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1. Description
Details
- This is a suggestion for the M60A3 Performance Upgrade Project (also known as Project Yong Wu / 勇武計畫), developed by National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) in collaboration with Leonardo DRS. This upgrade turns the aging M60A3 Patton into a modernized third-generation main battle tank (MBT). It features a completely redesigned angular turret with lightweight aluminum spaced armor, a modern digital fire control system (FCS) with Hunter-Killer capability, and an upgraded 950 hp engine. This vehicle would make a perfect addition to the Chinese tech tree as squadron vehicle around Battle Rating 9.3 - 9.7 (Can be folded with M60A3 TTS).
2. History
Details
Was planned bridge the gap until the arrival of the M1A2T, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense tasked NCSIST with creating a comprehensive upgrade package for the ROC Army’s large fleet of M60A3 TTS tanks. The project, officially named the “M60A3 Tank Turret Performance Upgrade” (Project Yong Wu), was unveiled with a fully functional prototype. But the full turret upgrade was ultimately deemed too expensive for mass adoption by the ROC Army (which chose only the engine upgrade and prioritized the M1A2T and 105mm Wheeled Tank instead, but prototype were still made), the prototype successfully passed all live-fire combat readiness tests. NCSIST even signed an MOU with Leonardo DRS to market this exact upgrade module internationally.
3. Specifications
Details
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Dimensions and Weight:
- Weight: ~53–54 tons (Slightly heavier than base M60A3 due to the new turret structure, but compensated thanks to the aluminum armor).
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Crew: 4 (Driver, Commander, Gunner, Loader)
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Armament:
- Main Gun: 105 mm M68 Rifled Gun (Can fire standard ROCA munitions like DM63 / M413 APFSDS).
- Vertical Elevation: ~ -9° / +20°
- Fire Control System (FCS): Modernized Digital FCS provided by NCSIST & Leonardo DRS. (Which replaces the commander cupola with a RCWS) Also features full thermal imaging (Generation 2 or 2+) for both Gunner and Commander, a laser rangefinder.
- Turret Drive: Full Electric Turret Control (Faster traverse speed compared to the original hydraulic system).
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Armor & Protection:
- Turret Armor: Full-enclosure welded Lightweight Aluminum Spaced Armor / Applique Armor. Specifically designed to defeat chemical rounds (HEAT, HEAT-FS, ATGMs, RPGs and small caliber Autocannon) via air gap between turret and external armor plate.
- Base Hull: Standard M60A3 cast steel hull (Maybe with extra addon plate base on the shape).
- Defensive Systems: Smoke grenade launchers and LWS(which is integrated into the new turret wedges).
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Mobility:
- Engine: RENK America AVDS-1790-2CAU Diesel Engine upgraded to 950 horsepower (from the 750 hp).
- Transmission: Upgraded transmission to handle the higher torque.
- Max Speed: ~50 to 60km/h.
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: ~16 to 17 hp/ton (Significantly better acceleration and agility than the standard M60A3 TTS).
4. Why it should be in War Thunder
- The Chinese ground forces tree in War Thunder currently has 2 Patton variant at the 9.3–9.7 BR bracket. While the US tree has the M60 AMBT and the Israeli tree has the Magach series, this upgraded M60A3 upgrade offers a unique visual aesthetic and give new gameplay style with improved turret armor, makes it better at hull down. The combination of a 950 hp engine, electric turret traverse, better thermals, and unique aluminum spaced armor will provide a new option to the Chinese MBT around tier VI for players who love the Patton family line.
5. Related Images
Spoiler
Upgrade Concept Draft
Official description on the NCSIST website
Photo 1 of Upgraded M60 spotted in public
Photo 2 of Upgraded M60 spotted in public
Source:
