T95 Tube-Over-Bar Test Rig

To further improve the cross-country capabilities of the MBT(MR), experiments were carried out with modified T95 chassis. Three chassis were modified as test rigs to evaluate different designs for a friction hydropneumatic suspension system, replacing the conventional torsion bars, where each wheel was independently sprung with its own hydraulic system. This allowed the tank to increase its ground clearance and achieve some extreme firing angles.

Examples of the suspension's degrees of movement.

One further design was able to achieve similar results using torsion bars concentrically mounted inside of a torsion tube and connected in series. This tube-over-bar design doubled the length of the torsion bar spring, resulting in a wheel travel and spring rate comparable to the friction system.

In World Of Tanks, the T95 TOB-TR (Tube-over-bar test rig) should behave similarly to an elite T95 Medium. However, it now gets its own Siege mode. While in Siege, mobility can be extremely reduced like it is with the various Swedish designs. However, because there's a fully rotating turret involved, the vehicle's gun elevation angles can be greatly exaggerated depending on where the gun is aimed. There is also a caged version of the turret that I think would be nice to see, as a continuation of the MBT(MR)'s design.

The tank's turret is incredibly strong, and combined with the Siege powers it offers this tank would be exceptional at going hulldown. However, it also has considerable weaknesses in its armor and I would image the Siege mode would take several seconds to get in and out of, which would made the tank severely vulnerable. It's a support tank which would get destroyed if caught out alone, and the Siege mode should offer no additional gun handling benefits.

It should be noted the 105 mm Gun M68 can serve as a second gun option, as this gun could actually fit the compact turret. However, the reload times for either gun should be poor compared to its peers in order to help balance the tank out.

A bar-cage armor package upgrade for the MBT(MR) with its compact turret.

Guns: 152 mm Gun-Launcher XM81E6 (conventional); 105 mm Gun M68

Engines: GM 12V71T (570 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): MBT(MR) Compact Caged (292/121/64)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T95 Tube-Over-Bar Test Rig (??)

Hull Armor (mm): 127/102/32

Top Speed: 56 km/h

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



Parent: MBT(MR)
See Also: T95 Medium, T95 FHS-TR, T95E8 TR

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Abrams, 2015.