The M46 Patton was a modified WW2-era M26 Pershing.The M46 Patton is classified as a medium tank and can further be classified as a 'stop-gap' measurement to the next generation of US tank engineering. The M46 Patton was basically a modernized M-26 Pershing Heavy Tank from World War Two with the M46 originally designated as the M26E2), utilizing the same drive train as the M4 Shermans.
The M46 Patton featured an upgunned 90mm main gun (M3A1) with single baffle muzzle break and was fitted with telescopic fire control systems and round transmission access covers. The braking system, transmission and steering system was comprised of one unit.
The M46 Patton saw action in the Korean War conflict, and proved superior to the Soviet-made T-34/85's fielded by North Korea. The system proved popular with its crews but arrived late in the war, making it ideal for use in defensive positions (only about 200 M46 Pattons saw service there).
The system would eventually see a short life, being retired from service in 1957.
The M46 Patton was named after famed US World War Two General George S. Patton, Jr., and would be the beginning of the Patton-series of tanks that would go on to include the M47, M48 and M60-series.
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