The M48A5PI, or “M48A5 Production Improvement,” was a designation used temporarily for M48A5 tanks that received several significant upgrades to improve their combat capabilities. These improvements were driven by the increasing obsolescence of the earlier M48 tank models and aimed to bring the M48A5 closer in line with the capabilities of newer tanks like the M60 series.
Key Features:
The large M1 cupola, a signature feature of earlier M48 tanks, was replaced with a low-profile model designed by Israel’s Urdan Associated Steel Foundries.
The M48A5PI was equipped with the 105mm M68 gun, the same gun used on the M60 tank, replacing the older and less effective 90mm gun.
The tank commander and loader were equipped with M60D machine guns, replacing the previous .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun for the commander.
Ammunition stowage for the main gun was increased from 43 to 54 rounds
Older M48A5 tanks were retrofitted with these features over time, and the M48A5PI designation was eventually dropped, standardizing the entire fleet under the M48A5 name.
The M48A5PI served as a bridge between the older M48 and the more modern M60 tanks. By incorporating the 105mm gun and other advanced features, the M48A5PI extended the service life of the M48 platform, allowing it to remain relevant on the battlefield. http://afvdb.50megs.com/usa/m48patton.html
According to Wikipedia, the Royal Thai Army operates a fleet of 105 M48A5 main battle tanks.
The Thai Army has conducted field training with the M48A5 tanks using the FCS-10 fire control system, which was repaired and upgraded by Thai engineers and local companies. This system includes laser rangefinders, ballistic computers, day and night observation systems, turret controls, gun stabilization (STAB), and hydraulic and electrical systems. Similar upgrades were made to the M60A1 tanks. By maintaining and upgrading these systems domestically, Thailand reduces reliance on foreign support and saves over 3 billion baht compared to purchasing new fire control systems for the M48A5, M60A1, M60A3, and Type 32 tanks.
It seems this modernized variant has no specific designation, and since the upgrades are primarily internal, it is difficult to distinguish an upgraded vehicle from the outside.
“True AP rounds, though a rarity, were available to the gun. Field reports of their use are unavailable, though a technical booklet concerning the guns ammunition types can be found. (See Links & Resources section)”
First one is the base vehicle at 7.3 and 7.7 RB/AB.
Japan has a few 7.3 vehicles and a dozen of 6.7 vehicles are powerful enough to support it, but it still needs a SPAAG. It would not been the case if the Type 87 RCV P was not stupidly placed at 7.7 and being useless.
For the upgraded vehicle i could see it placed at maybe 8.0 given the lack of radar like the Type 87 AW and weaker firepower.
Although the vehicle is technically unmanned given the gunner is below the turret unlike the original M163 or Machbet + thermal imaging sight so it could be at a higher BR.
Also here are a complilation of mobile SAM options.
Swedish RBS 70, British Starstreak HVM & Russian Igla-S
Absolutely, tech tree BR gaps are far too big for alot of nations and Japan is definitely one of them. Be nice to see it get a proper sub tree along with France so they can be filled out in areas desperately needed.
