L-6

Wooden model of the L-5. The L-6 would have been visually similar.

Although the M41 Bulldog entered production in 1951, it did not completely fulfill the requirements for a light tank as specified by the Army Field Forces. It was thus regarded as an interm vehicle, while the Army sought designs for a more lightweight tank, that was both inexpensive and had a longer cruising range. In an effort to meet these new requirements, numerous light tank concepts were proposed at the first of what would be many Questionmark Conferences, where tank designers and tank users could meet to determine the future of armored vehicle development.

Detroit Arsenal submitted six design proposals for a new light tank concept. The sixth of these expanded the turret ring from the previous designs to 100 inches and was powered by the AX-1100 engine. This design also used the 105 mm T140 gun used on the fifth concept. It was also expected to weigh about 30 tons. The L-6 should be expected to be a little bit longer and wider than the L-5 to account for the larger turret ring. Otherwise, it should be visually similar.

The L-6 can be balanced by having a very accurate, powerful gun. However, it would need to have poor on-the-move dispersion and a relatively awful aim time. Reload speed would probably need to be rather mediocre too, at least in comparison to its peers.

Guns: 105 mm Gun T140

Engines: GMC AX-1100 (717 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): L-6 (25/25/25)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): L-6 (27.22)

Hull Armor (mm): 25/25/13

Top Speed: ?? km/h

Crew: 4 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander/Radio)




Parent: L-3/5
See Also: L-7

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Sheridan, 2015.