Development of the American M60 series of tanks began in 1956 following a decision to create an improved version of the M48 'Patton' tank. Built by General Dynamics, the M60 entered service in 1960, but was quickly superseded by the A1 to A3 versions. Over 15,000 vehicles have been produced, many of which are still serving in the armies of 22 countries. The M60 has been continuously advanced and upgraded with advanced weapon control, ammunition, applique armour, and increasingly powerful engines. The M60 series main battle tanks of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the US were deployed in Operation: Desert Storm in 1991 during the Gulf Crisis.

The M60A1 with a new turret, thicker armor, and a new ammunition stowage system, was manufactured from 1962 to 1980. The M60A2, fitted with a new turret mounting a 152mm gun and missile launcher, was halted in the mid-70's and development and production effort was instead diverted to the highly successful M60A3, which incorporated improvements to the gun fire control system. The M60A3 entered service with the US Army in 1978 and is still being used by several National Guards units. Although General Dynamics' Land Systems Division has ceased production of the tank, it continues to provide fleet management support to the US Army Tank Automotive Command and to user countries world-wide.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USMC M60A1 Patton medium tank with explosive reactive armor known as "Beirut Payback", that was attached to the 1st Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, then deployed to Kuwait during 1991. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/2-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: January 2023

Historical Account: "Payback is a B***h" - The Khobar Towers bombing was an attack on part of a housing complex in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia, located near the national oil company (Saudi Aramco) headquarters of Dhahran. In 1996, it was being used to house foreign military personnel, including Americans. On June 25th, 1996, as per official statement, individuals identified as members of Hizballah Al-Hijaz (Saudi Hezbollah) by the United States, exploded a fuel truck adjacent to Building #131 in the housing complex. This eight-story building housed United States Air Force personnel from the 4404th Wing, primarily from a deployed rescue squadron and deployed fighter squadron.

In all, 19 U.S. servicemen and one Saudi were killed and 372 of many nationalities were wounded.