Evolution of M48 Patton Tank 1952 - 1987
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- The M48 Patton was rushed into service early in the Cold War to counter the Soviet T54/55 and went on to become the U.S.’s main battle tank in the Vietnam War. The M48 Patton series of tanks served the U.S. military from 1952 - 1987 and is still in service today in foreign militaries. This video views the development of the Patton T48, M48, M48A1, M48A2, M48A2C, M48A3, and M48A5 variants.
I first started out in the Army in 1985 as an M60A3 tanker. My first duty station was Böebligen, Germany, with the 2nd BN 37th AR 1st IDF.
By 1987, we transitioned to the M1IP. Everybody else in Germany already had the M1A1; we had a shit ton of 105mm rounds in storage leftover from the M60A3's.
When I left in '88, I went into the USAR at Ft. Huachuca, AZ to the 8th Bn, 40th Armor Regiment.
They were so happy and proud because they just got issued the M60A3 in 1987.
Thank God I went to S-3 and was issued a brand spanking new M113A3.
They had the M48's that most of the old NCO's and officers used in Vietnam.
All of us FNG's rolling in off active duty from Europe were crying about the M60A3 as being a dinosaur, and these SOBs were on an M48 just the year before.
Oh, the memories and good times. I went back on Active Duty in '89. It was one of the biggest regrets of my life, I wish like Hell, I would have stayed my ass in Ft. Huachuca, with my beloved 40th Armor.
Small correction, Böblingen*
You either say Boeblingen or Böblingen since oe is same as ö
My first duty station was Erlangen Germany. I was a 19K, but we still had M60A3's there for about 6 months before we turned them in. Then we got our M1A1's. Have to admit 60's were fun to drive.
My dad served on a m48 he was in Barstow California during Korean war we lost dad 11 years ago but he talked about be a tank comder on this tank and what a awesome machine it was thanks for the video about this tank God bless
I also trained in them at NTC in the 80s fun little tank
I’m so glad you guys are refurbishing the A-2. I really enjoyed seeing what the empty engine compartment looks like and how the fuel system is designed.
This Patton tank is nice. Iconic from 1960's WW2 movies.
This is one of the best videos on armor I've watched in a long time. Thank you for putting this together! I work at Ford's Livonia Transmission Plant in Michigan where Ford built hundreds of M48s in the early 1950's. The plant then built M151 Mutts before finally moving on to building transmissions and chassis parts for Ford vehicles, which we still do today. As you walk around the plant you will still find pictures in many offices of the early war production. There are even still some remnants of the tank test track located next to the plant which were later incorporated into the modern day vehicle test track.
M48a3 used extensively in Vietnam, is my favorite, Great video, Great channel..Keep it going
I served with the 8th MTB 34th armor in the early 60s, we started out with the M48A1 which we called "slicks" as the had no TCs cupola and a flat rear deck. We were glad to get the M482'S as we thought it a better tank and better for the driver. great fun to drive and shoot. I enjoyed your video very much!
B and D co. 1/72nd AR BN, Camp Casey, S. Korea 1984. Transition to div. 86. Was on M48A5 for a most of that tour. We retired these and were issued M60A3’s. Huge improvement.
“Raise up” Blacksheep!
Was 4-7 Cav at the time! Then in 90 when back on my 2nd tour, transition to the M1IP!!!!
Very, very interesting.
As a 10-year-old in 1965, I built the M48 Patton as my very first tank model. I believe it was a Revell, and John Steele painted the cover artwork. I'll never forget it. I was fascinated and mesmerized by that picture and wanted to paint like John Steele. That model was my pride and joy --- until I built the Panther.😊
Oh, by the way, so impressed was with this presentation, I subscribed.
Fond memories of my time at Ft. Belvoir as a Generator Mechanic instructor I had access to a M48A3 and a CEV where I could practice loading the Main guns and familiarize myself with the controls and where all the ammo was stored. Later in the Army reserves I was a 19D4H Armor Cav recruit instructor for 11 years using all the variants of the M113 and M901 ITV. I also taught the TOW and other antitank systems up to the Javelin. 27 plus years total service in the Army. The M48A3 had the all-around ring of vision blocks for the Commander. Some M48A3 had extra Machinegun mounts for the commander and loader. One other item I was briefed on was the carrying of large rolls of Chain Link fence and steel fence posts for Night defensive position setup in Nam. Very effective vs. B40 rockets and reasonably effective Vs RPG-7 by preventing fuze functioning 50% of the impacts and with 8-foot standoff reduced the chance of hull damage to close to zero. Lofted rounds from longer ranges still were a problem.
Great video. Your knowledge of the subtle differences between models is impressive. I absolutely love your delivery of the information and could listen to you expound on this subject for hours! A visit to this museum is now a bucket list item for me!
Great video, Dan -- and I like your pup. Thank you. You are a tank genealogist.
👍You 'da man. Thank you.
@@NMMV_USA Off topic -- If you have an extra 14 minutes, The Raven's Eye has an interesting "The Forgotten Veterans" video about the Tachikawa Air Disaster of 1953 you might like.
@@davidk7324 I will watch it. Thank you.
The very last M48A3 shown, besides being the original pilot model number one it also has M60 aluminum road wheels.
I didn’t realize that. Thank you.
I served 2 of my 5 tours to Korea on the M48A5's with Charlie 2d Tank (2d Bn 72d Armor) form Jan 82 to Jan 83 & Nov 83 to July 84 when we turned them in
for M60A3's! Ours were equipped with the Low Profile Cupola & the Mod Deuces for Korea with the M240 Coax & the crappy M60 Delta for the Loader.
Beautiful restorations! But I'm concerned the Right Side #6 Torsion Bar might be broken..... You may want to check it, it's sitting too high of the ground!
I was in C co for a short time then also. Came down on the E7 list and got transferred to A co to take over a platoon. Maybe we know each other.
I was in 1st tank October 83-October 84. D 1/72
@@Workerbee94 My first tour was '75-'76 C co. 1/72. I was on Strike Force Brady for the JSA Ax killing. I remember Dragon Valley and the 72 steps well.
@ Heard about that incident while there, and since of course. Crazy place, and a lifetime ago. Good ole Dragon valley! Brings back memories
@@Workerbee944-7 Cav, Camp Garry Owen April 83 to April 84!!!
Always wanted to see the inside of the little machine gun mini-turret...
Well.....
It's called a cupola.
Sergeants pronounced it 'coop-ah-low'
@N_Wheeler My TCs last name was Wheeler. He was the best soldier i ever came to know and serve with. Johnny Wheeler. 1-4CAV.
@@knighthawk7 my deal was 2/2 ACR in the M-1IP with training at Ft Knox in the M60A3, but all the 19K sergeants said 'coop-ah-low' for cupola.
Very nice and well explained presentation, cheers from indonesia 🍻
Nice review of the M48 series! There were so many tanks built and so many were later reconditioned or upgraded that one can make a hobby joust following M48 tanks 🙂 You certainly have a nice collection of vehicles and some neat rare birds.
I'm noticing that your presentation style is better than in past videos. Not sure what it is - more energy? Regardless, keep up the great work.
They say even an old dog can learn new tricks.
I love your videos. Excellent presentation, and just the right amount of specifics. Between the M46, M47, and now M48 videos you have made I am really falling in love with the American 90mm tanks.
I love these videos! Dan, your knowledge of these historic vehicles is truly impressive! I'm so happy UA-cam recommended your channel to me months back, keep them coming!
Awesome job
Served in a National Guard unit that had a mix of M48A5s and M60A1s. As a Cav unit we also had M151s with ROPS! The late 90’s were wild
Around 57-58 in the Fulda Gap, my father had a uploaded gaser 48 go up in flames refuleing. He said they replaced it with a diesel. Heck of a show I heard.
I never knew about this museum. I would love to visit someday!
Trained on M48A2s at Ft. knox, M48A3's in Nam and finished out on M60A1s at Ft. Carson.
I love this tank, it’s just a beautiful 50’s muscle car of a tank.
I spent a year of my life in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment driving an M 48 tank.
To me, the M48 tank is like an old friend, and it was well suited for its mission in Vietnam.
We had the M48a3 model and some M48a2c models with the gas engine. The M48a2c tanks had a small auxiliary generator that we called Little Joe.
Thanks for the video👍
Nice to see your head of security on duty. Hope Jeck is doing well. See you again in June, guys. Keep the videos coming. Thanks
Excellent and informative video from an obvious subject matter expert delivering a flawless presentation. Thank you for this video gem.
This was a great video. Thankd
Your presentations are so informative. Thanks for your dedication to this historical subject.
Great details on the differences in production
Another great an informative video. Keep up the good work plz.
I wasn’t aware that any M48A3s were new production. I was under the impression that they were all conversions of existing M48A1s and A2s.
That what I thought as well. I also read that A3's weren't accepted until 1963.
Awsome video. Some of this info I was aware, some I wasnt aware of. What a great museum. I really hope one day to an have opportunity to visit.
Great video. Good pacing, good use of historic video and exhaustive detail. I look forward to visiting the museum.
Just the cooling looking tank every created
Great detail on your tanks!
I was ten years old in 1974. My friends and I used to walk to the local NG armory which had two M48 tanks, two or three M113s, and a bunch of jeeps and trucks. We would sneak in and make our way to the tanks, climb in, and have a blast -for hours. It was a wet dream for a ten year old boy. We were never kicked out or even scolded. It was like we were invisible. They probably knew we were there but didn't care. Today, the armory is an ice skating rink
Great Video!
Thank you.
Great museum! Great video. Thank you.
I was an armored vehicle launched bridge tank with the M48 chassis. We were assigned to the Engineers. Really was very slow to place. Now the M1 AVLB utilizes the cantilever bridge. Boy how the times change. 20+ tears Combat Engineer...HOOAH!! Thanks for the video it was top notch. Regards, Bert from Bama.
Thanks, Bert from Bama!
Thank you for this.
I love the M48A5!!!! Is the A5 in the museum from the 172 Armored Bn, VTANG? That was my first unit.
In 1973 I had a buddy in 1st tanks at Pendleton. He had an RVN war vet M48. He showed me where a RPG had hit the front hull and the Marines had…just welded it and painted it over
Very eloquent and informative presentation.
We still had M48A5 in the NJARNG 50TH Armor Div, in 1988, i was 11C in HHC 3/102nd AR Bn, i used to dress up in Red Dawn camo jumpsuit, run around with a 5.56 Norinco 84S underfolder AKM, shooting blanks at the tanks for school demos.
Looks like your M48c has a broken #6 right side torsion bar. It has aluminum roadwheels, some with missing wear plates. I was at t Carson in the early 80's on M60A1's and we put steel roadwheels and aluminum on our tanks as long as you did not mix them on the same hub. In the early 90's at Ft Knox. Road wheels were hard to come by. So, we would put the steel roadwheels on our M1A1's as long as it was on the same hub. The steel wheels from the M48/ M88 had a larger diameter than the Aluminum roadwheels from the M60's as the Aluminum roadwheels on the M1' had a different diameter.
Hearing the large number of tanks delivered before discovering that amount of problems makes me want someone make a video that adress if its better to have a shorter development time with some time for alterations during production or as it seems to work today with engineers trying to figure out all eventual problems in the design phase. The infantry support vehicle M10 must be the first new designed tracked vehicle with a main gun since the 70s?
This approach might work fine for ground vehicles, probably not so much for aircraft.
Also I loved that video and was wondering how the TC loaded that 50 cal in that mini turret when it was closed?
I've always liked the M48, especially the A5, thanks for the video..
Another wonderful video, thank you for all the effort you put into the writing and the narration, not to mention the videography and the doggy. Speaking of which, how come your museum doesn't have a cat named "Sgt. Mouser" to keep the mice at bay so they don't chew on the wiring in the engine compartments?
I was with the 1/10 Cav at Ankhe VN. I was nigh time A/L RTO so in the mornings I was available and they ask me to ride shotgun on the fuel truck that serviced the equipment that secured the bridges and 3 firebases bases on QL-19. I ended up in the Commo Platoon so it was handy knowing the guys on the outside positions. I was with 4th Infantry for 6 months with 1/14 inf bn and 14 of us went to the 1/10 CAV and stayed in Ankhe when the 4th went home. I learned lot about the tanks while doing this job. The M-48 was a Tough and Reliable Tank, in commo our remote home was the 577 commo track.
Sounds almost like that when the M47 was to the M48 what the M3 Lee was to the M4 Sherman
You failed to mention the important fire control improvements to the M48 series. The M48A5 had a stabilized main gun fire control system. I should know, I was a test and development engineer in the Hydraulic design department with Chrysler Defense.
Fascinating, how effective was the system? If memory serves, the stabilization on Centurion Mk3 was only accurate out to around 500m at moderate speed.
The closest we ever got to see a M48A4 is the CM11 Brave Tuger but that is the inverse of what the A4 was going to be
I was in Korea in 1979 when we turned in our M60's and picked up the M48A5. B Co. 2/72 Armor.
We were in the Cowboy Cafe last Summer and my wife suddenly sat up with a startled look on her face. I turned but didn't see anything, so I asked her what happened. She replied, "I think I just saw a tank go by on the back of a tractor trailer and it had a bridge on top." I was a bit concerned but after seeing this video I feel a little better about the whole incident. 🙂
She saw us relocating the M48 AVLB from the museum site to our restoration shop in anticipation of shooting our AVLB video.
@@NMMV_USA That makes sense now. We'll be staying in Dubois about 5 weeks at the end of next Summer so I plan on taking my time and really seeing all of the museum.
I think some M48A5 tanks also went to West Germany. I was stationed there in the 2nd ACR (L Trp 3/2 ACR) 81-83, and our sister unit (123rd Panzer Bde) was equipped with the what seemed to be the M48A5. However, it is unclear if these were upgraded by the US or by West Germany, as they were also still gas (not diesel) powered tanks. They were 105mm gunned though. We had the M60A3 with the TTS sight.
I was in 1/2ACR in 83-85. Im pretty sure what you saw were German M48s.
M48 my beloved
i've read somewhere that the driver's hatch could be pushed closed, by the turret, on an unwary driver - ouchies
Excellent
There were a bunch of M48A5s along with M60s at Kaiserslautern Area Depot, rows upon rows of ready to go tanks used to drive by them at least once a week in the mid 80s.
Would be interesting to see the inside of the M1 enclosed cupola, and how much room the commander has to work with a 50 in there.
I believe The Chieftain has an internal tour of a USMC M1A1
Definitely My Cup Of Tea
82 to 83 I was a crewman on m48a5 in Korea one of the best tank I miss my tank c14 1/72 armor Dragon Valley
I was in dragon valley for part of my tour. 10/83-10/84.
B 1/72. Transition to div 86 and moved to D company.
@@Workerbee94
I hoped some one else would chime in brother I was in C company on platoon sagents tank I was a gunner
@@jackmorrow427same here brother! Hoped I’d come across a fellow tanker from 1st tank! Miss the old days
The last comment in this video saying the last of the M 48A5’s were retired in 1987 is slightly incorrect as the national guard unit I was with up until January 1988 still had M48A5at what had then been known as Fort Devens. I was with Bco 1/110 armor until January 1988 and when I left, our tanks will still park and in use at Devon’s. It was only until a month and a half later after I left to go active duty to Germany that I had found out that all of the M48A5s assigned to the 110th armor were being replaced with M 60A3’s and the unit was going to become cavalry from armor pure.
Thx. Another example of the difference between the book world and the real world.
@
It happens. No biggie. Oddly enough, I work at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts as a volunteer.
Working in the same town, I started my military career in.
Ah yes, the thing of beauty, my fav tank. It is nice seeing the details so I can identify them now. You know, I used to really like that beak but turns out after playing sims for so long, it basically provides a flat angle at every angle. In ways these are even worse than pike noses because they have two flat plates and you having gun depression pretty much would eliminate the armor advantage except for maybe head on. But the Patton just welcomes at all angles, depending on if the shot doesn't deviate so much. M103 kinda the same too. Weak spot under the gun mantlet though, that is a wide flat area, not sure if I would rather have the shot trap so it only kills driver or the shot going straight into the turret. Sad they made them stick to the 90mm due to too much ammo back stock. I mean we supplied all the UN with these 90mm guns and they still had to many. lol.
Guess it didn't really matter all that much in the grand scheme of things considering air was so powerful. T 54 had similar turret issues, where it is flat enough around the mantlet, though I guess we only saw 34-85s for the most part.
Looks like the M41 ended up taking on the 54s the most which is wild.
Crazy how things played out there.
Thanks for this great review! Awesome collection you have there! If youre cold their cold bring them inside! lmao JK
As a Vietnam-era child, I saw a lot of M48 footage, especially from Vietnam. A notable feature was the RISE(?) cupola ring intended to give the TC better visibility, so I was a bit surprised that none of your tanks had this. Were they removed after the war? Not complaining, just noting.
I remember the national guard in Hemet , CA. had a m - 48 with a 105 cannon on it , 1979 .
What model designation is that very good dog?
The dog is officially designated a purebred M German Shepard.
@NMMV_USA West German Shepherd judging by the Armor he's patrolling around!
Bravo.
After I got out of the army in 1981, I join the California National Guard unit that had him 48A fives hazard tags when we go out to Barstow California for training.
My 1st tank I served on was the M48A5 that 105mm made the turret cramped and loading HEAT rounds was interesting
Can you do a video about the dog please?
His agent won’t make the pup available.
The cupola on that M48A3 looks like the cupola from the M103. ? If not, it’s very similar.
Another Great Video! Do you guys happen to have a M8 High Speed Tractor / Prime Mover?
No M8 HST. We have a video in the works about our M4 HST that will be out sometime soon.
@ There is a kat somewhere over in Europe that has a fully restored and functional one. He’s got a couple videos here on youtube. As far as I know, it’s the only one. I’ve never ran into one at a museum either. Allis-Chalmers only built like 500 of them, so I imagine they are hard to come by.
I operated an M48A5 AVLB at Fort Leonard Wood in 1997.
Now I need a m60 video
....'My' tank in Germany (8 Nov 7 - 18 Jul 74...4/35 Armor 'Iron Horsemen') was the M60 series...the M47 was a ubiquitous target on the ranges of Grafenwohr...during that time...
I think Elvis Presley as a tanker in one of these M48s in Germany in the late 1950s during his time when he was drafted in the Army for 2 years service.
Unreal…
😳
Starting from which variant did the fire control system received the superelevation actuator?
Fantastic video explaining the different variants of Pattons.
Does the Museum have an M60 Patton?
I'm surprised that the first Patton, that Mrs. Patton christened isn't at the Patton Museum.
Can you do a video showing the difference between a regular Patton and the bridge laying Patton.
Yes we have two M60s, one as a monument outside our main entrance and one that we regularly drive. We already have a video on our UA-cam channel covering the M48 AVLB, detailing the modifications, deploying it, driving vehicles over it, and recovering it. Check it out.
@NMMV_USA I definitely will. Despite being a Navy veteran, I have been fascinated by tanks all my life.
I think museums like yours, that have working, running tanks, are crucial to capturing the attention of young people. I think those tanks may inspire future historians, engineers or Armor crew members.
How hard is it to restore an m48? also are museum visitors allowed to drive it? Id pay good money if the museum offered a drive for it.
Yes we offer tank drives from time to time as special events. Watch our Facebook page for this kind of news.
M48A5 was used in Korea from 79 to 84! Was with 4-7 Cav in 83-84 then! 84 we transition to M60A3!
Thank you for the video. This is very informative on the distinctions between every version of M48. Do you have sources for the production numbers for the different versions? In particular, how do we know it was 893 original T48 which were converted into M48 (or is this the case actually)?
Yes we have sources for everything. We do a lot of research to get ready for each video, using a combination of secondary and primary sources. The challenging part is when the sources do not agree. When that happens, we cross reference additional sources until we have high confidence on which facts are correct.
The Israelis made great use of the M48
I need to come back to the Museum.
If the m48 in your Veitnam display is driveable, why does it have what looks like permanent jack stands on the front? Is the m48 in front of your Museum drive able?
We say our tanks are drivable because we restore them to driving condition, including the M48A1 outside in front of the museum. When we display them, we remove the fuel, oil, and battery, so each one needs some TLC to drive again after sitting a period of years. Only 229 of my 500 vehicles are on display inside the museum. Others are kept in a parade building to use in parades and other driving events. I can’t remember why the M48AC has jack stands in front. Others have pointed out it seems to have a broken torsion bar. We must have used the jack stands to improve the visual of the display.
@NMMV_USA How hard is it to get torsen bars? I changed a broken one on a M270A1 when I was in Korea, and it was not very hard from what I remember. Granted an M270A1 is probably half the weight of an M48. The track links weight twice what they do on an M270A1. I retired from the army in 2018 I really miss it. Most of my Active duty time was spent flying shadow 200 UAV's.
I entered the army in 82 and trained on the M60 A1. Did training in Ft. Drum NY on thecM48A5. Comparing the two the 48 was the faster.
I watch a video years ago and Vietnam has captured m48 in storage, don't know if there for sell or have been scrap.
Was there a ventilator on the enclosed commander's coupala to get rid of the gun gases from the 50 cal?
Good question. Not that I know of. does someone out there who operate the M48A3 ha e a definite answer?
I'll ask my old man tomorrow @@NMMV_USA
I think it relied on the sole ventilator fan at the left rear of the turret
The Israelis found out (the hard way) that the raised cupola of the M48/M60 series could be blown off by even glancing blows from hostile shot, cleanly removing the TC's head in the process.
That dog loves you.
We do everything together. Even make UA-cam videos 🙂
The early M-48s had a reputation as gas guzzlers and had already been overtaken by the T-54 with better gun, small compact size and better agility. The 90mm gun was really an antique, first used on the M-26 in 1944. It was not improved all that much during its service and it was doubtful it could penetrate the frontal armour on T-54. The M-60 was a big improvement with British L7 105mm gun.
The 90mm with modernized ammunition was sufficient in most expected combat engagements. Post-war HVAP rounds were capable of achieving - at the very least - mission kills on contemporary tanks at all engagement ranges and later readily-available HEAT-FS rounds further equalized the difference. An engagement between T-55 and M48 would result in a victory in whoever fired first and hit first, so measuring the guns side by side is largely moot.
The 90mm was getting old, sure, but it was usable and sufficient until its replacement. It did have an advantage in a slightly higher rate of fire than 105mm L7-equipped M48A5s or 1st gen M60s.
can you search about the Greek army M 48 A5 MOLF ?
was there a CEV version of the M48?
Good old logic of the US Vehicle Numbering system... Lets call the flawed weakly armoured M48s M48C. And lets call the upgraded variant of the M48A2 the M48A2C.
You'd have thought they would have chosen different letters to mark the fact a hull is effectively unarmoured from a vehicle that has been upgraded.
👍
Are any of the tanks on static display going to be runners?
We keep our dedicated runners in a separate building from the tanks on static display. We have to remove the fuel, oil, and batteries from tanks displayed in the museum. Our runners are kept ready to go and started up from time to time.
Is there an M60 Video to come too?
Yes, but not yet scheduled.
Hooray, thanks 👍🏻
A video about the M88 and its variants would be very interesting too
A video about the M88 and its variants would be very interesting too