TS-31

 

The third Questionmark conference was held at Detroit in June 1954 and several new concepts for improved heavy gun tanks were presented. Six of these were proposed as potential replacements for the T43E1 (M103). Four of the concepts were considered to be fairly short-term proposals requiring about two years of development time. Two of these were armed with the 120 mm Gun T123E1.

The TS-31 was one of these proposals. It utilizes a gimbal-type mount for the cannon with a limited traverse. The tank mounted the AV-1790-8 engine and was estimated to weigh about 45 tons. It was selected for further development as an assault tank and to provide a replacement for the T43E1 in case the T43E2 project and the long-term development programs failed.

Cross-sectional drawing of the TS-31

The TS-31 had a fairly standard 127 mm of heavily sloped frontal armor. The gun shield may be relatively thick, however the tank has a very bulbous and predominant compartment for the commander like on the T110E1.

Like the T110E1, this tank can be thought of as a toned-down Tortoise. In order to work being a tier lower, this tank has worse armor, and more numerous and oversized weak spots. I would also consider dropping its DPM considerably compared to the Tortoise, and put it up to par with other tank destroyers of its tier. It would also be more mobile than the Tortoise.

Guns: 120 mm Gun T123E1

Engines: Continental AV-1790-8 (825 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): TS-31 (41.73)

Hull Armor (mm): 127/??/??

Top Speed: ?? km/h

Crew: 5 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Loader; Commander/Radio)

See Also: T110E1

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Firepower, 2017