German E60 ausf.D late type 12.8cm tank
The E-60 Heavy Tank was a 60-ton class armored vehicle developed as part of the E-series tank program, designed to balance mobility, firepower, and protection in a single, efficient platform. Unlike super-heavy tanks that sacrificed speed for armor, the E-60 was engineered to maintain battlefield maneuverability while retaining formidable defensive and offensive capabilities. With over 2,000 units produced, it became one of the most adaptable and widely deployed heavy tanks of its era.
Development and Design
The E-60 was conceived as an alternative to the increasingly heavy and slow tank designs being developed late in the war. Weighing 60 tons, it was designed to be lighter than the massive super-heavy tanks like the E-75 or E-100 while still offering excellent survivability and firepower.
The frontal armor ranged from 120mm to 150mm, providing strong protection against anti-tank weaponry, while its high-velocity 12.8cm gun gave it the ability to engage enemy armor at long distances. The tank was powered by a 1,000-horsepower engine, allowing it to reach speeds of 50-55 km/h, making it one of the fastest heavy tanks of its time.
Variants
- E-60 A: Equipped with the E-50 turret, offering lighter weight and increased mobility for medium-heavy combat roles.
- E-60 B: Utilized the E-75 turret, increasing armor and firepower, making it more suitable for direct assaults and breakthrough operations.
- E-60 D: The first model with a dedicated E-60 turret, featuring a perfected sloped armor design and an extremely simplified structure, improving mass production efficiency and battlefield survivability.
Combat History
The E-60 Heavy Tank saw extensive deployment across multiple warfronts, proving its effectiveness in both offensive and defensive operations.
Battle of the Eastern Plains (1945)
During one of its first major combat engagements, a battalion of E-60 tanks was deployed to counter an enemy heavy armor push. Thanks to their superior mobility, they executed a flanking maneuver, taking advantage of their speed and long-range firepower to destroy over 30 enemy vehicles while suffering minimal losses.
Defense of the Northern Sector (1946)
When facing overwhelming enemy armored forces, a defensive line of E-60 units held their position against multiple waves of attacks. The 12.8cm guns proved highly effective, allowing the defenders to neutralize enemy heavy armor before they could breach the defensive line. The combination of well-sloped armor, high-caliber firepower, and strategic maneuvering resulted in a significant tactical victory.
Specifications
- Weight: 60 tons
- Armor: 120-150mm sloped frontal armor
- Primary Armament: 12.8cm high-velocity cannon
- Secondary Armament: Coaxial 30mm autocannon + hull-mounted machine guns
- Mobility System: Tracked with reinforced suspension for high-speed movement
- Power System: 1,000-horsepower engine
- Maximum Speed: 50-55 km/h
- Production Quantity: 2,000+ units
- Role: Heavy assault tank, breakthrough operations, defensive stronghold
Legacy
The E-60 Heavy Tank was one of the last fully developed and mass-produced heavy tanks of the E-series, proving that a 60-ton tank could achieve an ideal balance of mobility and protection. With its strong battlefield performance, numerous variants, and post-war influence, the E-60 became a key foundation for future tank designs well beyond its original service period.
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