The four T20 forms began with the base T20 pilot vehicle which featured a problematic Hydramatic transmission system along with a more potent 76mm main gun armament (the original M4 Sherman's 75mm gun proved lacking against the latest German tanks). Subsequent T20 models changed the primary armament and suspension system: The T20E1 was to carry the 75mm main gun and have a Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS) suspension though this model's development was ended and its turret carried over to the upcoming developmental T22E1 mark. The T20E2 was given a 76mm main gun and a more common torsion bar suspension arrangement. Additional work then evolved the T20E2 pilot vehicle into the T20E3 mark, carrying over the same gun and suspension system.
None of the aforementioned T20 vehicles were adopted for serial production for it was deemed by authorities that the M4 Sherman was seemingly up to the task of helping to end the war. Work continued along other avenues such as in the related T22 which fielded a 76mm main gun and HVSS suspension system. The T22E1 joined it though with a 75mm main gun and the original M4 Sherman mechanical transmission system. Yet another program variant related to the T20 was the T23/T23E3 which fitted an electric transmission and were both were armed with a 76mm main gun. Even these were not impressive enough to be selected as the M4's successor to which the work eventually culminated with the M27 but, again, authorities were satisfied with their massive stocks of M4 Shermans.
American World War 2 tank development reached its apex during the war years with the arrival of the M26 "Pershing" Heavy Tank available in only limited numbers in Europe by the end of the war. This line saw additional service in the Korean War, a conflict which finally showcased an all-new generation of American medium tanks through the M46, M47, and M48 "Patton" lines. The M46 itself was developed as a successor to both the M4 Sherman and the M26 Pershing. The M47 was a further evolution of the M46 and, itself, served as the basis for the later M48. The Americans then added their first Main Battle Tank by adopting the M48-based M60 "Patton" in 1961 before moving on to the M1 Abrams of today.
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