
German E60 ausf.D 12.8cm tank with side armor late type
The E-60 Ausf. D Late Type was the final mass-production model of the E-60 series, incorporating all lessons learned from earlier variants to create the most optimized and battlefield-effective version. Unlike previous models that relied on borrowed turret designs, the Ausf. D featured a fully customized turret, improving both armor protection and crew efficiency.
With a total production of approximately 1,500 units, the E-60 Ausf. D became the most widespread heavy tank variant in the series, serving in frontline assault roles, defensive operations, and night combat missions.
Design and Features
The E-60 Ausf. D introduced several key enhancements over its predecessors, including:
- A fully customized turret, designed specifically for the E-60 chassis, improving armor angling and shell deflection.
- Primary Armament:
- 12.8cm high-velocity tank gun, offering superior long-range anti-armor capability.
- Ammunition capacity: 40 rounds for sustained engagements.
- Improved crew protection and infantry defense systems:
- Front-mounted hull machine gun, providing better close-range defense against infantry threats.
- Some units received additional secondary turret-mounted armor, increasing protection against HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank) rounds.
- Modular armor configurations, allowing weight to range between 60-65 tons, depending on specific battlefield adaptations.
- Infrared night vision equipment, installed on most late-production units, enabling superior effectiveness in night operations.
Combat Performance
The E-60 Ausf. D Late Type was deployed in high-intensity engagements, excelling in:
- Tank duels against enemy heavy armor, utilizing its superior firepower and sloped armor design.
- Defensive fortifications, where its reinforced turret armor and additional protective layers made it highly resistant to enemy AT fire.
- Night combat missions, leveraging its infrared night vision systems to maintain an advantage in low-light conditions.
Operational Deployment
As the largest production variant of the E-60, the Ausf. D model was widely deployed, serving in:
- Frontline assault divisions, leading breakthrough attacks with its high-caliber gun and strong armor.
- Urban and defensive battles, where its additional armor modifications allowed it to withstand enemy rocket and HEAT attacks.
- Mobile defensive units, capable of repositioning quickly while still maintaining strong defensive capabilities.
Specifications
- Weight: 60-65 tons (depending on armor configuration)
- Armor:
- Frontal Hull: 150-180mm sloped
- Turret Front: 180-200mm
- Side Armor: 100-120mm
- Rear Armor: 80mm
- Primary Armament: 12.8cm high-velocity tank gun (40 rounds)
- Secondary Armament:
- Hull-mounted MG34 machine gun (infantry defense)
- Coaxial turret-mounted MG34
- Mobility:
- Engine: Maybach HL 234, 1,200 hp
- Top Speed: 45 km/h (road), 30 km/h (off-road)
- Operational Range: 180 km
- Crew: 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator)
- Production Quantity: ~1,500 units
- Role: Heavy tank, frontline assault, defensive stronghold, night combat operations
Legacy
The E-60 Ausf. D Late Type was the culmination of the E-60 series, integrating the best design elements from earlier versions while adding improved defensive measures, greater modular adaptability, and night-fighting capabilities. With a total production of 1,500 units, it became the most successful and widely used E-60 variant, influencing post-war heavy tank development and armored warfare strategies.
Note: This introduction is based on the Fist of War (FoW) alternate history background and is not a depiction of real-world historical events.
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