T71 CMCD

In May 1952, Ordnance outlined the characteristics for a new light tank intended to replace the M41 Bulldog. Initial requirements specified a weight limit of 20 tons and a 90 mm gun, but Ordnance soon revised their requirements for an 18-ton vehicle with a 76 mm gun.

General Motors' Cadillac Motor Car Division presented one of three competing designs. Their tank was fitted with a conventional turret and featured a crew of four. The vehicle's armor was essentially equivalent to the M41's. After review of the concept, along with other designs by DA and AAI, Cadillac was given permission to develop a full scale mock-up. Cadillac's design showed promise as it was the most conservative and practical design of the other three. However, the T71 was lagging behind AAI's model (the T92) and funds were rapidly depleting. The T71 would soon cease development in January 1956 before a pilot could be built.

This tank is the Tier VII tank we have now, just turned into a premium. 




Guns: 76 mm Gun T185

Engines: Continental AOI-628-1 (340 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): T71 CMCD (25/22/22)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T71 CMCD (16.96)

Hull Armor (mm): 25/22/19

Top Speed: 56 km/h

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



See Also: T71 DA, T92 Light

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Sheridan, 2015.