Sabrejet Posted October 31, 2015 Share #1 Posted October 31, 2015 The M103 was designed and produced in the late 50s as a counter to the JS family of heavies fielded by the Soviets at that time. It was rather like an M48 on steroids! Its huge cast turret housed a 120mm gun which could take out enemy armour at extreme ranges. Over 300 were made but they never fired a shot in anger. Instead, the US Army went on to adopt the new 105mm armed M60 MBT and thereafter its remaining M103s were transferred to the Marine Corps where they remained in service until the early 70s. I photographed this M103 in the arena at this year's Tankfest. It really is an impressive beast which makes the ground tremble as it drives by! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted October 31, 2015 Cont'd.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted October 31, 2015 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted October 31, 2015 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted October 31, 2015 Share #5 Posted October 31, 2015 Here's one in action in the 60s, from the Desert like terrain, Twenty Nine Palms California. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 31, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted October 31, 2015 Thanks Kevin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwb123 Posted November 1, 2015 Share #7 Posted November 1, 2015 Geez, that turret is HUGE! So much for a low profile. That is one area where Warsaw Pact tanks had us beat... but then again their tanks were designed for short people to operate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted November 1, 2015 Share #8 Posted November 1, 2015 Ian, wonderful pictures as usual. And Gil I couldn't agree more, the first thing I thought was, what a target. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M24 Chaffee Posted November 1, 2015 Share #9 Posted November 1, 2015 Nice photos! Interesting to see this monster. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted November 1, 2015 Geez, that turret is HUGE! So much for a low profile. That is one area where Warsaw Pact tanks had us beat... but then again their tanks were designed for short people to operate. Speaking of huge turrets....how's about this one?! It's the Chrysler TV-8 which was also developed during the 50s. Thankfully, it didn't make it beyond the prototype stage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted November 1, 2015 Share #11 Posted November 1, 2015 Speaking of huge turrets....how's about this one?! It's the Chrysler TV-8 which was also developed during the 50s. Thankfully, it didn't make it beyond the prototype stage! Why that looks like something from the Jetsons . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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