The M46 Patton was a medium tank used by the US Army and US Marine Corps during the Korean War. Based on the M26 Pershing, the M46 was developed and manufactured by the Detroit Tank Plant and entered service in 1949. It was armed with a 90mm M3A1 cannon and three machine guns. The crew was protected by 102mm-thick steel armor on the front hull, 200mm on the front turret, and 76mm on the sides.
Basically, the M46 was an M26 fitted with the new Continental AVDS-1790-5A V12, air-cooled, gasoline engine, delivering 810 hp. While the forward hull and turret were the same, the engine deck was significantly modified to make room for the new power plant. Large mufflers were added at the rear of each fenders. The Allison CD 850-1 cross drive transmission included in the new update package.
The first M46 Patton tanks belonging to the 6th Tank Battalion landed in South Korea on August 8, 1950. The tank proved superior to the much lighter North Korean T-34-85, which were encountered in relatively small numbers. By the end of 1950, 200 M46 Pattons had been fielded, forming about 15% of US tank strength in Korea. A total of 1,160 M46 tanks were produced; 800 M46 variants, and 360 M46A1 versions.
Specifications for the M46 Patton
Type: medium tank
Weight: 44 tons
Width: 3.51 m
Length: 8.48 m
Height: 3.18 m
Crew: 5 (commander, driver, assistant driver, gunner, loader)
Engine: 810hp, Continental AVDS-1790-5A V12, air-cooled, twin-turbo, gasoline engine
Maximum speed: 48 km/h
Range: 140 km
Weapons: one 90mm gun M3A1 with 70 rounds; one 0.5 in (12.27 mm) M2 machine gun; two .30cal (7.62mm) M1919A4 machine guns
Below, an M46 Patton right out the factory
Below, a M46 Patton, with camouflage, in Korea.
