United States Heavy Tank, T28
(Gun Motor Carriage T95)
Yes, Virginia, the United States did develop a turretless AFV.
The heaviest American tank design of the War, this vehicle was intended for use in reducing
enemy fortifications. During production, the army noticed that this vehicle lacked
a turret and re-designated it as Gun Motor Carriage T95.
This tank was unusual in many ways:
- The cast hull was 2/3 length of track assemblies, and set towards the rear;
- The 105mm gun was set in a ball shaped mantlet of 12in armor;
- There were two tracks on either side of the hull;
- The outer track assembly could be removed for transport by rail or road running in confined surroundings;
- The two detached tracks could then be joined into a "dumb"unit and towed behind the main vehicle.
The U.S. Army was evidently quite taken with the design and production orders were prepared for use in Operation Olympic, the planned invasion of Japan. The first prototype was complete in September of 1945. During trials conducted after the war, the second prototype was destroyed by fire. The project was abandoned in October, 1947.
This tank never saw combat.
| Designation: | heavy Tank T28 |
| (later: 105 Gun Motor Carriage T95) | |
| Crew: | 8 (Commander, Driver, Co-driver, and 5 man gun crew) |
| Battle Weight: | 190,000 lb |
| Dimensions: | Length: 36ft 6in (overall), 24ft 7in (excluding gun) |
| Width: 14ft 5in (13ft 11in outer tracks removed) | |
| Main Armament: | 1 x 105mm high-velocity gun |
| Secondary Armament: | 1 x .50 Browning MG (AA) |
| Armor thickness: | 300mm maximum, 25mm minimum |
| Traverse: | 10° left and right |
| Maximum speed: | 8 mph |