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The M26 Pershing Heavy Tank evolved from the US Army requirement for a battlefield heavy tank. The project was cancelled in 1940 only to be ressurected as the experimental T-20, which led to further developments as the 90mm main gun-armed T-25 and T-26 platforms. In the end, the T-26 was chosen as the tank-killer platform, capable of knocking out all types of enemy armor. The 90mm gun (53 caliber) was just a smidgen below the German 88 anti-tank / anti aircraft guns in terms of firepower.
The T26E3 was the variation which evolved into the M26 Pershing Medium Tank and was re-designated in June 1944 as a heavy tank. Although production of the T26E only began in November 1944, 2000 had been built by the end of 1945. A total of 2,222 M26Pershings were eventually built, all designated as heavy tanks, but only the original 20, which went to Europe, saw combat in World War II. Another 290 reached Europe, but 90 of those never even got into the hands of the troops. A total of 12 went to the Pacific Theater, but arrived too late to participate in the closing days of the war there.
Operating on six road wheels, the tank had a rear-mounted engine, was of wlded construction and cost about $81,000 a unit to produce. The M26 was built by the Chrysler-operated Detroit Tank Arsenal and by General Motors' Fisher Body Division at their Grand Blanc Tank Arsenal. It is powered by a Ford, GAF, V-8, 1,100 cu. in., 500 hp, gasoline tank engine. A 3-forward speed Torquematic transmission drove a planetary gear transfer, while a controlled differential provided the driving, steering, and braking functions.
The tank turned in an excellent combat service record in the closing days of World War II and later Korea. In May of 1946, the M26 was re-designated as a medium tank. The same M26 Pershing design became the basis for future tank design in America in the form of the M46, M47, M48 Patton series of tanks - including the Vietnam-era M60 Patton.
Difining physical features include the barrel muzzle, designed to jettison propellant gasses aside.
Specifications for the M26 Pershing Heavy Tank:
Designation: M26 Pershing
Might Be Known As: M26 General Pershing
Classification: Heavy Tank (Later classified as a Medium Tank)
Service Date: 1944
Weight: 41.04 tons
Length: 18 feet, 5 inches
Height: 9 feet, 1 inch
Armor: 0.51 - 4.02 inches
Maximum Speed: 20 mph
Maximum Range: 92 miles
Crew: 5
Armament: 1 x 90 mm M3 L/53 Main Gun; 2 x 7.62 mm (.30 Caliber) Browning Machine Guns.
Ammunition: 70 rounds (90 mm gun); 5,000 rounds (Machine guns)
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