Sabra (tank)
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009) |
| M60 Sabra | |
|---|---|
trailing arm | |
| Fuel capacity | 200 L (44 imp gal; 53 US gal) (internal fuel) |
Operational range | 450 km (280 mi) (All variants) |
| Maximum speed | 48 km/h (30 mph) (Mk I)[1] 55 km/h (34 mph) (Mk II & III)[2] |
The Sabra (
Turkish Army's modernization programs. The Sabra is known as the M60T in Turkish service.[2]
Overview
The Sabra was initially developed as a further evolution of the
USD
was signed on March 29, 2002. The first Sabra Mk II was delivered for Turkish trials in 2005 and passed qualifications in May, 2006. 170 were upgraded between 2007 and April, 2009. The upgrades were undertaken by the Turkish Army's 2nd Main Maintenance Center Command, with upgrade kits supplied by IMI.
Variants
- Sabra Mk I
The Mk I was essentially an upgraded Magach 7C. It incorporated a new 120 mm gun developed by IMI, improved applique armor, and the Knight
fire control system from Elbit Systems. The running gear would also be upgraded from the Magach to improve cross-country mobility. The hybrid electric and hydraulic turret traverse system from the Magach 7C is replaced with an all-electric system.[3]
- Sabra Mk II / M60T
Unlike the Mk I which used a low-profile commander's
explosive reactive armor.[1]
The tanks were upgraded by the Turkish military's 2nd Main Maintenance Center with Israeli cooperation. All the systems except the armor package were built under license with technology transfer in Turkey. Sabra can carry 500 litres of diesel fuel.
- Sabra Mk III
The Sabra Mk III incorporates armor technology, cannon, the RWR/IR warning system, and tracks from the Merkava Mk IV.[4]
Users
Turkey – 450 as M60 Sabra, Currently 169 in service as of 2022
See also
- Magach, served as the starting point for the Sabra design.
- M60-2000, an alternative upgrade option from General Dynamics Land Systems which was also offered to Turkey.
References
- ^ a b c d e "Sabra Main Battle Tank, Israel". Army-Technology.com. Retrieved 2009-12-01.
- ^ a b c d e f "M60T Tank". Undersecretariat for Defence Industries. Archived from the original on 2010-09-17. Retrieved 2009-12-01.
- ^ ISBN 1-84176-579-1.
- ^ Sabra Main Battle Tank | Military-Today.com
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sabra tanks.