M47 and M48 Patton - USA: books - history, types and construction (1/2)

Patton - A History of the American Main Battle Tank (Volume 1)

Featuring hundreds of photos from the national archives, diagrams, and detailed specifications, this ambitious entry in R.P. Hunnicutt's 10-volume compendium of American tank history details the development of the Patton tanks, including the M60 series as well as other vehicles based on the tank chassis or employing other elements of the tank's design.
First developed in the period between WWII and the Korean War, various iterations of the Patton armored military vehicle have served as a crucial component of American military operations in all manner of engagements.
Hunnicutt spares no detail as he examines the origins and deployment of the M46 and M47 in the early days of the Cold War and for the duration of the Korean War. As the conflict escalated, increasing numbers of Patton tanks were deployed in Korea and many remained after the armistice to protect the tenuous agreement.

Developed to replace the M47 Patton and M4 Sherman, the M48 Patton main battle tank boasted a variety of technical improvements and was relied upon heavily throughout the Vietnam War, with over 600 individual tanks deployed alongside U.S. forces during the war. Hunnicutt provides detailed technical information about these vehicles and their role in the U.S. Army and Marines.
The M60 product-improved descendant of the Patton tanks and its many variations is also treated with exacting detail by Hunnicutt, who takes us through the numerous and important variations on the Patton design.

Spanning the history of America's most widely used main battle tank, Hunnicutt's "Patton" is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in the history of the American military.

M48 Patton - America's First 'Main Battle Tank'

NEW

The M48 Patton, introduced in 1952, remains operational in several major militaries, showcasing the enduring design and its evolution. Renowned for its speed, robust armor, and a potent 90 mm gun, the "Patton" stands as America's inaugural modern "main battle tank" (MBT). After frontline service cessation post-Vietnam War, surplus M48s found homes in foreign militaries, where some still operate today.

This pictorial guide presents a balanced collection of combat and detail photos, starting with the T48 prototype and progressing through chapters dedicated to the A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 versions. Additionally, a chapter delves into flamethrower variants, offering a comprehensive visual journey through the diverse iterations of the M48 Patton MBT.

M48 Patton - American Post-war Main Battle Tank

The M48 Patton main battle tank was one of the most successful and longest-serving designs produced in the United States, and it is a popular subject with tank modellers and enthusiasts.
When it came into service in 1949 it represented a significant advance on the Sherman and M47 which it replaced, and it formed the backbone of American armoured forces during the early years of the Cold War. It also saw combat in Vietnam, during the Indo-Pakistan wars and in the Middle East, in particular during the Iran-Iraq War.

So it is an fascinating subject for this volume in the TankCraft series. Archive photos of the M48 in service and extensively researched colour profile illustrations depict the tank throughout its operational life. A large part of the book showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales.
Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined and provide everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of the M48.

M47 and M48 Patton Tanks

With Cold War fears mounting, the M47 and M48 were rushed into production - teething troubles were inevitable. In the decade that followed, however, these tanks proved to be the backbone of US armoured units. In its lifetime, the Patton has played vital roles in three wars, including Vietnam, and has served with more than 25 nations; it has spawned derivatives such as the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge, an anti-aircraft variant, and has undergone diverse armament modifications.

This book provides a comprehensive view of the M47 and M48 Patton tanks, combining technical information with fascinating accounts of the performance, development and deployment of this battle-tested and truly international fighting machine.

Contents: Production - Operation of the M47 and M48 - Replacement and Retrofit - Operational Deployment.

Tank 90-MM Gun, M47 - Field Manual (FM 17-78)

The M47 Patton is an American medium tank, the second tank to be named after General George S. Patton, commander of the U.S. Third Army during World War II and one of the earliest American supporters of tanks in battle. It was a further development of the M46 Patton tank.
The M47 was the U.S. Army's and Marine Corps' primary tank, intended to replace the M46 Patton and M4 Sherman medium tanks. The M47 was the only Patton series tank that never saw combat while in United States service. Many different M47 Patton models remain in service internationally.

The M47 Patton was developed by the Detroit Arsenal, and entered production in 1951. Its main gun was the M36 (T119E1) 90-mm gun with an M12 optical rangefinder fitted. The secondary armament consisted of two .30cal Browning machine guns, one in the bow of the hull and one coaxial machine gun in the turret, and a .50cal Browning M2 on a pintle mount on the turret roof. The M47 was the last American designed tank to include a bow machine gun.

Created in 1955, this field manual reveals a great deal about the Tank, 90-mm Gun, M47's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those responsible for both learning and teaching its characteristics, it details many aspects of the M47's fire commands, firing duties, crew drill and service of the piece.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Tank 90-MM Gun, M48 - Field Manual (FM 17-79)

The M48 Patton is an American medium tank and the third and final tank to be named after Gen. George S. Patton. Patton, commander of the U.S. Third Army during World War II, was one of the earliest American proponents of tanks. The M48 was a further development of the M47, and served as the U.S. Army and Marine Corps's primary tank during the Vietnam War.

The M48 was a completely new tank design, and the last U.S. tank to mount a 90mm gun. Nearly 12,000 were built between 1952 and 1959. It was initially outfitted with a somewhat unreliable gasoline engine which, during the Arab-Israeli conflicts, proved vulnerable to conflagrations when hit by enemy fire.
Beginning in 1948, some units were upgraded to the M28A3 model which used a safer and more reliable diesel engine. In the mid-1970s improved M48A5 models were created which carried the 105mm gun. These served well into the 1980s with American forces and many continue in service today with foreign armies.

Created in 1955, this field manual reveals a great deal about the M48's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for training and operation, it details many characteristics of the tank, and explains in detail the fire-control instruments. Furthermore, it describes the firing duties, crew drills, and service of the piece.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.