In August 1959, an engineering release bid package was released for the second production buy of M60s to be built at Delaware. The initial bid package for the production of M60 tanks was released in April 1959 and in June of the same year a production contract was awarded to Chrysler Corporation, Delaware Defense Plant, for the production of 180 M60 MBTs. In February 1957, the M60 (XM60) vehicle characteristics and production planning schedules were established and, in March 1959, the M60 was classified as Standard A. As a result of a meeting in February 1958, three M48 tanks (designated the M48A2E1) were rebuilt to incorporate the new power pack contemplated for use in the new tank, which had been designated the XM60.ĭuring October and November 1958, several main armament candidates were tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground and, based on the test results, the British 105 mm L7A1 barrel, with the US T254E2 breech, was selected as the main armament for the XM60 and designated the M68 cannon.

In November 1956, a decision was taken to install an AVDS-1790-P compression ignition engine in an M48 tank, which was subsequently tested at Yuma Test Station during the summer of 1957. Early in 1956, it was decided that the M48 tank should be further developed to produce an improved tank with increased operational range and mobility which would require a minimum of refuelling and servicing as well as incorporating an improved main armament.

M60 military tanks for sale