German Heavy tank “Sabeltiger” E-60 Ausf.B 12.8cm Kwk
The E-60 Ausf. B "Sabeltiger" was the second variant of the E-60 series, developed to address the firepower limitations of the Ausf. A model. Since the E-50 turret was incapable of mounting more powerful cannons, the Ausf. B adopted the E-75’s standard turret, allowing for the installation of larger-caliber, high-velocity guns.
With a total production of approximately 500 units, the E-60 Ausf. B became the first true heavy combat version of the series, before eventually being replaced by the more refined Ausf. D model.
Design and Features
As an interim solution before the development of a dedicated E-60 turret, the Sabeltiger Ausf. B featured:
- A modified E-75 turret, enabling it to mount heavier armament compared to the E-50-based Ausf. A.
- Primary Armament Options:
- 10.5cm L/68 high-velocity cannon, offering excellent penetration and rate of fire.
- 12.8cm L/55 cannon, delivering overwhelming anti-armor capability at long range.
- Armor Protection:
- Retained the 120-150mm sloped frontal armor from the Ausf. A model.
- Turret armor increased to 180mm, providing superior crew protection and survivability.
- Chassis and mobility remained identical to the E-60 Ausf. A, ensuring consistent battlefield performance.
Combat Performance
The E-60 Ausf. B demonstrated significant improvements in firepower and battlefield endurance, allowing it to:
- Effectively engage and destroy enemy heavy armor at extreme distances.
- Withstand sustained frontline engagements, thanks to thicker turret armor and improved ballistics.
- Maintain high battlefield mobility, making it a flexible heavy tank capable of both offensive and defensive roles.
excellence, armed with a formidable 12.8cm firepower.
Operational Deployment
As a major production variant, the E-60 Ausf. B saw combat in:
- Heavy tank divisions, reinforcing frontline armored spearheads.
- Strategic defensive positions, using its thick armor and long-range firepower to control the battlefield.
- Tank hunter operations, where its 12.8cm cannon proved devastating against enemy armor.
Specifications
- Weight: 60 tons
- Armor:
- Frontal: 120-150mm sloped
- Turret Front: 180mm (E-75 turret)
- Side: 80-100mm
- Rear: 60mm
- Primary Armament:
- 10.5cm L/68 (high-velocity, fast reload, 60 rounds)
- 12.8cm L/55 (heavy anti-armor, 40 rounds)
- Secondary Armament: Coaxial and hull-mounted MG34 machine guns
- Mobility:
- Engine: Maybach HL 234, 1,000 hp
- Top Speed: 50 km/h (road), 35 km/h (off-road)
- Range: 200 km
- Crew: 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator)
- Production Quantity: ~500 units
- Role: Heavy assault tank, long-range anti-armor platform, frontline armored support
Legacy
The E-60 Ausf. B "Sabeltiger" was the first mass-produced combat-ready variant of the E-60 series, solving the firepower limitations of its predecessor by adopting the E-75 turret and high-caliber cannons. While an effective battlefield asset, its temporary design nature led to its eventual replacement by the dedicated E-60 Ausf. D, which featured a customized turret optimized for the platform.
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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