T110E2

Chrysler's first redesign proposal for the T110.

The third Questionmark conference was held at Detroit in June 1954 and several new concepts for improved heavy gun tanks were presented. Six of these were proposed as potential replacements for the T43E1 (M103). Four of the concepts were considered to be fairly short-term proposals requiring about two years of development time. Two of these were armed with the 120 mm Gun T123E1. One of these proposals, the TS-31, utilized a gimbal-type mount for the cannon with a limited traverse. It was the most favored of these proposals and selected for further development, becoming designated as the T110.

The original T110 (TS-31), as proposed by Detroit Arsernal, revealed the tank's dimensions wouldn't allow for it to be transported through the Berne International Tunnel, a frequently used tunnel in Switzerland. The wide cab and right-shifted commander's cupola also limited the field of fire for the cupola's machine gun and required additional weight to provide sufficient protection for the commander because of the vertical walls.

Chrysler proposed a modified design by reducing the vehicle's height and relocating the commander to the center-rear. This arrangement gave the tank adequate clearance to pass through the tunnel, provided the cupola was removed. Also, the driver was moved from the hull to the cab because of control problems and large fuel tank requirements. But this also allowed the hull to be shortened.

Chrysler's second proposal, however, more closely resembled the original T110 design by Detroit Arsenal. But they were able to retain the shortened dimensions and most of the rearrangements of their original redesign.

Chrysler's second redesign proposal for the T110.

While we have two engine options, this tank is going to need some different gun choices. The T123E1, which would later go on to become the M58, can stay as the tank's top gun. We can also give it the T122, which was the developmental version of the T123E1.

This tank can be thought of as a US version of the British Tortoise. It would have comparable armor and weak spots. However, I would give it reduced DPM in exchange for improved mobility.

Guns: 120 mm Gun T122; 120 mm Gun T123E1

Engines: Continental AOI-1490 (700 hp); Continental AV-1790-8 (825 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T110E1 Chrysler (??); T110E2 Chrysler (??)

Hull Armor (mm): 127/??/??

Top Speed: ?? km/h

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

Parent: T110E1
Children: T110E4
See Also: T110E3

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Firepower, 2017