M103

Postwar studies raised objections to the development of heavy tanks in the 70-ton class of the T34. Further investigations by Detroit Arsenal indicated the basic T34 design could be modified by shortening the hull, using high-obliquity armor, and installing a lighter weight version of the 120 mm Gun T53E1. It was estimated these changes would reduce the vehicle's weight to about 58 tons. In December 1948, the characteristics of this vehicle were outlined and it was designated as the T43. With the development of a new elliptical turret and hull, this weight would be dropped to 55 tons.

The original T43 pilot.

The new gun was specified as the 120 mm Gun T122, which weighed only 85% of the antiaircraft gun installed in the T34, yet raised the chamber pressure by 21%. Further development of this weapon would result in the T123 and T123E1, which would be standardized as the 120 mm Gun M58. The engine was the Continental AV-1790 which could output 810 horsepower, or even be supercharged to 1040 horsepower.

The first pilot T43 was completed in June 1951, and the aforementioned improvements would result in the modified T43E1 being designated on 17 July 1952. An initial production run of 300 vehicles was completed by Chrysler between 1953 and 1954. However, further testing concluded the T43E1 did not meet Army Command standards for performance and durability. Issues were also found in the 120 mm ammunition itself, which prevented accurate zeroing of the weapon.

After being rejected, the T43E1 tanks were put in storage in August 1955 pending improvement studies. These included improvements to the turret armor and fire control systems. These changes would be completed in February 1956, where the upgraded T43E1s were then accepted into service and standardized as the M103.

In World Of Tanks, the M103 is pretty accurately represented already. However, I would also like to give it a straight buff with its top engine. I replaced the AV-1790-7C with the AVSI-1790, the supercharged inline variant of the AV-1790 engine. The stock hull is marginally better armored and provides a better top speed, but nothing too significant. Beyond this and the engine upgrade, I can't really recommend any real changes to the tank. The M103 should remain as the bulky heavy tank it already is.



Guns: 105 mm Gun T5E1; 120 mm Gun T122; 120 mm Gun M58

Engines: Continental AV-1790-5B (810 hp); Continental AVSI-1790 (1040 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): T43 (267/83/51); M103 (254/137/51)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T43 with T96 Tracks (54.43); M103 with T97E1 Tracks (56.7)

Hull Armor (mm): 127/76/38 (T43); 127/51/38 (M103)

Top Speed: 40 km/h (T43); 34 km/h (M103)

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



Parent: T25E1 TB
Children: M103A2
See Also: T43 ASP, T43 Concept

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Firepower, 2017.

Estes, K. W. M103 Heavy Tank 1950-74, 2013.