Horstman offer KADDB the ultimate suspension solution
for the M60 upgrade.
Launched at SOFEX 2004, the King Abdullah II Design and
Development Bureau and Horstman Defence Systems Ltd of
Bath England have released details of the Hydrogas suspension
upgrade for the Jordanian M60 MBT’s. The solution
is a bolt on hydropneumatic suspension that improves vehicle
mobility and weapon platform stability in addition to enabling
significant weight increase due to armour and other equipment
enhancement.
The M60 suspension upgrade consists of the proven Hydrogas
pneumatic spring and hydraulic damper system from the Al
Hussein (Challenger) MBT. The hydropneumatic assembly is
fixed to a cast steel housing, which fits to the M60’s “boat
shaped” hull, and bolts onto the existing suspension
mountings.
Horstman is already under contract from JAF for a suspension
repair and overhaul facility for the Al Hussein program.
Horstman has been working with the JAF Engineering team
at the King Hussein Main Workshops (KHMW) to ensure that
all the necessary tools, spares, know-how and training
is in place to enable JAF to repair and overhaul the Al
Hussein Hydrogas suspension.
By selecting Hydrogas for the M60 MBT upgrade, KADDB will
ensure that the cross-country ride performance and weapon
platform stability is equal to that of the latest generation
of main battle tanks. It will also enable KADDB to significantly
increase armour protection levels without compromising
the cross-country ride and use the full power available
from the proposed engine upgrade when traveling at speed
over rough ground. Selecting Hydrogas will also mean the
suspension can be supported with existing KHMW facilities
equipment enabling JAF to be in control of the logistics
support as well as generate jobs for the Army’s own
workshops.