In an effort to develop a new medium tank superior to the "Sherman" series, the T-20 series program was launched in the spring of 1942. The new tank design was to take advantage of engineering lessons learned after the development of the "Sherman", as well as lessons learned in battle. After three years of development, the better armored T-26E3 was introduced into battle during the final months of the war in Europe. Powered by a new 500 h.p. engine and armed with the more powerful 90mm main gun, the "General Pershing" proved capable of destroying the heavily armored Tiger and Panmer tanks of the Wehrmacht. The "Pershing" also saw action in the Pacific theater during the final months of WWII, as well as in the Korean war. The T-20 program provided valuable insight into the development of future tank designs, notably the development of the modern "Patton" series of main battle tanks, combining a powerful gun, high mobility, and as much armor as possible.
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