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Design of the M48 series of medium tanks began in October 1950, when Chrysler was commissioned to design the tank and build six prototypes. The Korean War led to production being approved before any prototype had been tested. Ford and General Motors also received production contracts alongside Chrysler, and the first M48 was delivered in early 1953. Technical problems delayed its arrival in large numbers until 1958. Many variants of the M48 exist worldwide. This kit depicts the M48A3 Patton as it was used by U.S. forces in the Vietnam conflict. Its cast elliptical hull offers high structural rigidity and strong ballistic protection. The 47.5-ton tank was an improvement on the M47, mainly through its cast steel 'Turtleback' turret, which gave more interior space and better protection. It was armed with a 90mm M41 gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm machine gun on the commander's cupola.
