The Turkish company Roketsan has demonstrated its modular turret called MZK for the M60A3 tank, which, despite its age, is still in service with the country’s armed forces.
It should be noted that the M60 tank was produced between 1978 and 1983, and the vehicle’s modernization was developed in the early 1960s. However, Turkey has approximately 800 M60A3 tanks in upgraded versions, including 165 M60TM Firat, according to The Military Balance, and even around 750 older M48A5 T2 Patton tanks. Therefore, ensuring the operational capability of the vehicles is an important aspect for Turkey, which is being implemented as a part of the TIYK-M60A3 program.
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Roketsan’s approach is highly pragmatic, aiming to enhance the combat capabilities of the vehicle by completely replacing the turret. By retaining the 105 mm cannon, the tank has been equipped with an automatic loading system, which has allowed for a reduction in crew size and the overall height of the vehicle.
The turret itself is welded and has a moderate-sized basket, while its weight is lighter than the original design, weighing 13 tons compared to the original 14.5 tons. However, it features advanced protection with active utilization of dynamic defense and NERA (Non-Explosive Reactive Armor) elements. The ammunition stowage at the rear of the turret is created using blowout panels for increased safety. The TLUS laser irradiation sensors and Yamgoz video observation systems are mounted on the sides of the turret.
However, an objective drawback of the design is that the larger-sized turret overhangs the driver’s hatch, making it impossible for the driver to exit from it. The only viable option is to rotate the turret by 90 degrees, providing adequate access to the driver’s hatch. However, this raises the question of the turret’s resting position when the vehicle is parked.
Certainly, the MZK turret should integrate modern sighting devices, a new digital fire control system and a remote-controlled machine gun module.
However, it’s a tank with a 105 mm cannon, weighing 45 tons. It’s worth mentioning the requirements of the U.S. Army for its light tank, which eventually received the name M10 Booker and is no longer classified as a tank.
Regardless of the ongoing testing and evaluation phase, the M60A3 MZK still has potential for further changes in the turret design.
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