The M48 Patton is an American 1st generation main battle tank (MBT), part of the M46-M60 family of vehicles that were the main tanks of the US Army during the Korean and Vietnam War. In 1951, the M-47 tanks were replaced with a more modern design, but the multitude of technical problems prevented the project from being implemented quickly. Finally, in 1953, the first version of the new M-48 entered service, replacing the reliable but obsolete M-47. Serial production was carried out in the years 1952-1959, during which more than 12,000 tanks of this type were produced. One of the most widely produced versions during this period was the gasoline-powered M48A2C. After 1959, the M48A3 with a diesel engine took its place. The M-48A and its later versions were exported to nearly two dozen customers, and many nations still use the M-48 as their base tank. Israel is an example here, where these tanks, after many modifications, function alongside the Merkava. Many of them are expected to start implementing M-48 modernization programs, as has South Korea. Improvements to the Korean version include on strengthening the side armor or introducing a fire targeting system at night. It is also distinguished by a wind sensor mounted at the rear of the turret. M-48 was attended by min. in the Vietnam War, in the Pakistan-India War of 1965 and in the Six Day War. In the battles on the Sinai was outclassed by the Egyptian T-34 and T-54. Technical data: length: 9.3 m, width: 3.65 m, height: 3.1 m, weight 45 t, engine power (diesel engine): 750 HP, speed: 48 km / h, armament (version M48A3): M41 gun cal. 90mm, 1 M2 Browning machine gun cal.12.7mm and 1 machine gun M73 cal.7.62mm.
