T114 Battalion Anti-Tank

The T114 and T115 began as adapted carries for the battalion anti-tank (BAT) weapons system, which used a modified version of the 106 mm M40A1 recoilless rifle. The T115 fell out of favor, but work continued with the T114. Two pilots were constructed which were equipped with a semiautomatic loading mechanism in a one-man turret. Tests of these pilots began in December 1960 and continued into January.

The M40A1 was mounted in an armored pod on the right side of the turret, with a three-round magazine installed on the outboard of the rifle. The ammunition inside the magazine could be replenished from inside the turret and the rifle itself could be loaded manually. In fact, it was necessary to load the rifle's HEP rounds manually in order to align the rifling grooves of the barrel with the pre-engraved bands on the round.

Although there were some problems with the semiautomatic loader, tests concluded there was no influence on the weapon's accuracy during firing. However, in March 1961, it was decided there was no longer a requirement to justify the development of an antitank version of the T114. The T114 pilots were then reconverted into command and reconnaissance vehicles, which were then standardized and introduced as the M114 Armored Fighting Vehicle. 

Drawing of the semiautomatic loading mechanism in action.

The M40A1's ammunition loadout should be similar to other recoilless rifles, which could be HEAT/HEP/HE. For example, the characteristics of these shells might be similar to the following:

• HEAT  (pen/dmg) | 260/390
• HEP    (pen/dmg) | 120/480
• HE      (pen/dmg) | 55/480

In World Of Tanks, I would love to give the T114 BAT the auto-reloader mechanic introduced with the Italian tanks. This gives the tank the option to behave like either of its predecessors, but not necessarily excel in either respect: hit-and-run tactics with its three-round autoloader, or stay at a distance and provide semiautomatic fire.

Guns: 106 mm Modified Rifle M40A1 (autoreloader)

Engines: Chevrolet 283-V8 Military (160 hp)

Turrets (Turret Armor (mm)): T114 BAT (??/??/??)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T114 (~8)

Hull Armor (mm): 44/32/32

Top Speed: 58 km/h

Crew: 2 (Driver; Gunner/Commander/Radio/Loader)



Parent: M113 90V

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Bradley, 2015.