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.
The M48A4’s were several prototype M48’s. They were built off of M48A3 Hulls and were modified to mount the M60’s turret, this gave the Patton a greatly improved bite. The resulting production model was named the M48A5 Patton III. 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 the premium Magtech 3 that was removed from the US when Israel was introduced to the game, as the Magtech 3 is almost identical to the M48A5 in appearance with the major changes being in its engine, the lack of smoke grenades on the M48A5, and the roof mounted machine gun.
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 an 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.
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)
M37 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)
