07 May 2023

Rationalized

Michael asked about the little details being trivia and if it started to matter in the real world.

The M48A3, in addition to being a massive upgrade from a gasoline to diesel power plant was also a rationalization of the various versions of the thing.

Despite there being differences you could see, after an A3 conversion they all have the same sights, fire control, ammunition stowage, engine, track, controls...

Vehicles upgraded from the A1 standard had more return rollers, but they are the same roller as the A2, so no parts interchange problems.

Same same for vehicles upgraded to A5 standards.

Caveat: All of that applies to just the US versions of this.  Korea's M48A5 is a different conversion than ours.  They kept the cupola and .50 and added skirts.  But, I think, they used the same optics, engine and fire control upgrade we used...  The M68 gun upgrade is a kit, and we sold kits to anyone still using the M48.

The A5 upgrade package also gives a lot of commonality with the M60A1 RISE and M60A3.  Many nations used both the M48 and M60, so streamlining the parts chain is a significant savings.

Posted by Angus McThag at 15:10
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1 comment:

  1. Counter Jockey07 May, 2023 15:59

    The M48 series tanks have always just exuded cool to me. Especially the A3. I think a alt history where they hold fast against T-55s and T-52s at Fulda would be a fun read.

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