M-7/6

The first Questionmark conference in March 1952 was meant as a way to exchange and study new ideas between both tank designers and tank users. At this meeting, seven new medium tank concepts were presented and were compared with the T48 tank. The M-6 and M-7 were the most radical concepts. They used a chassis similar to previous designs. The M-6 mounted a version of the 105 mm Gun T140 and the M-7 used a version of the 90 mm Gun T139. Both guns utilized automatic loaders with massive magazine sizes. The M-6 was also 2-Feet longer than the M-7 and weighed significantly more. Both tanks had a 73-Inch turret ring and all three crew members were located in the hull. However, the automatic loading system was deemed too complex and the idea was ultimately abandoned.

This tank I’m proposing, the M-7/6, is a combination of the both the M-6 and M-7 projects. Similarly to what was done with the TS-10, I’m making two versions of each 90 mm and 105 mm gun, with different magazine sizes and reload speeds. Each gun will naturally have more rounds in its magazine than previously established tanks (T69 and T54E1). The only question is how much. However, of course, this should be a balance decision.

The only engine specified for these tanks is the AX-1100. But I think we can get away with using the other engines proposed with the rest of the M-series concepts, especially the AVS-1195. That was meant for the M-5 hull, which the M-6 and M-7 hulls are based on. Similarly, we can use the armor values of the M-5 for the tank’s hull. But these values can always be changed for game balance, given we don’t know the true numbers. The thickness of the turrets is similarly questionable. However, they should be expected to be relatively strong frontally given the drawings, but they shouldn’t be too thick, either. And like the TS-10, this tank will be prone to having its gun, ammo rack, and turret ring easily damaged.

I would expect this tank to play like a more agile T54E1, with worse armor and an awful view range, and an extra shell or two in its drum. Given the nature of the design, however, it should be very prone to damage to its ammo rack, turret ring, and gun.

Guns: 90 mm Gun T139M1 (autoloader); 90 mm Gun T139M2 (autoloader); 105 mm Gun T140M1 (autoloader);
105 mm Gun T140M2 (autoloader)

[Note: the M# designations simply refer to different drum capacities and reload speeds. Their handling and performance should otherwise be identical. Personally, I would like to see the following:

1. T139M1 - 5 rounds, 20~ second reload
2. T139M2 - 8 rounds, 40~ second reload
3. T140M1 - 4 rounds, 30~ second reload
4. T140M2 - 5 rounds, 45~ second reload

I know there's concern about clip potential. However, more rounds require more time to dump the ammunition, a longer time to reload, and discourages reloading with unspent shells.]

Engines: Continental AOS-895 (500 hp); Continental AVS-1195 (685 hp); GMC AX-1100 (717 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): M-7 (??/??/??); M-6 (??/??/??)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): M-7 (29.02); M-6 (33.57)

Hull Armor (mm): 102/??/??

Top Speed: ?? km/h

Crew: 3 (Driver; Gunner/Loader; Commander/Radio/Loader)

Parent: TS-10
Children: M-VI-Y
See Also: M-4/5, M-1/2

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Abrams, 2015