The M46 Patton is an American medium tank designed to replace the M26 Pershing and M4 Sherman. It was one of the U.S Army's principal medium tanks of the early Cold War, with models in service from 1949 until the mid-1950s. It was not widely used by U.S. Cold War allies, being exported only to Belgium, and only in small numbers to train crews on the upcoming M47 Patton.
An American M46 Patton tank of the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War
M46 tank providing indirect fire support in Korea
M46 Dozer with M3 dozer conversion kit.
M46 Patton tank and crew passing through the village of Kumko, Korea, in September 1950.
A medium tank is a classification of tanks, particularly prevalent during World War II, which represented a compromise between the mobility oriented light tanks and the armour and armament oriented heavy tanks. A medium tank's classification is not actually based on weight, but off of tactical usage and intended purpose; for instance the German Panzerkampfwagen V Panther medium tank has a mass similar to contemporary Allied heavy tanks. The most widely produced, cost effective and successful tanks of World War II were all medium tank designs. Many of the medium tank lines became what are called main battle tanks in most countries.
A Soviet T-34-85 medium tank
The German Panzer IV medium tank proved to be an adaptable design which was progressively upgraded during the Second World War with extra armour and better guns fitted
Sherman medium tank from World War II, the workhorse of U.S. armoured forces
American M46 Patton medium tank in the Korean War.
