The vehicle has sufficient armor protection, which is not as thick as most of its opponents. The M48A5 therefore adopted the Israeli-designed, redesigned and flat commander’s cupola. The original commander’s cupola was overly bulky and complex. The main disadvantage of the tank is its height.

In general, the ballistic design of the hull and turret is good. The boat-shaped hull of the M48 is cast, as is the large and rather bulky turret. The new cannon has significantly improved the combat power of the tank. The M48A5, also a major rebuild of previous variants, was equipped with a new 105 mm gun, which was based on the British weapon L7. Of these, the running gear and fire protection system of the M48A3 benefited the most. These were the installation of a diesel engine and the introduction of other improvements, which were taken from the new M60 main battle tank design. The M48A3, which was a major rebuild of earlier versions, had the most significant changes. The M48A2 then underwent extensive changes, including improved fuel supply and gun control, a modified running gear, and efforts to mitigate the engine’s infrared signature.

Modernized centurion tank