German Heavy Tank “Säbelzahntiger” – E-60 Ausf. A

The E-60 Ausf. A "Säbelzahntiger" was the first variant of the E-60 series, designed primarily as a test and pre-production model to evaluate the feasibility of the 60-ton tank concept. To expedite production and facilitate early field deployment, it was equipped with the E-50 turret, rather than a newly designed one, making it a transitional design between the E-50 and the later E-60 variants.

With a total production of around 100 units, the E-60 Ausf. A was deployed in limited numbers before being quickly replaced by the more refined Ausf. B version.

Design and Features

As the initial prototype and experimental variant, the E-60 Ausf. A "Säbelzahntiger" featured:

• A modified E-50 turret, allowing for faster development and integration.
• Primary Armament: 10.5cm KwK high-velocity cannon, with a 60-round ammunition capacity, offering a balance between rate of fire and armor penetration.
• Armor Protection:
  • 120-150mm sloped frontal armor, providing good survivability for a heavy tank.
  • Turret front armor: 150mm, ensuring adequate protection in direct combat.
• Simplified production process, reducing manufacturing time but limiting its long-term battlefield viability.

Combat Performance

Although designed as a testing platform, the E-60 Ausf. A still saw combat deployments, where it demonstrated:

• Good balance between mobility, armor, and firepower, making it a capable heavy tank despite its prototype status.
• Efficient ammunition storage, allowing for prolonged engagements without resupply.
• Adequate battlefield performance, though later variants improved on its weaknesses, such as turret protection and fire control systems.