M47 Patton Tank

M47 Patton Tank. . In the late 1940s, the U.S. Army was planning the replacement of its aging world war two-era M4, M26 and M46 tanks with an innovative design called the T42. However, development problems delayed the project and with the Korean War raging in 1950, the Army was forced to halt the project and rush an interim tank into service. By combining the existing M46 Patton hull with the stalled T42's turret, the M47 Patton was created. Quickly placed into production in 1951, the M47 began service with American Army and Marine units a year later., The main armament of the M47 was the familiar 90mm gun used on the M46. Two .30 caliber machine guns were mounted, one in the bow and the other coaxially mounted with the main gun; a .50 caliber machine gun was mounted on the turret roof. Weighing just over 45 tons, the M47 was powered by a 12-cylinder gasoline engine developing 700 horsepower, allowing a top speed of 30 MPH. The turret had a unique, narrow profile with sloping armor giving it superior ballistic protection for the five-man crew: driver, assistant driver, loader, gunner and commander., Approximately 8,500 M47 Pattons were built not only for the Army and Marines but also for 20 other Allied nations. The United States declared its M47s obsolete by 1960, but it served for decades longer with other countries. Although the M47 never saw combat with American troops, it did see action with other nations during the Suez Crisis, the Six Day War, and the Iran-Iraq War., This presentation is made possible through the generous support of those who join us in honoring all Americans who have served.