Hi folks,

Another M60A1 Patton-related question:

Is it possible to mount the add-on armor on the front of the M60's hull in conjunction with the Mine Roller system?

With the pix I found, I'm not sure if it is possible:

- This pic shows the armor in place (attached above the Mine Roller attachment points but without the actual mine roller).





- While this one shows the mine roller without the add-on armor bolted onto the hull.






I can be mistaken here, but it seems there is enough clearance to hook up the cables that are connected to the arms of the Mine Roller while the armor is in place.

Am I correct? Thanks.



BT6

Howdy Randy, the lower hull front ERA(Explosive Reactive Armor) tiles and guard are removed when the rollers are mounted so they do not get crushed by the roller arm stops as the arms move up and down going cross country. The two rods that go to the roller attachment points are for quick disconnect of the roller arms. Out here.

Thank you sir!

However, while I understand that the add-on armor is not mounted in the lower hull when the Mine Roller is attached; what I needed to verify is if the ERA can be mounted on the upper hull front while the entire Mine Roller system is attached to the tank.

My apologies if I was not clear.



BT6

Howdy Randy, my response is worded incorrectly. With the mine rollers attached the guard and ERA tiles on the lower part of the glacis are removed. Just as shown in the lower photo. Out here.

I understand now. Thanks for clearing it out.

Two more clarifications though:

- Are the clamps for the Mine Roller welded onto the upper hull front (not a mounting plate unlike the M1)?

- Are the small tubes sticking out ( at least six are visible on the lower pic) are for the attachment bolts for the ERA?


BT6

Based on photographs and the cable system required to run the rollers, it looks like the plates shown in the first photo are removed as per the second photo. If the plates were there it would cause friction which would cause the cables to shear eventually.

Howdy Randy, the attachment points for the ends of the large cables and quick release rods are welded to the glacis just beneath the drivers center vision block. In the lower photo a row of the ERA tile bolt mounting holes have been cut from the glacis. Steve, as long as there is gravity and the tank has the ability to push it through the terrain the Mine Roller system does not require any other power to operate. The two large tow cable looking pieces prevent the roller assemblies from dropping down and hanging up in ditches or low ground. Out here.