TL-LMT

Despite the wide range of concepts presented at the first two Questionmark conferences, the majority of interest remained in a conventional tank that was both lighter and had improved performance than the M48. After the T42 was rejected for failing to meet these requirements, six new concepts were presented in November 1953 by Detroit Arsenal. Two of these were considered to be long-term projects which would require further development of newer components to produce.

The two concepts were both armed with the 105 mm Gun T140E3 in a rigid equilateral mount inside a turret with a 90-inch diameter ring. They were also powered by an unspecified X-type engine (probably the AX-1100). The two concepts only significantly differed with the driver's position: the first had him in the hull while the second placed him in the turret. This created some differences in the ammunition layout and and height of the hull. The two designs were estimated to weigh 44 and 42.5 tons, respectively. Future ideas up for consideration included the use of an autoloader.

The TL-LMT, as I'm proposing it, is this first design. It also has an optional autoloader for its gun. Like the TS-LMT before it, this design is missing specifications about its armor and top speed, so I've left them blank. But they should be assumed to be equivalent to the M48 Patton.

Guns: 105 mm Gun T140E3; 105 mm Gun T140 (autoloader)

Engines: GMC AX-1100 (717 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): TL-LMT-1 (??/??/??)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): TL-LMT-1 (39.91)

Hull Armor (mm): ??/??/??

Top Speed: ?? km/h

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



Parent: TS-LMT

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Abrams, 2015.