German E-60 heavy tank with twin
The E-60 Heavy Tank with Twin 12.8cm Guns was a specialized fire-support variant of the E-60 series, inspired by the successful dual-gun turret of the E-100 heavy tank. Designed to provide infantry support, close-range direct fire, and siege capabilities, this variant combined the E-60 chassis with the E-100’s turret, but with short-barreled 12.8cm cannons to reduce weight and recoil issues.
Development and Role
The original E-100 twin-gun system proved highly effective in combat situations requiring overwhelming firepower, but the E-60 chassis was not structurally capable of handling long-barreled 12.8cm cannons due to weight and recoil constraints. To adapt the concept for a more mobile platform, engineers shortened the barrels, making the variant more suited for:
- Infantry coordination and direct fire support
- Close-range anti-armor engagements
- Urban warfare and siege operations
Infantry units frequently called upon E-60 twin-gun units when encountering heavily fortified positions or enemy armor concentrations, as its large-caliber dual cannons could deliver devastating direct hits, surpassing the firepower of traditional tanks. Even heavily armored enemy vehicles struggled to withstand the combined impact of two 12.8cm shells at close range.
Combat Effectiveness
This variant played a key role in breakthrough and urban battles, using twin 12.8cm shells for maximum destructive impact.
Battle of the Iron Bastion (1946)
During a siege operation against a fortified enemy stronghold, multiple E-60 Twin 12.8cm units were deployed to deliver continuous direct fire. Their short-barreled guns excelled in urban combat, collapsing enemy structures and eliminating defensive positions with ease.
Infantry Assault Support Operations
In frontline engagements, E-60 twin-gun units were deployed alongside infantry, using their high-caliber shells to eliminate bunkers, heavy weapons positions, and enemy vehicles at close range. Their rapid dual-shot capability made them highly effective in blunting enemy counterattacks and clearing pathways for advancing troops.
Specifications
- Weight: 60 tons
- Armor: 120-150mm frontal armor
- Primary Armament: Twin 12.8cm short-barreled cannons
- Secondary Armament: Coaxial 30mm autocannon + hull-mounted machine guns
- Mobility System: Tracked chassis with reinforced armor plating
- Power System: 1,000-horsepower engine
- Maximum Speed: 50-55 km/h
- Production Role: Infantry support, siege warfare, close-range firepower deployment
Legacy
The E-60 Heavy Tank with Twin 12.8cm Guns became a highly valued asset for ground forces, offering devastating direct firepower in support of infantry and urban assault operations. Its dual-gun setup, combined with the maneuverability of the E-60 chassis, ensured it remained a key fire-support platform throughout its service life.
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