Tank origin

The onset of the Cold War after World War II was marked by efforts from both the United States and the Soviet Union to build up their armaments. The U.S. pursued several new tank designs in the late 1940s, including the T43 heavy tank. The T43 was placed into production in 1952 and, after over 100 modifications were made, eventually was standardized as the 120mm full-combat M103 tank in 1956.