T110E4

Chrysler's fourth redesign proposal of 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's fourth revision of the original T110 design sought to fix the issues with the engine compartment found during with their third revision. The rear of the hull was extended compared to the T110E3 for a more conventional arrangement. The 120 mm gun had 15 degrees of traverse to the right and left, and an elevation range of +20 and -10 degrees.

Cross-sectional drawings of the T110E4.

However, one problem with the T110E4 design was the requirement for a heavy gun shield. It alone was nine inches thick (!) and weighed two tons. The steeply sloped armor of the front cab was increased to an equivalent of five inches at 60 degrees from the vertical, for an effective thickness of about 254 millimeters.

This tank should be functionally similar to the old T110E3. However, it would lose its 155 mm gun in exchange for a faster-firing 120 mm gun. It would also lose quite a bit of hull armor, yet retain the incredible gun shield, and see an increase in mobility.

The T110E4 with a turret is a complete fabrication.

It's important to note that the T110E4 did not, nor did it ever, have a turret. In fact, this tank should play just like the old T110E4, but with the turret fixed. I'd imagine players who previously owned a T110E4 could simply receive this tank in return.

Guns: 120 mm Gun T123E1

Engines: Continental AV-1790 (825 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T110E4 Chrysler (??)

Hull Armor (mm): 127/??/??

Top Speed: ?? km/h

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

Parent: T110E2
See Also: T110E3, T110E5

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Firepower, 2017