M26/M46 Pershing Tank 1943–53

The M26 was the most powerful US tank produced during World War II, comparable with the best German tanks. This title looks at the M26 and M46 Patton which formed the backbone of the armoured units of the post-war US army.

From the moment that the M4 Sherman had been matched against German Panther and Tiger tanks, the American tank crews had known that their vehicles were outclassed by the opposition.

What was needed was a more powerful tank, more heavily armed and armored, that could take-on the powerful German panzers on a more equal footing. Although it took time to develop by the latter months of the war numbers of M26 Pershing tanks were reaching the frontline US armored units.

Alongside illustrations, Steven J Zaloga examines in detail these well-armored Pershings with powerful 90mm guns - a match for any tank in the German order of battle.