Disclaimer: There is already a suggestion for the M48A5; however, that version is an experimental version that was a testbed for a stabilizer. The version suggested here does not feature any stabilization and is the actual production variant.
Before the Korean War, the US Army decided that it wanted to improve upon the M47’s design. They wanted to eliminate the shot traps created by the turret and improve the hull armor. The result eventually led to a brand new tank that barely resembled the M47 from the front; the tank was designated the M48. The M48 had many issues, and it went through several changes that were aimed at improving its reliability. The M48 served with the US and many other NATO countries in Europe and the US Army and Marine Corps in Vietnam. While it looked similar to the M46 and M47, it was a completely redesigned tank with a new hull, turret, and improved suspension.
The main part of the m48 that was modified over the years was the engine. The M48 and M48A1 had a flat engine deck that housed a gasoline engine; however, from the -A2 onwards, the engine was swapped over to diesel instead due to the decreased fire risk. The M48A3 was used in Vietnam to fill a variety of roles, such as protecting troops and supply convoys. And later models, such as the -A5, served until the 1980s.
The M48A4’s were several prototype M48’s. They were built off of M48A3 Hulls and were modified to mount the M60’s turret that included a 105mm cannon, this gave the Patton a greatly improved punch compared to its original 90mm cannon. The turrets were planed to be taken from the surpluses M’60s that were planned to have their turrets upgraded to the M60A2’s low profile turret. However this version was never put into significant production due to the “failure” of the M60A2. Later on, in 1975, the m48’s 105mm gun was revisited, and the M48 was finally modernized to include a 105mm cannon in an M60 turret resulting in the M48A5 Patton III.
The M48A5 never saw combat use, as it was almost entirely relegated to the US Army National Guard for training purposes within the US, although it was used in a few international training exercises as well. However, several other countries have created their own version of the “M48A5” on their own, including Israel, Spain, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, and West Germany. There are also unconfirmed reports that the US shipped M48A5s to Israel.
Currently, the M48A1 is lackluster in terms of features and is not played by many players due to it being an optional vehicle that is not necessary to play in order to progress. If the M48A5 were to be added to War Thunder, It would likely be placed at the 8.0 BR range due to its turret being identical to the M60, also placed at 8.0. It would help to fill in the lack of US vehicles seen at the 8.0 battle rating. (currently, there are only four, with two of them being premiums/events)
The introduction of the M48A5 would also help to bring equipment to the US Tech tree that currently is seen on very few vehicles for the US. There is also the fact that its BR would likely be set at 8.0 due to it being nearly identical to the premium Magtech 3 that was removed from the US when Israel was introduced into the game.
The m48A5 was one of the lesser-known variants of the m48, it featured the M68 105mm cannon mounted in an M60 turret that was placed upon a modified M48A3’s Hull. Its mobility was unaffected in terms of top speed (acceleration was possibly affected). The M48A5 was fitted with an M1 cupola (the same one seen on the current M48A1) and was fitted with an M2 BMG 12.7mm machine gun. The m48A5 was also armed with an M37 7.62mm coax machine gun.
The M48A5 was one of the most capable Patton III variants in the world, it was able to be mounted with an M8 bulldozer kit, giving it the ability to create defensive positions and lowering its visible profile. The M48A5 was also capable of mounting an infrared spotlight that would allow for the m48 to operate at night without having to use its headlights.
Designation: M48A5
Amount produced: Approx. 2570 (upgraded from previous models 1975-1979)
Mobility
Top speed: 30mph/48kph on paved flat ground
Hp: 750 hp at 2400 rpm
Crew: 4
Weight: 49.01 tons (rounded up to the nearest hundredth)
Fuel amount: 1420 L
Turning radius: none (neutral steering)
Weaponry
This section pertains to ammunition and detailed specifications on the turret, And the stats shown are based on fully researched with all modifications unlocked with crew level not being accounted for.
M68 105mm (unstabilized)
Ammo types:
APDS- Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (M39A2)
HEATFS- High Explosive Anti-Tank Fin Stabilized (M456)
HESH- High Explosive Squash Head (M393A2)
Smoke- Smoke (shell name unknown)
Turret:
Horizontal traverse: 360 degrees ( 16.8 degrees a second)
Frontal vertical traverse: -9 to 19 degrees (2.8 degrees a second)
Rear vertical traverse: Unknown to 19 degrees (2.8 degrees a second)
rear downwards vertical traverse is limited due to the raised engine deck
12.7mm Machine gun mount:
Ammo: 180 rounds (900 total)
Horizontal traverse: 360 degrees ( 16.8 degrees a second)
Vertical traverse: -15 to 60 degrees (10.5 degrees a second)
M219 7.62mm coax:
Ammo: 250 rounds (6000 total)
traverse: None (follows the rotation of the turret)
Armor
Front hull: 101-120mm
Front turret: 110mm
Sides turret: 76mm
Sides hull: 51-76mm
Bottom: 63mm
Top turret: 25mm
Top: hull: 57mm
- Yes
- No
- Yes folder it with the m47/m48
- No it should be on its own
Sources:
90mm Gun Tank M48 Patton 48 (lists the technical manual in the references but I am unable to find a free version of the TM anywhere)
The technical manual number: TM 9-2350-258-10 C5
Janes Armor and Artillery Upgrades 2002 (thanks to Armen Lozone, see his comment for that info here: M48A5, The Patton III with a bite! (suggestion draft))
