I've already broached the subject of the VK3601 perviously here in a different context:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 1#p1776868
In this What If I'd like the explore the idea of Germany opting to produce the VK36.01H as a MBT rather than making the Tiger and Panther. The idea would be the mount the 88mm cannon on a 40=42 ton chassis with 100mm frontal armor, but no sloping. Historically the VK3601 was upgraded in May 1941 before Barbarossa to the VK4501 project that became the Tiger I. However that project quickly became a 55 ton monstrosity for a variety of reasons. Assuming that after Barbarossa Hitler opted for the quickest route to getting a mass produced tank with a reasonable weight and maneuverability with a heavy gun that could outrange the T-34 and resist its 76mm gun, the VK3601 would be the best option, ready by mid/late 1942 and less mechanically messy than the Tiger I proved to be.
Could the design then be mass produced if the VK3001/2 idea is dropped and the VK3601 is focused on? I'm assuming it enters significant field service and would be reliable by then by September 1942 (the design started in September 1938 and the first prototype chassis was in testing by early 1942 despite being cancelled as a project in May 1941):
http://www.achtungpanzer.com/heu.htm
It would be in lieu of the Panther and Tiger, basically with the intention of replacing all other turreted tanks with it and using Pz III and IV chassis for TDs and weapons carriers. Of course that would be impossible for the same historical reasons the Pz IV was never phased out.
This tank, if produceable in numbers, would be a fearsome opponent given its main gun, reliability, and mobility. The T-34/85 could combat it on relatively even terms come 1944, but that would be a ways away by 1942. If its is produced in the thousands by 1944, it would have a major impact on battles up until then given its range and ability to not break down compared to its historical counterparts, which had even less reliability by 1944 when they historically became largely 'reliable' by their own standard. It would be basically a light Tiger I earlier.
If anyone is curious I have been influenced by World of Tanks performance of the vehicle, which I know is just a game, but given all other attributes it would have made a fine tank historically IMHO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZN_WgJbrxY
VK3601H as German MBT
Re: VK3601H as German MBT
hehehestg 44 wrote: If anyone is curious I have been influenced by World of Tanks performance of the vehicle, which I know is just a game, but given all other attributes it would have made a fine tank historically IMHO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZN_WgJbrxY
A simple economist with an unhealthy interest in military and intelligence history.....
http://chris-intel-corner.blogspot.com/
http://chris-intel-corner.blogspot.com/