Difference between revisions of "120S"

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{{About
 
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| about = main battle tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| other
 
−
| usage-1 = other versions
 
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| link-1 = M60 (Family)
 
−
| usage-2 = other uses
 
−
| link-2 = M60 (Disambiguation)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=us_m60_120s
 
|code=us_m60_120s
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]].
+
Despite the end of the Cold War, General Dynamics Land System (GDLS) envisioned a potential customer base of countries equipped with Cold War era tanks like the Patton tanks that want to keep their technological edge by upgrading their existing systems rather than developing or procuring new tanks. GDLS started developing the M60-2000 in late 1999, an upgrade over the M60 platform to keep the tank up-to-date with the new M1 Abrams tank. Aside from updating the components to allow the M60-2000 to maintain similar mobility as the Abrams, the most distinctive feature of the M60-2000 was the use of a M1A1 turret on top of the M60 hull, allowing the tank upgrade to use a 120 mm M256 cannon. During development, the tank name was changed from M60-2000 into '''120S'''. The tank was first marketed as a concept to prospective customers in Europe and the Middle East. The first prototype was produced and revealed in 2001. However, no orders came in for the 120S, and the sole prototype was eventually disassembled in 2003.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]] and while looking like a compressed M1 Abrams, it is a hybrid of capabilities between the M1A1 Abrams and the M60. Firstly, the elephant in the room is the large M1A1 turret planted atop a M60 hull. The turret brings the benefits of being equipped with a 120 mm cannon to defeat most of the 120S' foes as well as the turret armour of the M1A1 Abrams that can resist most incoming shots. However, the hull is where most of the disappointment lies in as it is just a M60 hull, the armour of which is quite negligible against the guns that can be faced and the engine isn't upgraded despite the heavier turret, so mobility is slower than preceding M60s. However, for players that have become accustomed to the M60 playstyle from the previous versions in the US tech tree, the 120S can be a refreshing change of pace with new armor and firepower opportunities.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 20: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
 
 +
The 120S is a [[M60]] hull mated with an Abrams turret. It inherits the usual M60 turret ring (flat 114 mm) weak spot with an even larger 70 mm flat neck. The hull is otherwise the same but unlike the previous M60's, players will notice additional side skirts on hull sides which might help against stray HEAT-FS shells. Turret on the other hand, comes from a [[M1A1]] model and is simply invincible to the most shells the 120S is likely to encounter. Sadly, putting the heavily armored Abrams turret onto the M60 hull increases the weight of 120S up to 56.2 tons. All while still retaining the same 750 hp engine which translates to 120S being slower than almost all the MBT's at its respective battle rating, and unlike the Israeli upgraded M60's, the 120S doesn't have any ESS.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 108 mm (66°) ''Front Glacis''<br>137 mm (54°) ''Lower Glacis''
 +
| 36 - 70 + 65**mm ''Front half'' <br> 36 - 70 + 6.5 mm ''Rear half''
 +
| 25 mm (1°) ''Engine Grille''<br>40 mm (31°) ''Top''<br>28 mm (61°) ''Bottom''
 +
| 36 mm ''Front''<br>20 mm ''Engine deck''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Turret || 38*+101* mm (21-30°)<br>38*+18* mm (30-36°) ''Gun mantlet''<br>25.4 mm (74-82°) ''Turret underside''
 +
| 19*+101* mm (30°) ''Crew compartment''<br>6*+13* (30°) ''Ammo rack bustle''
 +
| 12.7 mm (43-48°)<br>25.4 mm (80-83°) ''Turret underside''
 +
| 38.1 mm ''Front''<br>25.4 mm ''Rear''<br> 12.7 mm ''Panels''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
| Cupola || colspan="4" |25.4 mm (conical)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 +
<nowiki>* RHA plates part of composite armour
 +
** Composite screens</nowiki>
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
 
 +
Being one of the slowest MBT's at its battle rating, 120S users are forced to play under the pressure of getting flanked by faster vehicles such as Leopard 2s. The slow speed of 120S means either the players have to spawn early to get to their desired positions or simply spawn late to protect objectives or spawn point. As a result of the poor stock engine, one can skip getting the top shell and LSR (as the M829 at the rank I is simply enough in terms of penetration and accuracy) in favour of mobility upgrades.
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,162|rbMinHp=663}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,162|rbMinHp=663}}
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{{main|M256 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|M256 (120 mm)}}
  
−
The 120S has the same 120mm M256 smoothbore gun used by the later Abrams tanks, and has the same ammunition options as the M1A1 consisting of M830 HEATFS as its stock shell, M829 APFSDS as a Tier I modification, and M829A1 as a Tier IV modification. In terms of battle rating, this is the lowest where these rounds are found with M829A1 undoubtedly being better than any other contemporary APFSDS round at this rank. It allows the 120S to comfortably tackle almost any target it comes across even from some distance away.
+
The 120S has the same 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun used by the later Abrams tanks, and has the same ammunition options as the M1A1 consisting of M830 HEATFS as its stock shell, M829 APFSDS as a Tier I modification, and M829A1 as a Tier IV modification. In terms of battle rating, this is the lowest where these rounds are found with M829A1 undoubtedly being better than any other contemporary APFSDS round at this rank. It allows the 120S to comfortably tackle almost any target it comes across even from some distance away.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M829, M829A1}}
+
{{:M256 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M830, M829, M830A1, M829A1, M908}}
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''42''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''42''' || 39&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 35&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 18&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
[[File:Behind concretes.png|thumb|Being a tall MBT is not always a bad thing. With the superior turret protection, 120S can hold long lines as long as there is something to cover its weak hull.]]
 +
The 120S must use its strongpoints to alleviate its handicaps. The MBT gains the excellent 2nd-generation thermal view and the superb 120 mm M256 cannon of the [[M1A1]], but inherits the poor mobility and armour of the [[M60]].
 +
 
 +
Compared to the M1 Abrams experience, gameplay will be slower but much more methodical due to the M829A1 shell, which has no problem simply walking straight through troublesome armour and is easily one of the most powerful rounds at the BR, outperforming some of the ammunition available to even the 125 mm contemporaries on Russian and Chinese tanks. Players do not have to worry about dealing with annoying Leopard 2s or the reckless T-series tank as long as they can get the first shot off.
 +
 
 +
While the gun and gun platform are extremely good for the BR, this comes at a rather heavy price. The 120S is by far the slowest of the MBTs at the BR. Unlike the upgraded Israeli [[Magach (Family)|Magachs]] at an earlier BR, the 120S has a measly 750 hp engine, the same engine installed on the first [[M60]] at 8.0. This would not be an issue if not for the fact that the 120S is 20% heavier than its 8.0 counterpart, giving it easily the worst mobility for an MBT at the BR. This makes it extremely difficult to keep up with the frantic fast-paced combat of top-tier and means that the 120S is relegated to an almost strictly defensive role.
 +
 
 +
A safe way to play the 120S is by sitting just behind the frontline brawlers and using your fast reload and powerful gun to deal with large numbers of enemies in choke points, using your teammates to avoid being the centre of attention for the enemy. Using this tactic, not only will you be keeping your teammates safe and providing ample support for pushing the objectives during the early game, but will also prevent an early demise while still being useful.
 +
 
 +
At range, however, the 120S excels at long-range combat. The extremely flat trajectory of the 120 mm rounds and their blazing velocity make it easy to snipe opponents from ranges fair greater and with more potency than the 105 mm of the M1 Abrams. Second-generation thermal imagers and a laser rangefinder mean that acquiring targets, engaging and destroying them is easy. Owing to the turret cheeks, only the breech is vulnerable when fighting at ranges exceeding the 1 km mark. However, be especially careful of [[BMP-2M]]; as the missile available on it will easily penetrate the cheeks of the turret at range and follow-ups can be fired immediately so a second hit will almost definitely destroy the vehicle. If you are caught reloading when you are hit, the ammunition will explode and destroy the vehicle regardless of the blowout panels.
 +
 
 +
Depending on the map, however, even this can be situational thanks to the abysmal hull armour. The hull is essentially a completely stock [[M60]] hull, with no mobility or armour upgrades. This means that all rounds at this BR will simply pass straight through the hull and into the crew. While this can sometimes be avoided with MBT in the event the player is alive after a glancing blow, the same cannot be said for IFVs. Almost every IFV at this BR, most notably [[BMP-2M]] and [[PUMA]], will simply shred straight through the turret ring or the sides of the hull with their powerful APDS and APFSDS belts. This makes proximity teammates extremely important with the 120S, as it is extremely easy to disable or even completely destroy within a fraction of a second.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 136: Line 150:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Very quick reload, up to 5 seconds when Aced
+
* Very quick reload, up to 5 seconds with an ace crew
 
* Very good firepower, can comfortably tackle whatever it faces even at higher BRs
 
* Very good firepower, can comfortably tackle whatever it faces even at higher BRs
 
* Superb gun handling
 
* Superb gun handling
 
* Effective hull down capability due to the M1A1 turret
 
* Effective hull down capability due to the M1A1 turret
 
* 2nd generation thermals for the gunner
 
* 2nd generation thermals for the gunner
 +
* Unlike most NATO MBTs, can look behind due to high placement of the turret
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor mobility, compounded by poor reverse speed
 
* Poor mobility, compounded by poor reverse speed
−
* Poor hull armour made up of just RHA
+
* Loud engine tone
 +
* Poor hull armour made up entirely of RHA
 
* Very obvious turret neck that sticks out from the hull
 
* Very obvious turret neck that sticks out from the hull
 +
* Lack of a commander sight hampers the combat effectiveness in simulator mode
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 157: Line 174:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|BeS9PrzGeBc|'''The Shooting Range #398''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|BeS9PrzGeBc|'''The Shooting Range #398''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[M60 (Family)]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
** [[Magach 7C]] - Israeli end of the line upgraded M60
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 21:12, 2 November 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
120S
us_m60_120s.png
GarageImage 120S.jpg
120S
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Despite the end of the Cold War, General Dynamics Land System (GDLS) envisioned a potential customer base of countries equipped with Cold War era tanks like the Patton tanks that want to keep their technological edge by upgrading their existing systems rather than developing or procuring new tanks. GDLS started developing the M60-2000 in late 1999, an upgrade over the M60 platform to keep the tank up-to-date with the new M1 Abrams tank. Aside from updating the components to allow the M60-2000 to maintain similar mobility as the Abrams, the most distinctive feature of the M60-2000 was the use of a M1A1 turret on top of the M60 hull, allowing the tank upgrade to use a 120 mm M256 cannon. During development, the tank name was changed from M60-2000 into 120S. The tank was first marketed as a concept to prospective customers in Europe and the Middle East. The first prototype was produced and revealed in 2001. However, no orders came in for the 120S, and the sole prototype was eventually disassembled in 2003.

The M60 120S was introduced in Update "Alpha Strike" and while looking like a compressed M1 Abrams, it is a hybrid of capabilities between the M1A1 Abrams and the M60. Firstly, the elephant in the room is the large M1A1 turret planted atop a M60 hull. The turret brings the benefits of being equipped with a 120 mm cannon to defeat most of the 120S' foes as well as the turret armour of the M1A1 Abrams that can resist most incoming shots. However, the hull is where most of the disappointment lies in as it is just a M60 hull, the armour of which is quite negligible against the guns that can be faced and the engine isn't upgraded despite the heavier turret, so mobility is slower than preceding M60s. However, for players that have become accustomed to the M60 playstyle from the previous versions in the US tech tree, the 120S can be a refreshing change of pace with new armor and firepower opportunities.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull108 / 70 / 40
Turret230 / 49 / 57
Crew4 people
Visibility142 %

The 120S is a M60 hull mated with an Abrams turret. It inherits the usual M60 turret ring (flat 114 mm) weak spot with an even larger 70 mm flat neck. The hull is otherwise the same but unlike the previous M60's, players will notice additional side skirts on hull sides which might help against stray HEAT-FS shells. Turret on the other hand, comes from a M1A1 model and is simply invincible to the most shells the 120S is likely to encounter. Sadly, putting the heavily armored Abrams turret onto the M60 hull increases the weight of 120S up to 56.2 tons. All while still retaining the same 750 hp engine which translates to 120S being slower than almost all the MBT's at its respective battle rating, and unlike the Israeli upgraded M60's, the 120S doesn't have any ESS.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 108 mm (66°) Front Glacis
137 mm (54°) Lower Glacis 		36 - 70 + 65**mm Front half
36 - 70 + 6.5 mm Rear half 		25 mm (1°) Engine Grille
40 mm (31°) Top
28 mm (61°) Bottom 		36 mm Front
20 mm Engine deck
Turret 38*+101* mm (21-30°)
38*+18* mm (30-36°) Gun mantlet
25.4 mm (74-82°) Turret underside 		19*+101* mm (30°) Crew compartment
6*+13* (30°) Ammo rack bustle 		12.7 mm (43-48°)
25.4 mm (80-83°) Turret underside 		38.1 mm Front
25.4 mm Rear
12.7 mm Panels
Cupola 25.4 mm (conical)

Notes: * RHA plates part of composite armour ** Composite screens

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB53 / 13 km/h
RB and SB48 / 12 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight56.3 t
Engine power
AB1 431 hp
RB and SB750 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.4 hp/t
RB and SB13.3 hp/t

Being one of the slowest MBT's at its battle rating, 120S users are forced to play under the pressure of getting flanked by faster vehicles such as Leopard 2s. The slow speed of 120S means either the players have to spawn early to get to their desired positions or simply spawn late to protect objectives or spawn point. As a result of the poor stock engine, one can skip getting the top shell and LSR (as the M829 at the rank I is simply enough in terms of penetration and accuracy) in favour of mobility upgrades.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 53 13 56.3 1,162 1,431 20.64 25.42
Realistic 48 12 663 750 11.78 13.32

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 444 → 6 612 Sl icon.png
RB4 306 → 6 407 Sl icon.png
SB5 033 → 7 489 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications211 200 Rp icon.png
354 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement us.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_DM_HEAT_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M908_HE_OR_ammo_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_M829A_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm M256 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order17 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M256 (120 mm)

The 120S has the same 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun used by the later Abrams tanks, and has the same ammunition options as the M1A1 consisting of M830 HEATFS as its stock shell, M829 APFSDS as a Tier I modification, and M829A1 as a Tier IV modification. In terms of battle rating, this is the lowest where these rounds are found with M829A1 undoubtedly being better than any other contemporary APFSDS round at this rank. It allows the 120S to comfortably tackle almost any target it comes across even from some distance away.

120 mm M256 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M830 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
M829 APFSDS 491 488 481 473 464 454
M830A1 HEAT MP 350 350 350 350 350 350
M829A1 APFSDS 598 596 589 580 570 560
M908 HE-OR 300 300 300 300 300 300
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M830 HEATFS 1,140 13.1 0.05 0.1 2.36 65° 72° 77°
M829 APFSDS 1,670 4.27 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M829A1 APFSDS 1,575 4.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M908 HE-OR 1,410 11.4 0.4 5 1.99 65° 72° 77°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M830A1 HEAT MP 1,410 11.4 0.05 0.1 400 10 1.99 65° 72° 77°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 39 (+3) 35 (+7) 18 (+24) 1 (+41) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-9° / 65°
7.62 mm M240 machine gun
Ammunition1 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
7.62 mm M240 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition10 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate941 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), M240 (7.62 mm)

Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Commander's cupola 1,000 (200) 575 -9°/+65° -160°/+180°
7.62 mm M240
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Loader's cupola 1,400 (200) 941 -9°/+65° -77°/+135°
Coaxial 10,000 (200) 941 - -

Usage in battles

Being a tall MBT is not always a bad thing. With the superior turret protection, 120S can hold long lines as long as there is something to cover its weak hull.

The 120S must use its strongpoints to alleviate its handicaps. The MBT gains the excellent 2nd-generation thermal view and the superb 120 mm M256 cannon of the M1A1, but inherits the poor mobility and armour of the M60.

Compared to the M1 Abrams experience, gameplay will be slower but much more methodical due to the M829A1 shell, which has no problem simply walking straight through troublesome armour and is easily one of the most powerful rounds at the BR, outperforming some of the ammunition available to even the 125 mm contemporaries on Russian and Chinese tanks. Players do not have to worry about dealing with annoying Leopard 2s or the reckless T-series tank as long as they can get the first shot off.

While the gun and gun platform are extremely good for the BR, this comes at a rather heavy price. The 120S is by far the slowest of the MBTs at the BR. Unlike the upgraded Israeli Magachs at an earlier BR, the 120S has a measly 750 hp engine, the same engine installed on the first M60 at 8.0. This would not be an issue if not for the fact that the 120S is 20% heavier than its 8.0 counterpart, giving it easily the worst mobility for an MBT at the BR. This makes it extremely difficult to keep up with the frantic fast-paced combat of top-tier and means that the 120S is relegated to an almost strictly defensive role.

A safe way to play the 120S is by sitting just behind the frontline brawlers and using your fast reload and powerful gun to deal with large numbers of enemies in choke points, using your teammates to avoid being the centre of attention for the enemy. Using this tactic, not only will you be keeping your teammates safe and providing ample support for pushing the objectives during the early game, but will also prevent an early demise while still being useful.

At range, however, the 120S excels at long-range combat. The extremely flat trajectory of the 120 mm rounds and their blazing velocity make it easy to snipe opponents from ranges fair greater and with more potency than the 105 mm of the M1 Abrams. Second-generation thermal imagers and a laser rangefinder mean that acquiring targets, engaging and destroying them is easy. Owing to the turret cheeks, only the breech is vulnerable when fighting at ranges exceeding the 1 km mark. However, be especially careful of BMP-2M; as the missile available on it will easily penetrate the cheeks of the turret at range and follow-ups can be fired immediately so a second hit will almost definitely destroy the vehicle. If you are caught reloading when you are hit, the ammunition will explode and destroy the vehicle regardless of the blowout panels.

Depending on the map, however, even this can be situational thanks to the abysmal hull armour. The hull is essentially a completely stock M60 hull, with no mobility or armour upgrades. This means that all rounds at this BR will simply pass straight through the hull and into the crew. While this can sometimes be avoided with MBT in the event the player is alive after a glancing blow, the same cannot be said for IFVs. Almost every IFV at this BR, most notably BMP-2M and PUMA, will simply shred straight through the turret ring or the sides of the hull with their powerful APDS and APFSDS belts. This makes proximity teammates extremely important with the 120S, as it is extremely easy to disable or even completely destroy within a fraction of a second.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very quick reload, up to 5 seconds with an ace crew
  • Very good firepower, can comfortably tackle whatever it faces even at higher BRs
  • Superb gun handling
  • Effective hull down capability due to the M1A1 turret
  • 2nd generation thermals for the gunner
  • Unlike most NATO MBTs, can look behind due to high placement of the turret

Cons:

  • Poor mobility, compounded by poor reverse speed
  • Loud engine tone
  • Poor hull armour made up entirely of RHA
  • Very obvious turret neck that sticks out from the hull
  • Lack of a commander sight hampers the combat effectiveness in simulator mode

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Devblog

Late in 1999, General Dynamics Land Systems were looking to put a tank together that was suitable to export to countries as a cheaper alternative to the current main battle tanks. To attract buyers, it was decided to pair an M1A1 turret onto an M60A1 hull — a hull which was already in use with many countries around the world. This combination could also allow for countries to convert their existing M60 hulls into the M60 120S standard if required. In August 2001 the first prototype was completed and subsequently shown at the IDEF Exhibition in Turkey in October 2001. Having been proposed to countries such as Turkey and Egypt, there was no interest and the project was abandoned with only 1 prototype being built.

Media

Videos
The Shooting Range #398 - Metal Beasts section at 00:25 discusses the 120S.

See also

External links


USA medium tanks
M2  M2
M3  M3 Lee · ▃Grant I
M4  M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1
M46/47/48 Patton  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S
MBT-70  MBT-70 · XM803
M1 Abrams  XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM)
  M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1
  M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait
  M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2
Other  T95E1
Australia  M1A1 AIM
Canada  M4A5
Israel  ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D
Turkey  M60 AMBT

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