The composite tank, developed by the Detroit Arsenal, was named M47 Patton and entered production in 1951. The final decision was to produce another interim solution, with the turret of the T42 mounted on the familiar hull of the M46. It was deemed that there was not enough time to finish the development of the T42 and fix various problems that were likely to emerge in a new design. However, after fighting erupted in Korea, the Army decided it needed the new tank earlier than planned. The M47 was the last US tank to have a bow-mounted machine gun in the hull.Īlthough a new power plant corrected the mobility and reliability problems of the M26 Pershing, the subsequently renamed M46 was considered a stopgap solution that would be replaced later by the T42 medium tank. Many different M47 Patton models remain in service internationally. Cold War allies, both SEATO and NATO countries, and was the only Patton series tank that never saw combat while in US service.Īlthough roughly similar (from a distance) to the later M48s and M60s, these were completely new tank designs.

Army and Marine Corps primary tank, intended to replace the M46 Patton and M4 Sherman tanks.

Super m48 main battle tank