M60A2 - Revision history

U78375386 at 08:48, 4 October 2024

2024-10-04T08:48:17Z

U38088265: /* Description */

2024-07-05T17:00:17Z

‎Description

U44629479: Edits

2024-05-04T15:34:49Z

Edits

U78375386: mentioning the dip between firing the missile and the motor stage and how to compensate.

2024-04-17T10:29:41Z

mentioning the dip between firing the missile and the motor stage and how to compensate.

U28580205: Updated description format

2023-12-18T17:29:01Z

Updated description format

U44629479: Edits

2023-12-16T17:32:06Z

Edits

U78375386: Added some extra info, edited a few phrases to make more concise for readers.

2023-11-22T11:38:55Z

Added some extra info, edited a few phrases to make more concise for readers.

U28580205 at 03:30, 20 November 2023

2023-11-20T03:30:16Z

U78375386: Updated the usage in battles section; since the M60A2 has suffered with the recent changes to overpressure, its playstyle is almost completely different. Also more in-depth.

2023-11-08T09:37:43Z

Updated the usage in battles section; since the M60A2 has suffered with the recent changes to overpressure, its playstyle is almost completely different. Also more in-depth.

U44629479: Undo revision 162085 by U118659507 (talk)

2023-05-08T10:33:33Z

Undo revision 162085 by U118659507 (talk)

@@ Line 126: / Line 126: @@
 * Very fast turret rotation
 * Turret front is hard to predictably penetrate due to its odd design
 * Has smoke launchers
-* Same ammunition as the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]]
+* Same ammunition as the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]] - familiar weaponry
 '''Cons:'''
-* Slow off-road mobility: the Starship struggles to reach 30 km/h on a slight downhill
+* Relatively poor mobility
-* Cannot fire from cover like the [[IT-1]] or [[RakJPz 2|Raketenjagdpanzers]]
+* Loud and distinctive engine tone
 * Stock HEAT has extremely poor post-pen damage and seldom triggers overpressure
 * ATGM reload time is several seconds longer than normal ammunition
 * Can only hold 7 ATGMs total
 == History ==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-In the Cold War arms race for tank armaments, the US picked up an interest in developing an anti-tank guided missile as the main armament for tanks. As the M60 was coming into service, development started to create an ATGM armament for the tank with the goal of putting it into service by 1965. This developed into a 152 mm gun/launcher system that could fire conventional rounds or a Shillelagh missile system. Enthusiastic with the new weapon system, the US Army aims to have the weapon equip both their newest [[M551|airborne reconnaissance and assault vehicle]] and their [[MBT-70|main battle tanks]]. As a way to upgrade the existing M60 fleet with the new weapon system, the M60A1 would be converted to equip the weapon. A modified turret was provided to equip the gun/launcher system, however the US Army's dream of a simple transition into the weapon system was trashed when complications with the system arose, especially in regards to the sensitive ammunition. While a limited production run was allowed with the tank designated as the '''M60A2''', but continued trouble with the tank and poor troop reception led to the M60A2's phasing out with only 526 units produced.
+In the Cold War arms race for tank armaments, the US picked up an interest in developing an anti-tank guided missile as the main armament for tanks. As the M60 was coming into service, development started to create an ATGM armament for the tank with the goal of putting it into service by 1965. This developed into a 152 mm gun/launcher system that could fire conventional rounds or a Shillelagh missile system. Enthusiastic with the new weapon system, the US Army aimed to have the weapon equip both their newest [[M551|airborne reconnaissance and assault vehicle]] and their [[MBT-70|main battle tanks]]. As a way to upgrade the existing M60 fleet with the new weapon system, the M60A1 would be converted to equip the system. A modified turret was provided to equip the gun/launcher system; however, the US Army's dream of a simple transition into the weapon system was trashed when complications with the system arose, especially in regards to the sensitive ammunition. While a limited production run was allowed with the tank designated as the '''M60A2''', but continued trouble with the tank and poor troop reception led to the M60A2's phasing out with only 526 units produced.
-Introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], the ''{{Specs|name}}''' was a rather unique vehicle with its gun/launcher system. Like on the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]], the weapon allows greater flexibility with blasting away lighter-armored enemies with a 152 mm high-explosive shell to trigger an overpressure, or a HEAT round to penetrate steel armour, or the Shillelagh missile to hit targets a distance away for a lethal blow. However, unlike on the M551, the taller profile and platform of the M60A2 makes the weapon more difficult to employ as the M60A2 lacks the mobility and small size of the M551. Though the M60A2 is certainly more proof against enemy tank shells at its rank than the M551, it shouldn't be relied upon to stand up against a full-front attack from an enemy due to prominent weak points like the turret cupola. In short, the M60A2 can be a difficult weapon to employ, but can still present some opportunities if played to the weapon's strength.
+Introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rather unique vehicle with its gun/launcher system. Like on the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]], the weapon allows greater flexibility with blasting away lighter-armoured enemies with a 152 mm high-explosive shell to trigger an overpressure, or a HEAT round to penetrate steel armour, or the Shillelagh missile to inflict lethal blows to targets from range. However, unlike on the M551, the taller profile and platform of the M60A2 makes the weapon more difficult to employ as the M60A2 lacks the mobility and small size of the M551. Though the M60A2 is certainly more proof against enemy tank shells at its rank than the M551, it shouldn't be relied upon to stand up against a full-front attack from an enemy due to prominent weak points like the turret cupola. In short, the M60A2 can be a difficult weapon to employ, but can still present some opportunities if played to the weapon's strengths.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 The M60A2 has suffered since the replacement of "Hull Break" with the "Overpressure" mechanic. The main drawback is its main armament, most notably the stock HEAT round. The HEAT round can penetrate the vast majority of targets, however the extremely poor post-penetration damage will not consistently destroy the target in one shot. The high-explosive fairs better due to being able to overpressure most targets (most notably Leopards, or anything resembling that design philosophy) with a single shot to the turret side, turret roof or hull. Before the Shillelagh missile is unlocked, it is recommended to use the high-explosive round as the primary ammunition, while keeping a few HEAT rounds on-hand for the more difficult-to-crack nuts such as the late-era Soviet/Russian heavies and the odd [[Maus]] heavy tank. One downside to consider is the long reload, which will make follow-up shots difficult if the enemy is still operational after the first shot.
 Hitting the enemies can be made simpler with further researched modules, such as the laser rangefinder that allows automatic range adjustments for the distant targets. This can help with using the parabolic arc of the HEAT and HE rounds to hit enemies from behind cover with just the cupola visible, though this may not work consistently. The low velocity of the HEAT and HE rounds make hitting long-distance targets difficult, even with the range finder, but this can be alleviated by unlocking of the Shillelagh missile. Though the missile will increase the reload time by almost 20 seconds, the SACLOS missile guidance can make hitting distant and/or moving targets easier and can regularly trigger overpressure or detonate ammunition. The missile is easier to aim compared to the TOW missile also available at this BR as it is much more reactive and therefore the self-corrections the missile are much less likely to throw it off course. With some wrestling and careful adjustment it can be used to hit stationary aerial targets like helicopters.

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 <!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 {{main|M162 (152 mm)}}
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 56: / Line 57: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{{:M162 (152 mm)/Ammunition|M409A1, M657A2, MGM-51B Shillelagh}}When firing from hull-down positions with the Shillelagh, the user must be extremely careful of how close they are from the barrier. If the tank is too close, the missile will dip after firing and hit the ground. The user should practice pointing up before firing and quickly acquiring the target again to avoid this. It is especially important for the M60A2, as the small amount of missiles carried (only seven rounds) can easily be wasted.
+{{:M162 (152 mm)/Ammunition|M409A1, M657A2, MGM-51B Shillelagh}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
@@ Line 117: / Line 118: @@
 Due to the odd shape of the turret, and the hull being inherited from the M60 platform, the Starship can be rather difficult for some opposing vehicles to destroy it. For example, from the front, common foes such as the Leopard 1 and other M60s firing kinetic rounds will struggle to effectively deal damage. However, it is not invincible. The turret neck is a large weak spot and can be penetrated by the even [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]]. Not only this, but the large commanders cupola will fuse most APHE rounds and funnel them down into the turret, or (in the case of the Russian BR-412 round found on most Russian mediums at the BR) overpressure the vehicle. The hull is still penetrable by most common HEAT rounds, as is the turret, though its odd shape may make it difficult to consistently knock out all the turret crew in one shot.
 Overall, the M60A2 is a hardy vehicle, but struggles when it is not supported and/or fighting heavily armoured vehicles. The M60A2 can be a rather useful asset for brawling with its one-hit potential, but the long reload and inconsistent nature of the shells it fires can make it difficult to consistently work around. It can be useful for long-arming shells or sniping with the missile but its poor mobility makes some useful positions inaccessible.
 === Pros and cons ===
@@ Line 179: / Line 180: @@
 * M60A1E2 - M60A1 hull with Type B turret fitted with XM81E13 gun/launcher. The M60A1E2 was accepted for service, with modifications, as the M60A2.
 * M60A1E3 - M60A1E2 experimentally fitted with 105 mm M68E1 rifled gun.
-* M60A1E4 - Concept of M60 hull fitted with  Type C turret with remote weapons system. Only a turret mock-up was built.
+* M60A1E4 - Concept of M60 hull fitted with Type C turret with remote weapons system. Only a turret mock-up was built.
 * M60A2 - Production version of the M60A1E2, fitted with M162 gun/launcher and received minor modifications such as a laser rangefinder.

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{{:M162 (152 mm)/Ammunition|M409A1, M657A2, MGM-51B Shillelagh}}
+{{:M162 (152 mm)/Ammunition|M409A1, M657A2, MGM-51B Shillelagh}}When firing from hull-down positions with the Shillelagh, the user must be extremely careful of how close they are from the barrier. If the tank is too close, the missile will dip after firing and hit the ground. The user should practice pointing up before firing and quickly acquiring the target again to avoid this. It is especially important for the M60A2, as the small amount of missiles carried (only seven rounds) can easily be wasted.
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].
+In the Cold War arms race for tank armaments, the US picked up an interest in developing an anti-tank guided missile as the main armament for tanks. As the M60 was coming into service, development started to create an ATGM armament for the tank with the goal of putting it into service by 1965. This developed into a 152 mm gun/launcher system that could fire conventional rounds or a Shillelagh missile system. Enthusiastic with the new weapon system, the US Army aims to have the weapon equip both their newest [[M551|airborne reconnaissance and assault vehicle]] and their [[MBT-70|main battle tanks]]. As a way to upgrade the existing M60 fleet with the new weapon system, the M60A1 would be converted to equip the weapon. A modified turret was provided to equip the gun/launcher system, however the US Army's dream of a simple transition into the weapon system was trashed when complications with the system arose, especially in regards to the sensitive ammunition. While a limited production run was allowed with the tank designated as the '''M60A2''', but continued trouble with the tank and poor troop reception led to the M60A2's phasing out with only 526 units produced.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 109: / Line 109: @@
 The M60A2 has suffered since the replacement of "Hull Break" with the "Overpressure" mechanic. The main drawback is its main armament, most notably the stock HEAT round. The HEAT round can penetrate the vast majority of targets, however the extremely poor post-penetration damage will not consistently destroy the target in one shot. The high-explosive fairs better due to being able to overpressure most targets (most notably Leopards, or anything resembling that design philosophy) with a single shot to the turret side, turret roof or hull. Before the Shillelagh missile is unlocked, it is recommended to use the high-explosive round as the primary ammunition, while keeping a few HEAT rounds on-hand for the more difficult-to-crack nuts such as the late-era Soviet/Russian heavies and the odd [[Maus]] heavy tank. One downside to consider is the long reload, which will make follow-up shots difficult if the enemy is still operational after the first shot.
-Hitting the enemies can be made simpler with further researched modules, such as the laser rangefinder that allows automatic range adjustments for the distant targets. This can help with using the parabolic arc of the HEAT and HE rounds to hit enemies from behind cover with just the cupola visible, though this may not work consistently. The low velocity of the HEAT and HE rounds make hitting long-distance targets difficult, even with the range finder, but this can be alleviated by unlocking of the Shillelagh missile. Though the missile will increase the reload time by almost 20 seconds, the [[SACLOS]] missile guidance can make hitting distant and/or moving targets easier and can regularly trigger overpressure or detonate ammunition. The missile is easier to aim compared to the TOW missile also available at this BR as it is much more reactive and therefore the self-corrections the missile are much less likely to throw it off course. With some wrestling and careful adjustment it can be used to hit stationary aerial targets like helicopters.
+Hitting the enemies can be made simpler with further researched modules, such as the laser rangefinder that allows automatic range adjustments for the distant targets. This can help with using the parabolic arc of the HEAT and HE rounds to hit enemies from behind cover with just the cupola visible, though this may not work consistently. The low velocity of the HEAT and HE rounds make hitting long-distance targets difficult, even with the range finder, but this can be alleviated by unlocking of the Shillelagh missile. Though the missile will increase the reload time by almost 20 seconds, the SACLOS missile guidance can make hitting distant and/or moving targets easier and can regularly trigger overpressure or detonate ammunition. The missile is easier to aim compared to the TOW missile also available at this BR as it is much more reactive and therefore the self-corrections the missile are much less likely to throw it off course. With some wrestling and careful adjustment it can be used to hit stationary aerial targets like helicopters.
 Without any mobility upgrades, the M60A2 also struggles to keep up with most of its contemporaries. It is reasonably quick, however the extra weight makes its acceleration poor and will hinder you in reaching powerful positions. Another noticeably poor characteristic is the neutral-steer, with the vehicle struggling to turn on slopes or any form of defilade. However, despite the poor mobility, it performs quite well in close-quarters. The reverse gear is slow, but is still good enough to get the vehicle out of danger after peeking and firing a shot. The turret rotation is also quite good, especially for the size of the cannon which means that the Starship can hold its own in close-quarters.

@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-However, your long reload will make it difficult to make a follow-up shots in the event that you miss or the does no damage. The M60A2 also comes with a researchable laser-rangefinder, which can make firing from behind cover with just the cupola visible a rather effective tactic, though hitting distant-moving targets can be difficult. The missile can make hitting distant targets easier, too, however it lengthens the reload even further to around 20 seconds. It also performs poorly for post-pen damage, though will consistently trigger overpressure and ammunition storage.
+The M60A2 has suffered since the replacement of "Hull Break" with the "Overpressure" mechanic. The main drawback is its main armament, most notably the stock HEAT round. The HEAT round can penetrate most targets, however the post-pen damage is extremely poor and will not consistently destroy the target in one shot. The high-explosive fairs better due to being able to destroy most targets (most notably Leopards, or anything resembling that design philosophy) with a single shot. Before the Shillelagh missile is unlocked, it is recommended to use the high-explosive round as the primary ammunition, while keeping a few HEAT rounds on-hand for the more difficult-to-crack nuts such as the late-era Soviet/Russian heavies and the odd [[Maus]] heavy tank. One downside to consider with the M60A2 is the long reload, which will make follow-up shots difficult if the enemy is still alive after the first shot.
 Without any mobility upgrades, the M60A2 also struggles to keep up with most of its contemporaries. It is reasonably quick, however the extra weight makes its acceleration poor and will hinder you in reaching powerful positions. Another noticeably poor characteristic is the neutral-steer, with the vehicle struggling to turn on slopes or any form of defilade. However, despite the poor mobility, it performs quite well in close-quarters. The reverse gear is slow, but is still good enough to get the vehicle out of danger after peeking and firing a shot. The turret rotation is also quite good, especially for the size of the cannon which means that the Starship can hold its own in close-quarters.
-Due to the odd shape of the turret, and the hull being inherited from the M60 platform, the Starship can be rather difficult for some vehicles to kill. For example, from the front, common foes such as the Leopard 1 and other M60s firing kinetic rounds will struggle to effectively deal damage. However, it is not invincible. The turret neck is a large weak spot and can be penetrated by the even King Tiger. Not only this, but the large commanders cupola will fuse most APHE rounds and funnel them down into the turret, or (in the case of the Russian BR-412 round found on most Russian mediums at the BR) overpressure the vehicle. The hull is still penetrable by most HEATs as is the turret, though its odd shape may make it difficult to consistently kill all the turret crew in one shot.
+Due to the odd shape of the turret, and the hull being inherited from the M60 platform, the Starship can be rather difficult for some opposing vehicles to destroy it. For example, from the front, common foes such as the Leopard 1 and other M60s firing kinetic rounds will struggle to effectively deal damage. However, it is not invincible. The turret neck is a large weak spot and can be penetrated by the even Tiger II. Not only this, but the large commanders cupola will fuse most APHE rounds and funnel them down into the turret, or (in the case of the Russian BR-412 round found on most Russian mediums at the BR) overpressure the vehicle. The hull is still penetrable by most HEATs as is the turret, though its odd shape may make it difficult to consistently knock out all the turret crew in one shot.
-Overall, the M60A2 is a hardy vehicle, but struggles when it is not supported and/or fighting heavily armoured vehicles, it can be a rather useful asset for brawling with its one-hit potential, but the long reload and inconsistent nature of the shells it fires can make it difficult to consistently work around. It can be useful for long-arming shells or sniping with the missile but its mobility means some useful positions will be inaccessible.
+=== Pros and cons ===
 <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
@@ Line 124: / Line 127: @@
 * Same ammunition as the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]]
 * Stabilizer allows for accurate firing on the move and fast reaction time, especially for a vehicle with the ability to launch ATGMs
-* ATGMs be fired on the move
+* ATGMs can be fired on the move
 * The armour can be very good

@@ Line 83: / Line 83: @@
 {{main|M85 (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}
-The M60A2 is equipped with a coaxial 7.62 mm LMG and a 12.7 mm HMG on top of the turret. Like on most American vehicles, this allows you to engage lightly armoured vehicles and slow aeroplanes at small to medium ranges.
+The M60A2 is equipped with a coaxial 7.62 mm LMG and a 12.7 mm HMG on top of the turret. Like on most American vehicles, this allows you to engage lightly armoured vehicles and slow aeroplanes at close to medium ranges.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-The M60A2 Starship is the perfect combination of armour, firepower and speed. Based on the chassis of the M60, it has decent mobility and armour while the addition of the 152 mm gun/launcher allows the player to reliably pierce enemy tanks armour at its tier. The Shillelagh missile unlocks the possibility of long-range sniping, along with the powerful HEAT shell. Due to your odd turret design, it is possible to go hull-down, only exposing your gun to fire at enemies, while your loader and gunner are safe from shells. If you are a more aggressive player, you can flank the enemy and hide your position using your smoke grenade launchers. However, the reload time is not that great so immediately go back to cover after you take a shot. Suggested roles are support, sniper, and flanker.
+The M60A2 has suffered since the replacement of Hull Break with Overpressure. The main drawback is its main armament, most notably the s tock HEAT; the round can penetrate most targets, however the post-pen damage is extremely poor and will not consistently grant you a kill. The High-explosive fairs better, however, being able to dispatch of most targets (most notably Leopards, or anything resembling that design philosophy) with a single shot. Before having researched the Shillelagh missile, it is recommended to main the High-explosive while having a few HEAT rounds on-hand for the more difficult-to-crack nuts such as the late-era Russian heavies and the odd [[Maus]].
-=== Pros and cons ===
+However, your long reload will make it difficult to make a follow-up shots in the event that you miss or the does no damage. The M60A2 also comes with a researchable laser-rangefinder, which can make firing from behind cover with just the cupola visible a rather effective tactic, though hitting distant-moving targets can be difficult. The missile can make hitting distant targets easier, too, however it lengthens the reload even further to around 20 seconds. It also performs poorly for post-pen damage, though will consistently trigger overpressure and ammunition storage.
 <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
@@ Line 118: / Line 124: @@
 * Same ammunition as the [[M551|M551 Sheridan]]
 * Stabilizer allows for accurate firing on the move and fast reaction time, especially for a vehicle with the ability to launch ATGMs
 * The armour can be very good
@@ Line 124: / Line 131: @@
 * Slow off-road mobility: the Starship struggles to reach 30 km/h on a slight downhill
 * Cannot fire from cover like the [[IT-1]] or [[RakJPz 2|Raketenjagdpanzers]]
 * Cupola is one huge weak spot sticking out up top
 * ATGM reload time is several seconds longer than normal ammunition
@@ Line 173: / Line 181: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_m60a2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 180: / Line 189: @@
 == See also ==
 ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 * ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
@@ Line 185: / Line 195: @@
 == External links ==
 ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''