you talking about the F-14A Tomcat? Iran never received the F-16's.

[DRG]

Stratos is correct Pat.... Iran has the 14 not the 16