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One of the more interesting (and mysterious) exhibit in our museum is M60A1 engine . In another Polish museum are other parts of this M60 eg. cannon.
We got this engine in the early 80s from the Soviet Union. He was reportedly captured in Vietnam ( but in Vietnam has not been M60 ).
Is it possible to determine the history of this engine/M60 ?

The same engine (AVDS-1790-2A) was used to power both the M48A3 and the M60/M60A1/M60A2. M48A3's did serve in VN with both U.S. forces and many were then transferred to the ARVN so the best explanation is that it came from one of those vehicles.

The confusion probably arises from the observation of a casual observer, to whom an M60 (first generation) would be superficially similar to the M48 series.

Do you have a picture of the gun you mention? Only the M48A5 mounted the 105mm gun found on the M60, M60A1 and M60A3 (which had a slightly different engine from the earlier models). The bore evacuator would be mid-barrel on the 105mm and out near the muzzle and muzzle brake/blast deflector on a 90mm (as found on most M48's, including VN vehicles.) The 105mm gun had no muzzle brake/muzzle blast deflector in U.S. service.

You are correct, no M60 tanks of any generation served in VN. Nor did any M48A5's

If you get the serial numbers and manufacturing data off the engine and gun, there is a chance that the original tank identity can be found.

KL

- Kurt_Laughlin

If you get the serial numbers and manufacturing data off the engine and gun, there is a chance that the original tank identity can be found.

KL

M68 gun





p.s.
Today our museum received two tanks: M48 and M60 !!!!

Most likely former Israeli and captured during the 1973 war.

The Gun manufacture date and SN correspond to an M60A1. It also has the gun mount, M140, which was used in the A1/A3 M60's. M48A5 used a modified M87 mount and Slick M60 used M116 mount. The engine is from what I can see an AVDS-1790-2A which like Doug said could be from an M48A5/ M60 or M60A1. The oil filter housings are indicators and from what I see the secondary filter cover is partially removed. If the transmission is still attached to the engine you will be able to distinguish if it was on an A1 or M48/60. The A1 used hydraulic brake actuators whereas the M48/60 used mechanical. US supplied a lot of A1's to Israel after 1967 and then even more during and after the 73 war. Egypt acquired a bunch that were abandoned, some being on display there. If you can, please post pictures of your M60 and M48 for us.

- Joe_D

If you can, please post pictures of your M60 and M48 for us.

Very Nice and operational too !!!

By any chance do you have the Serial and registration numbers ?? I like to track the survivors and that information helps me determine their history if I'm lucky.

Looks like an ex-Army National Guard or US Army Korea M48A5 with the 105mm gun and the pintle mounting post for a loader's M60D machine gun.

Besides the vehicles previously mentioned, the US Army used the M728 CEV and AVLB in Vietnam. They used the same engine as did later M88A1.

When looking for M48 and M60 serial- and registrationnumbers can you look also for the following tanks ;

PT-91; serial and the ''UBC-....'' number
T-34/76
T-34/85
T-34/85 m1944
T-34/84 m1944
T-54 serial and the ''UBC-....'' number
T-55A;serial and the ''UBC-....'' number
T-55U: serial and the ''UBC-....'' number
T-72M; serial and the ''UBC-....'' number

Thanks in advance
Regards, Lesley

- Joe_D

By any chance do you have the Serial and registration numbers ??

M48A5



M60A1

- sil3nt

- Joe_D

By any chance do you have the Serial and registration numbers ??

M48A5

Seeing a nice OD green M48 or M60 in travel lock from the front gets me all misty-eyed. Many a day began with putting a boot on that tow hook, glacis and grabbing a headlight guard, then pulling yourself up to the bustle. Still do it whenever I get the chance.