History
M48 Patton III
The M48 Patton III was the third in the line of tanks named after the World War Two American General George S. Patton. Entering service in 1953, the M48 replaced the rushed, but well serving, M47 Patton II, and was one of the last tanks in US military history to carry a 90mm main armament.The tank weighed about 50 tons, with armor of up to 110mm thick. The tank was powered by a 650 hp Continental AVSI-1790-6 V12, air-cooled twin-turbo gasoline engine. This would propel the tank to a speed of 30 mph (48 km/h).The tank served with the US Military up to the 1990’s, despite being mostly replaced by the next tank in-line, the M60. While in service, the M48 went through systematic upgrades including a new engine, internal systems and the eventual up-gunning with a 105mm gun.
Pilot, the T67
Flame Equipment
Hull Modifications
The introduction of the T7 Flamethrower turret and accompanying weaponry necessitated a number of minor, but important, modifications to the M48 hull. The depression angle of the M6 Flame Gun was greater than that of the 90mm gun main armament of standard M48’s, as such, the brush guards of the bow head lights were flattened to allow clearance. The ammunition racks for the 90mm ammunition on the left and right of the driver were removed and replaced by stowage bays for the storage of tools, spare parts for the flame equipment, and ammunition for the machine guns.The auxiliary engine muffler, which was located on the M48’s rear deck, was relocated to the right-rear fender. This was a preventative measure to give clearance to the flame-thrower fuel tank vent which protruded from the left-bottom of the turret bustle.
Standardisation, the M67
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The tank’s unofficial nickname name, “Zippo” (after the lighter brand, as stated in the introduction), is somewhat mysterious. Just like the M60A2 and it’s “Starship” name, a concrete source cannot be stated when this name came into use. It was likely given by the crews or infantry (Grunts to the USMC) that operated with the vehicle.
An article by Mark Nash
M67 ‘Zippo’ specifications |
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| Dimensions (L-W-H) | 20’10” x 11’9″ x 10’10” ft.in (6.4m) x 3.63m x 3.08m) |
| Total weight, battle ready | 48.5 tons (96 000 lbs) |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, Driver, Gunner) |
| Propulsion | Continental AVDS-1790-5A V12, AC Twin-turbo gas. 810 hp. |
| Transmission | General Motors CD-850-3, 2-Fw/1-Rv speed GB |
| Maximum speed | 30 mph (48 km/h) on road |
| Suspensions | Torsion bars |
| Range (Fuel) | 80 miles/130 km (878 Liters/ 232 US Gal.) |
| Armament | Main: M7-6 Flamethrower, 365 gallonso of fuel. Sec: 1 cal.50 M2HB (12.7 mm)+ 1 cal.30 (7.62 mm) coaxial Browning M1919A4 |
| Armor | Max: Nose glacis/turret 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Total Production | 109 |
