The M60A1 (AOS) represents an important evolutionary step in the American main battle tank lineage. Introduced as an improvement over the standard M60, the AOS (Add-On Stabilization) variant features a two-plane gun stabilizer, significantly enhancing its ability to fire accurately on the move. While it retains the powerful 105 mm M68 cannon of its predecessor, it also introduces an improved turret design with better-angled armor compared to the hemispherical turret of the standard M60. However, its large silhouette and underwhelming mobility make it vulnerable in fast-paced engagements. In the right hands, though, it can be a highly effective frontline vehicle.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Reliable Firepower: The 105 mm M68 cannon boasts excellent penetration capabilities with APDS, HEAT-FS and HESH rounds. | Large Silhouette: The tall hull and turret make it an easy target, especially in open terrain. |
| Effective Gun Handling: A two-plane stabilizer allows for accurate firing on the move.. | Limited Mobility & Poor Reverse Speed: A top speed of 48 km/h is sluggish and 8 km/h reverse speed makes retreating from engagements difficult. |
| Strong Frontal Protection: The 230 mm turret armor provides solid protection against incoming fire. | Commander's Cupola Weakness: The large cupola is a prominent weak spot that is almost always targeted. |
Main Armament
The M60A1 (AOS) is armed with the 105 mm M68 cannon, an incredibly effective weapon at its battle rating. This gun can fire a variety of powerful rounds, including M728 APDS, M393A2 HEAT-FS, and M393A2 HESH. These rounds allow the M60A1 to handle any target it encounters, from lightly armored vehicles to heavily protected main battle tanks.
The gun stabilizer is one of the biggest advantages of this variant. Unlike its predecessor, the AOS modification allows for smoother and more accurate firing while moving, making snap shots much easier. Additionally, the 8.7-second reload time (6.7 seconds with an ace crew) ensures a steady rate of fire in combat.
While the M728 APDS round is effective against most enemy armor, Soviet tanks like the T-55AMD-1 and T-55AM-1 can pose a challenge due to their sloped and composite armor. In these situations, aiming for weak spots such as the lower glacis, turret ring, or gun mantlet is critical. With careful shot placement and knowledge of enemy layouts such as ammunition storages and crew clusters, the M60A1 (AOS) can hold its own against a wide variety of opponents.
Armor and Survivability
The M60A1 (AOS) retains the cast homogeneous armor of its predecessor, offering 230 mm of turret protection at the front. This allows it to shrug off most APDS and APHE rounds at long distances, making hull-down tactics extremely effective, though the turret is still vulnerable to APFSDS and HEAT-FS. Moreover, its hull armor (108 mm front, 70 mm sides, 40 mm rear) is noticeably weaker and can easily be penetrated by APFSDS and HEAT-FS rounds from enemies at its battle rating. One of the M60A1’s biggest drawbacks is its large profile. The tall turret and high hull make it an easy target, especially when compared to Soviet counterparts like the T-55A. Additionally, the side armor is relatively weak, meaning that flanking shots from enemy tanks or even autocannons can be lethal.
The commander's cupola is another notable weak spot. Its large and exposed position on top of the turret makes it an easy target for APHE, and HE rounds above 115mm. A well-placed shot can kill the crew, sending you back to the hangar in an instant. Internally, the crew is spaced out enough that some penetrating shots might not result in an immediate kill, but the large ammunition racks inside the turret and hull significantly increase the risk of ammo detonation. Careful ammunition management such as reducing the number of carried rounds can help minimize this risk (around 20 rounds).
Mobility
The M60A1 (AOS) has enough mobility to get where it needs to be. Its 750-horsepower engine pushes its 48-ton weight, resulting in a 15.6 hp/t power-to-weight ratio. This means it accelerates reasonably well on roads and flat terrain but struggles on rough ground and hills.
Compared to other tanks at its BR, the M60A1 (AOS) is slower than Leopard 1s and AMX-30s, which have superior speed and agility. However, it is more mobile than the British Chieftains, which are sluggish in acceleration and top speed. One of its biggest weaknesses is its reverse speed of only 8 km/h, which makes backing out of engagements difficult. If caught in a bad position, the M60A1 cannot retreat as quickly as some of its counterparts, making it important to think ahead when choosing defensive positions.
Usage In Battle
The M60A1 (AOS) thrives in a supportive frontline role, making use of its excellent gun depression and strong turret armor to engage enemies from hull-down positions. Sitting on ridgelines and using terrain to protect the hull is the best way to fight. With its stabilizer, the M60A1 can also fire effectively on the move, allowing it to react quickly in fast-paced engagements.
Since the M60A1 (AOS) was one of the first American MBTs equipped with a two-plane stabilizer, it is crucial to get comfortable with this system. Spend time practicing firing on the move to learn how the stabilizer compensates for movement, allowing you to quickly adjust your aim while advancing or retreating. The M60A1 (AOS) excels on maps with long sightlines or hilly terrain where hull-down positions can be exploited. In more confined or urban environments, its vulnerabilities become more pronounced.
Its large profile and weak side armor make it important to always be aware of flanking enemies. Lighter and more mobile tanks, such as Leopards and OF-40s, can outmaneuver and destroy the M60A1 if they catch it off guard. If played carefully, using cover, keeping the front towards the enemy, and taking advantage of its stabilizer, the M60A1 (AOS) can be a formidable tank on the battlefield.
