M-46 GENERAL PATTON

In 1950, all Army M-26 Pershings were upgraded and converted to M-46 Pattons, most at Tokyo Ordnance Depot, then shipped back to korea. It was very sad that, when the Chinese intervened and the United Nations forces had to retreat, brand new M-46s on railroad cars on the way to the troops, had to be destroyed where they sat, to prevent capture.  Tanks made as M-46s normally did not have the metal stowage rack on the right side of the turret, whereas those converted from M-26s kept them. There was one modification of the M-46 in moving the driver’s instrument panel from the center between the driver and bow gunner, positions to the right side of the driver.  These M-46s were designated M-46A1 and had no external difference.

Radios for the M-46 included earlier models with the WW II SCR-508 which had a range of 7miles stationary.  Later, the newer AN/GRC-3 radios were installed which extended the range to 15 miles stationary and 10 miles moving. The new “angry 3” radios were much easier to operate and eliminated the older set with  80 crystals and slower tubes.

The M-46 Patton was used by the USA only in Korea.  M-46s were arriving in Korea in numbers by late 1950.  The first unit issued and to use the M-46 was the 6^th Tank Bn of the 24^th Division and was one of the units to sport the gaudy tiger face paint of Operations Ripper and killer in April-May of 1950. Many incorrect models of the M-26 Pershing are made and painted with the tiger face. But for historic accuracy, NO Pershing ever wore the tiger face. The M-46 Patton was replaced in Korea in the summer 1958 by the M-47 Patton II.  A number of M-46s were sold to Turkey and a limited number to Belgium.

Technical Data;

Weight; 48.6 tons

Armament, 90mm gun M-3A1,

2 Browning cal 30 M-1919A4 machine guns (coaxial and bow)

1 cal Browning cal 50 HB M-2 for the commander.

Engine;  Continental 810 HP AV-1780 V-12 with Allison CD-850 Transmission

Speed;  30 mph

Fuel; 233 gallons in two tanks.  Operating range; 80 miles.

Crew; Five; , Commander, gunner, loader, driver. bow gunner.

Armor; Mantlet; 4½ inches

Bow; 3 inches sloped to have the effect of 7 inches.

Turret sides; 3 inches

Hull;  3 inches front, 2 inches rear.