M46 Patton

{{BlitzTankData|Tank=M46_Patton
|It is the evolution of the [[M26 Pershing]]. The Patton is slower compared to its tier 9 medium tank counterparts, but its maneuverability and powerful 105mm T5E1M2 gun make this tank a pretty hard target to kill. Even though this tank doesn't have enough armor to take direct hits without damage, its frontal turret position and quick acceleration, combined with its low gun dispersion, allow it to be one of the true masters of creating protection though exploiting the surroundings. By effectively determining when to take on targets or shots of opportunity while focusing on best supporting the team as a whole through the Patton's strengths, the determined player is a positive force on the team's odds of success. Compared to its tier 9 medium tank counterparts, the Patton is an exploiter and force multiplier, able to effectively boost the sight-lines of other tanks and deliver critical punishment at key times.

The M46 Patton is scheduled for minor rebalancing in the 9.2 patch

|Sidebar_GunAlt= 105mm T5E1M2
|Sidebar_Camostop=13.40
|Sidebar_Camomove=10.30
|Sidebar_Camofire=2.90
|Sidebar_Passhard=1.055
|Sidebar_Passmed=1.247
|Sidebar_Passsoft=2.014
|Sidebar_DispTurret=0.096
|Sidebar_DispRecoil=3.836
|Sidebar_DispAccel=0.105
|Sidebar_DispTurning=0.105

|InTheGame_pros=
* Great view range
* Decent acceleration
* Excellent DPM with high alpha for a medium
* Very good gun depression and gun dispersion values
* Good mobility

|InTheGame_cons=
* Paper thin armor
* Below average aimed accuracy
* Mantlet armor on both turrets that does not lend itself to exploitation - too thin (stock) or too small and too thin (upgraded)
* Stock grind is almost 150k xp of uselessness unless one is willing to use a large amount of gold on free xp

|InTheGame_performance= In many ways the M46 Patton is basically a M26 Pershing with a much better gun and slightly better mobility.  Just like the Pershing, it could excel as a flanker, support, sniper (not as good sniper as the Pershing because of the mediocre accuracy on the 105) and brawler.  Use your superior reload time to shoot heavier tanks (like E-75 or IS-8) twice while only taking one shot yourself.  Use your higher alpha to outgun opponents such as the T-54 with a lower alpha.  Use your depression and come out of a hill, aim, take a shot, and back off to reload.  Just don't expect to lead charges in this tank, because people tend to shoot the Patton first since they know how thin the armor on the Patton is.

Just like the M26 Pershing, the Patton 46 can passive scout, except even better. With 410m view range (2nd highest in-game) and increased mobility, the Patton 46 can even scout aggressively. Of course one should only put this plan to action once most enemies have been knocked out. In addition, this tactic is not viable if you are the top tier and only a few allied tanks remain. Unfortunately, because of the   500m view range limit, Coated Optics are more useful, as you will get more out of your exceptionally good view range.

|InTheGame_research=
* The 90 mm Gun T15E2M2, Continental AV-1790-1 Engine, and SCR 528 Radio carry over from the M26 Pershing. Unfortunately, only the engine and radio can be mounted immediately.
* If you don't mind sticking with the stock gun for a while, the Continental AV-1790-5A Engine provides a boost in power for no extra weight. If you would rather mount a larger gun, save this engine for later.
* Research the M46T81 Suspension in order to mount the better gun.
* From here, research the 105 mm Gun T5E1M2 for extra damage and penetration, the M46T119 Turret for higher view range (keep in mind that the front armour is slightly worse than that of the stock turret), or the top engine (assuming you haven't already researched it).

|InTheGame_equipment=
Tank Gun Rammer, Vertical Stabilizer, GLD, Camouflage Net, Coated Optics,


|InTheGame_Equipment_Builds=
The Patton can be specialized to fill many roles. With its great view range and DPM, the best combination is either Rammer+VStab+Vents for maximum brawling ability or VStab+Optics+Vents for an active scout and harasser. Likewise, Rammer+VStab+Optics allows it to be a very balanced tank that responds to most situations.

|Gallery=
image:M46_Patton_001.jpg 
image:M46_Patton_002.jpg
image:M46_Patton_003.jpg
image:M46_Patton_004.jpg

|History=
The limited use of the [[M26 Pershing]] at the end of World War II led US forces to believe they had the basis for a successful tank design. However, the tank did not meet the requirements laid forth by the Ground Forces Equipment Review Board in 1945. The key complaint with the Pershing, was that it was underpowered. The M26 used the same drive train as the M4 series.  With the increased weight of the Pershing, it was an inevitable conclusion that a new power plant was needed.

A new engine, the Continental Motors AV-1790-1 V-form, 12-cylinder, water-cooled, gasoline engine was combined with a newly designed General Motors CD-850-1 cross-drive transmission. This power plant provided 740 hp, a somewhat limited increase in power. The novel design of this unit was it acted as a transmission, braking system, and steering system all in one unit. In addition to this modification, a bore evacuator was added to the M3A1 90mm tank gun, along with a single baffle muzzle brake. Certain other changes were made, including an M83 telescopic fire control system, and round transmission access covers.

In essence, the Patton was basically a modernized Pershing. Originally designated the M26E2, the tank was accepted into service as the Medium Tank M46. It was given the nickname "Patton" in honor of the great World War II general George S. Patton, Jr.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, the tank was rushed into action alongside its M26 cousin to combat the [[T-34-85|North Korean T-34-85s]].

The first M46 entered US service in late 1949.  The tank saw action in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, where it proved superior to the Russian T-34-85.  About 200 M46 were used by the US forces in Korea.  The M46 was retired from US service in 1957. It was exported only to Belgium, and only in comparatively small numbers.

|HistoricalGallery=
image:M46patton_koreanwar.JPEG‎{{!}}M46 Patton in Korean war
image:Patton_in_Korea.jpg{{!}}USMC Patton in Korea
image:M46_koreanwar.jpg{{!}}M46 Patton in Korea
image:Patton-a1.JPG{{!}}M46 Patton in museum Vukovar, Croatia
image:Patton-aa.jpg{{!}}M46 Patton in warehouse Zagreb, Croatia

|Ref_references=


|Ref_sources=

Forty, G., 2007, '''<i>The World Encyclopedia of Tanks & Armoured Fighting Vehicles - An Illustrated History Of The World's Most Important Tanks and AFVs From The Beginning Of The 20th Century To The Present Day</i>''',  Anness Press, London, ISBN:9780754817413.

Foss, C.F. and W. Fowler, 2002, '''<i>The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles</i>''', Thunder Bay Press, San Diego, CA, 544p, ISBN:9781571458063.

Hunnicutt, R.P., 1984, '''<i>Patton: A History of the American Main Battle Tank - Volume-1</i>''', Presidio Press, 450p,  ISBN:9780891412304.

Zaloga, S.J., 2003, '''<i>M47 and M48 Patton Tanks</i>''', New Vanguard Series 31, Osprey Publishing, Oxford, 48p, ISBN:9781855328259.


|Ref_links=


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