M46 Patton
In service 1949 - 1957
Based onM26 Pershing (derived from)
The M26 Pershing rebuilt with a proper engine and cross-drive transmission, and the tank that gave the Patton family its name and its first war in Korea.
Built byDetroit Arsenal Tank Plant
Development history
The Pershing's Ford GAF engine had been designed for a lighter tank and left the M26 underpowered and fragile. From 1948 the army rebuilt them with the Continental AV-1790 and the Allison CD-850 cross-drive transmission, plus a bore evacuator on the 90 mm gun; the result was redesignated M46 and named for General Patton. Around 1,160 conversions were made. M46s shipped to Korea in 1950 and fought through the whole war, out-gunning the T-34-85s of the North Korean armoured units and spending most of their time in the infantry-support role the terrain forced on them. They were replaced by the M47 and M48 within a decade.
Variants
One canonical record, 2 recorded variants.
M46
1949M26 hull rebuilt with the Continental AV-1790 engine and cross-drive transmission.
M46A1
1951Improved transmission, electrical system and fire control.
Related vehicles
Separate records that derive from this vehicle, grouped by how they relate to it.
Successor to this vehicle
Notable actions
- Korean War