Just curious, what in your mind was the best tank of all time? Does not have to be WW2
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cdat said:
In terms of combat effectiveness, or just personal preference? For me, the Tiger I has always been at the top of my list
If it doesn't have to be WW2 then I think the M1A2 Abrams has some all-round goodness to it. I suspect the Chobham armor is a product of UFO technology
M1A2 Abrams hands down. If you have any doubts, just picture it going up against any other tank that ever existed. Case closed.
At it's time it was the Russian T-34. Much better than anything anyone else had AND at the same time cheaper (easier) to produce than it's closest competitors.
The German Panther D was an improvement of this tank, but it was not that much than other contemporary tanks.
The T-34 was much more innovative than any tank before it had been - and at a lower cost. It most certainly played a great part in Russia being able to withstand the German onslaught (well, after she survived the first winter at least).
If a non-WWII tank should be chosen it should probably be the M1A2 ... though the technological improvements this tank posseses is shown very clearly in it's construction price (and probably also in the R&D costs).
So all in all the best tank through-out all time, would have to be the Russian T-34.
True - although you mean Leopards and not Tigers ... but I'd still rather be behind the protective depleted uranium of the M1A2 than the steel of the Leopard 2
The German Panther D was an improvement of this tank, but it was not that much than other contemporary tanks.
The T-34 was much more innovative than any tank before it had been - and at a lower cost. It most certainly played a great part in Russia being able to withstand the German onslaught (well, after she survived the first winter at least).
If a non-WWII tank should be chosen it should probably be the M1A2 ... though the technological improvements this tank posseses is shown very clearly in it's construction price (and probably also in the R&D costs).
So all in all the best tank through-out all time, would have to be the Russian T-34.
Omni said:
True - although you mean Leopards and not Tigers ... but I'd still rather be behind the protective depleted uranium of the M1A2 than the steel of the Leopard 2
In terms of mobility, capability, armor, firepower, practicality, and taking everything else into consideration (like how much ammo it could carry, among dozens of other things), based on my too-many-to-count hours of playing WWII tank sims, I would say the best overall tank, would be the Panther G. It is the most potent (overall), in the hands of a master.
But, my personal favorite would be the Tiger II. Sure, you're not as fast as most other tanks, but there's nothing like that feeling of complete laughable superiority when you do meet someone in battle. That T2 was a devestatingly lethal machine. In online gaming, all the sims I've played, it's just understood that no one is allowed to ever have a Tiger II - simply because it's so ridiculously unfair.
The Tiger E, Tiger, or Tiger I, etc. - is highly overrated, in my opinion. Primarily due to the lower muzzle velocity of it's 88mm L/56 gun. By war's end, it was a slouch, even compared to the T-34/85. I say this, based on countless hours of tank-siming. The Panther, is always easily the better choice over the Tiger. And with it's curved, thick mantlet, a hull-down Panther is a real nightmare to run into.
But, my personal favorite would be the Tiger II. Sure, you're not as fast as most other tanks, but there's nothing like that feeling of complete laughable superiority when you do meet someone in battle. That T2 was a devestatingly lethal machine. In online gaming, all the sims I've played, it's just understood that no one is allowed to ever have a Tiger II - simply because it's so ridiculously unfair.
The Tiger E, Tiger, or Tiger I, etc. - is highly overrated, in my opinion. Primarily due to the lower muzzle velocity of it's 88mm L/56 gun. By war's end, it was a slouch, even compared to the T-34/85. I say this, based on countless hours of tank-siming. The Panther, is always easily the better choice over the Tiger. And with it's curved, thick mantlet, a hull-down Panther is a real nightmare to run into.
How about a Sherman with a flight of rocket armed P-47s or Tempests overhead and a spotter on the external radio.
WW II:
Best Overall - Panther G
Effect/Cost - M4 Sherman family.
BTW, something to think about:
http://www.battlefield.ru/faq2.html#2
Best Overall - Panther G
Effect/Cost - M4 Sherman family.
BTW, something to think about:
http://www.battlefield.ru/faq2.html#2
WWII: Panther G, maybe JS III, Pershing or Comet
Now: Leopard II (beats M1 Abrams in a test, the US military also made)
Now: Leopard II (beats M1 Abrams in a test, the US military also made)
Last edited:
Here the offical press release
Web site: www.forecast1.com
Forecast International, Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Germany’s Leopard 2 Remains the World’s Best Tank
Newtown Connecticut, USA, January 8, 2001 — The Pentagon’s gas turbine-powered M1 Abrams may be the first tank that comes to the minds of most Americans, but overall, Germany’s Leopard 2 is the world’s best. In a new analysis of the world tank market, Forecast International/DMS finds that, based on an overall comparison in terms of lethality, fightability, mobility and survivability, the Leopard 2A6EX comes out on top. The annual tank analysis and ranking, the only one of its type available from open sources, is a product of Forecast International’s Weapon Group.
Although the Leopard 2A6EX ranked above the M1 Abrams (in the A2 System Enhancement Package model), the gap between the two tanks remains exceedingly small. In this year’s survey, the deciding factor was the Leopard 2’s 55-caliber version of the Rh 120 tank cannon and the formidable DM 53 long rod penetrating ammunition. The Abrams is slated to receive the same cannon, but not for several years.
New and improved fire control components, the addition of an auxiliary power unit, as well as overall performance helped push the Leopard 2 A6EX ahead of the M1A2 System Enhancement Package model in Forecast International’s latest ranking. Even so, the M1A2 System Enhancement Package, which is bringing all M1 tanks to a single improved level, represents a major enhancement to the Abrams’ already formidable proven fighting ability. Indeed, based on its superior performance during the Persian Gulf War, the Abrams stands at the head of the ranking in terms of combat performance.
In addition, the vacillating Russians aside, the M1 is still the only tank in production that firmly uses a vehicular gas turbine as its prime mover. The U.S. Army recently selected the General Electric LV-100 vehicular gas turbine to re-power the Abrams.
Coming in at third place in the rankings is Japan’s highly sophisticated Type 90, an amalgamation of German tank technology and Japanese expertise in advanced electronics. The Type 90 is followed by the Leclerc of France and the United Kingdom’s Challenger 2, both in their latest versions.
Making a significant rise in the rankings this year is Israel’s Merkava in the latest Mark III Baz model. Contributing to this rise in the standings is the enhanced armor protection and greatly improved fire control components of this latest version of the Merkava.
The latest analysis and ranking again has the omnipresent Russian tanks falling short of their Western counterparts, despite some recent major improvements as well as the continued lead by the Russians in active defense systems.
Forecast International/DMS Inc., is the worlds leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analyses in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics. Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and is renowned for innovative marketing presentations, including regular 10-year forecasts. To arrange an interview with Forecast International’s analysts, please contact xxxx for an appointment
Web site: www.forecast1.com
Forecast International, Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Germany’s Leopard 2 Remains the World’s Best Tank
Newtown Connecticut, USA, January 8, 2001 — The Pentagon’s gas turbine-powered M1 Abrams may be the first tank that comes to the minds of most Americans, but overall, Germany’s Leopard 2 is the world’s best. In a new analysis of the world tank market, Forecast International/DMS finds that, based on an overall comparison in terms of lethality, fightability, mobility and survivability, the Leopard 2A6EX comes out on top. The annual tank analysis and ranking, the only one of its type available from open sources, is a product of Forecast International’s Weapon Group.
Although the Leopard 2A6EX ranked above the M1 Abrams (in the A2 System Enhancement Package model), the gap between the two tanks remains exceedingly small. In this year’s survey, the deciding factor was the Leopard 2’s 55-caliber version of the Rh 120 tank cannon and the formidable DM 53 long rod penetrating ammunition. The Abrams is slated to receive the same cannon, but not for several years.
New and improved fire control components, the addition of an auxiliary power unit, as well as overall performance helped push the Leopard 2 A6EX ahead of the M1A2 System Enhancement Package model in Forecast International’s latest ranking. Even so, the M1A2 System Enhancement Package, which is bringing all M1 tanks to a single improved level, represents a major enhancement to the Abrams’ already formidable proven fighting ability. Indeed, based on its superior performance during the Persian Gulf War, the Abrams stands at the head of the ranking in terms of combat performance.
In addition, the vacillating Russians aside, the M1 is still the only tank in production that firmly uses a vehicular gas turbine as its prime mover. The U.S. Army recently selected the General Electric LV-100 vehicular gas turbine to re-power the Abrams.
Coming in at third place in the rankings is Japan’s highly sophisticated Type 90, an amalgamation of German tank technology and Japanese expertise in advanced electronics. The Type 90 is followed by the Leclerc of France and the United Kingdom’s Challenger 2, both in their latest versions.
Making a significant rise in the rankings this year is Israel’s Merkava in the latest Mark III Baz model. Contributing to this rise in the standings is the enhanced armor protection and greatly improved fire control components of this latest version of the Merkava.
The latest analysis and ranking again has the omnipresent Russian tanks falling short of their Western counterparts, despite some recent major improvements as well as the continued lead by the Russians in active defense systems.
Forecast International/DMS Inc., is the worlds leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analyses in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics. Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and is renowned for innovative marketing presentations, including regular 10-year forecasts. To arrange an interview with Forecast International’s analysts, please contact xxxx for an appointment
M1A2? Best?
Have they come up with a final version yet or are they still sticking all kinds of useless add ons to it? M1A1, you could fire the M-2 machinegun from the inside without having to expose yourself to fire. As proven in Iraq recently, that is a good thing. M1A2 you have to totally expose your upper body and head to fire the machinegun. 64 tons of depleted uranium around you and you have to stick your friggin' head out to shoot?
Gas guzzler, 2 gallons to the mile. On the M1A2 there are so many electronics inside, that if you shut the engine off and leave the turret powered up, your batteries would die in 15 minutes. To solve this oops, they removed the left rear fuel tank and installed a generator. Now you can not carry as much fuel.
I agree with the other people who stated the panther for its time. The t-34 was good but was outdated pretty quick.
It was like the sherman. Throw enough at the poor bastards your fighting and eventually they'll break through.
Some day I'll tell ya a good story on the purchasing of the M1A2 for the US Army.
Leopard? Yeah right. Ever been inside one? If you had been, you'd never recommend it. By the way, I'm referring to the Leopard II. The Leopard 1 & 1A4 were pretty much equivlent to the US M60A1 & A3.
Yes, during the CAT held in Germany each year, the Leo 2 usally out shoots the M1A2 and its varients. But thats not the tanks fault. The US training regiment pretty much gets the American tankers so screwed up, they can't win. Thanks for the great input.
Have they come up with a final version yet or are they still sticking all kinds of useless add ons to it? M1A1, you could fire the M-2 machinegun from the inside without having to expose yourself to fire. As proven in Iraq recently, that is a good thing. M1A2 you have to totally expose your upper body and head to fire the machinegun. 64 tons of depleted uranium around you and you have to stick your friggin' head out to shoot?
Gas guzzler, 2 gallons to the mile. On the M1A2 there are so many electronics inside, that if you shut the engine off and leave the turret powered up, your batteries would die in 15 minutes. To solve this oops, they removed the left rear fuel tank and installed a generator. Now you can not carry as much fuel.
I agree with the other people who stated the panther for its time. The t-34 was good but was outdated pretty quick.
It was like the sherman. Throw enough at the poor bastards your fighting and eventually they'll break through.
Some day I'll tell ya a good story on the purchasing of the M1A2 for the US Army.
Leopard? Yeah right. Ever been inside one? If you had been, you'd never recommend it. By the way, I'm referring to the Leopard II. The Leopard 1 & 1A4 were pretty much equivlent to the US M60A1 & A3.
Yes, during the CAT held in Germany each year, the Leo 2 usally out shoots the M1A2 and its varients. But thats not the tanks fault. The US training regiment pretty much gets the American tankers so screwed up, they can't win. Thanks for the great input.
Copper Nicus,
Valera knows what the best tank is. And it really pisses him off - badly. That guy's got some serious Tiger II -envy issues. Trust me on this...
Reading that again made me smile. Look what he says at #29.
Heck, I could give you a tour of his site, page by page, and point out just how much he's obsessed with the Tiger II. He hates it, just about as much as I love it. He and I, and others go way back. But seeing as how he was in the Russki mob (no kidding), now's a great time to shut up... I'm still under the protection program, don't want to blow my cover... j/k
Valera knows what the best tank is. And it really pisses him off - badly. That guy's got some serious Tiger II -envy issues. Trust me on this...
Reading that again made me smile. Look what he says at #29.
Heck, I could give you a tour of his site, page by page, and point out just how much he's obsessed with the Tiger II. He hates it, just about as much as I love it. He and I, and others go way back. But seeing as how he was in the Russki mob (no kidding), now's a great time to shut up... I'm still under the protection program, don't want to blow my cover... j/k
Jagdmaus said:Copper Nicus,
Valera knows what the best tank is. And it really pisses him off - badly. That guy's got some serious Tiger II -envy issues. Trust me on this...
Reading that again made me smile. Look what he says at #29.
Heck, I could give you a tour of his site, page by page, and point out just how much he's obsessed with the Tiger II. He hates it, just about as much as I love it. He and I, and others go way back. But seeing as how he was in the Russki mob (no kidding), now's a great time to shut up... I'm still under the protection program, don't want to blow my cover... j/k
I know, I just like his style of writing...
But seriously, he got some points. Tanks rarely fought each other, so comparing them like "my tank can eat your tank for breakfast!" is really silly thing.
M24 was great scout, M4 Sherman was great and cheap infantry support vehicle, Tiger II was impressive, but costly heavy monster (as Soviet IS-2,3 family as well), Panther D-G was great tank killer. Which one of them is "the best"?
Copper Nicus said:I know, I just like his style of writing...
But seriously, he got some points. Tanks rarely fought each other, so comparing them like "my tank can eat your tank for breakfast!" is really silly thing.
M24 was great scout, M4 Sherman was great and cheap infantry support vehicle, Tiger II was impressive, but costly heavy monster (as Soviet IS-2,3 family as well), Panther D-G was great tank killer. Which one of them is "the best"?
Really, I agree that the whole question is silly from the beginning. "Which is the best tank?" There's no way to really answer that - for sure. I can talk about various WWII tanks/tank destroyers, and talk about why each one has a potential advantage over another. For example, I could argue the U.S. M18 Hellcat was the best tank because it could do 80 km/h, and maneuver so quickly, it could just literally run circles around it's opponents (and yes, I've proven this to devestating effect in the tank-sims!), but seriously, there are so many things to take into consideration, and different tanks have different roles.
As far as armor vs. armor, it's hard to beat something like a Jagdtiger (or better yet, a Jagdmaus!
), but I don't see those getting any votes. At say, 1200 meters, a single Tiger II can lay waste to an entire company of IS-2's, but overall, we would have to agree the IS-2 was the better tank... so, how can you really answer this question?
That's why I've posted this link...
I suggest different question:
Which WW II tank was the best... visually?
My votes:
First part of war (1939-1942) - T-34/41.
Second part of war (1943-1945) - Panther.
I suggest different question:
Which WW II tank was the best... visually?
My votes:
First part of war (1939-1942) - T-34/41.
Second part of war (1943-1945) - Panther.
Fairy Tale
I don't post AAR's 'cause my spelling sucks, so heres a crash course on a little known fact on the M1A2.
There was once a tanker in the US Army named Cdat. He was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. The largest Armored froce concentrated in on place in the world. The Army was in the first/only stages of purchasing the M1A2 Abrams tank. At that time they were using the M1A1 Common Heavy varient of the Abrams. Cdat was part of the "opposing force" or in other terms "the bad guys". The "good guys" had 16 M1A2's to play with. The bad guys had 8 M1A1's to die with. Every other day, the good guys were given a mission either to defend, assault, move to contact or other such manuvers to put the newest tank through its paces. The good guys had 24 hours to come up with a plan, recon the area and prep for the oncoming battle. After they were prepared to do battle, they posted a guard or twenty around their beasts and went back to the barraks to sh#t/shower/shave and enjoy a night out on the town with the General Dynamic support team that was there to correct any issues/problems with their new pride & joy. The bad guys stayed in the field and waited for the next mission because they were trying to test their limits of stress. Day 2, first battle. Good defend / bad assault. Final tally = 16 M1A2's dead / 4 M1A1's dead. Not good to the congressmen watching from a ridge overlooking the fiasco. Day 4, repeat of 1st battle. Final tally = 16 M1A2's dead / 2 M1A1's dead. On to next battle. Day 6, MiA1's defend / M1A2's assault. Final tally = 16 M1A2's dead / 0 M1A1's dead. Must be that Cdat and friends are cheating. In come the cavalry from 2nd Armored Divison to verify our MILES ( laser tag) systems were tamper proof and working correctly. Next battle, this battle takes place a week later as Good team practices it over and over till they have it down pat. Good defends, Bad attacks. Bad team is reduced to six tanks to make it more of a challenge (2/1 odds were pretty easy). Place of battle = valley with sparse scrub brush. Defenders near a ridge line with unobstructed view for 2 miles down the valley center. Final tally = 3 M1A1's dead / 15 M1A2's dead. The last M1A2 was given orders to withdraw from the position before it was over run. Only smart thing they've done so far. Halt put on war games. Congressmen come to our Assembly Area and inform us that if the M1A2 keeps losing that congress will pull the plug on the M1A2 program and that none of us want that. A battle a week later. Movement to contact ( both forces start moving toward one another and once contact is made its a free for all). The bad guys lose some tanks and are given M113's, an old APC with no tank killing capibilities. 3 M113's and 3 M1A1's to 16 M1A2's. Final tally = 3 M113's & 1 M1A1 killed / 16 M1A2's killed. Now a general comes to the assembly area ( actually 3 generals, but since one was a four star, no one paid attention to the other two). He gives Cdat & friends a direct order to die in the next battle or our careers are over. Cdat refuses and is withdrawn from the battle by his commander. Last battle, 3 M1A1's & 3 M113's on the defense against 16 M1A2's on the offense. As the A2's swarm over the objective they notice all the bad guys are still in their sleeping bags or eating poogy bait and no one is defending squat (just following orders). The A2's win, end of mission, the Army buys the A2. Cdat takes a buy-out and leaves the Army after 12 + years of service ( a very handsom buy out/off). Cdat joins the National Guard (Nasty Girls) finishes his last 8 years & retires and also gets hired by GM, who pays him 5 times what he made in the Army. The End. I'm not saying this is true but you never know?!
P.S. Cdat retired a SFC/ E-7. He was a master gunner (expert on weapons systems and everything to do with the turret/fire control systems and electronics). He was last seen near Flint, Michigan.
I don't post AAR's 'cause my spelling sucks, so heres a crash course on a little known fact on the M1A2.
There was once a tanker in the US Army named Cdat. He was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. The largest Armored froce concentrated in on place in the world. The Army was in the first/only stages of purchasing the M1A2 Abrams tank. At that time they were using the M1A1 Common Heavy varient of the Abrams. Cdat was part of the "opposing force" or in other terms "the bad guys". The "good guys" had 16 M1A2's to play with. The bad guys had 8 M1A1's to die with. Every other day, the good guys were given a mission either to defend, assault, move to contact or other such manuvers to put the newest tank through its paces. The good guys had 24 hours to come up with a plan, recon the area and prep for the oncoming battle. After they were prepared to do battle, they posted a guard or twenty around their beasts and went back to the barraks to sh#t/shower/shave and enjoy a night out on the town with the General Dynamic support team that was there to correct any issues/problems with their new pride & joy. The bad guys stayed in the field and waited for the next mission because they were trying to test their limits of stress. Day 2, first battle. Good defend / bad assault. Final tally = 16 M1A2's dead / 4 M1A1's dead. Not good to the congressmen watching from a ridge overlooking the fiasco. Day 4, repeat of 1st battle. Final tally = 16 M1A2's dead / 2 M1A1's dead. On to next battle. Day 6, MiA1's defend / M1A2's assault. Final tally = 16 M1A2's dead / 0 M1A1's dead. Must be that Cdat and friends are cheating. In come the cavalry from 2nd Armored Divison to verify our MILES ( laser tag) systems were tamper proof and working correctly. Next battle, this battle takes place a week later as Good team practices it over and over till they have it down pat. Good defends, Bad attacks. Bad team is reduced to six tanks to make it more of a challenge (2/1 odds were pretty easy). Place of battle = valley with sparse scrub brush. Defenders near a ridge line with unobstructed view for 2 miles down the valley center. Final tally = 3 M1A1's dead / 15 M1A2's dead. The last M1A2 was given orders to withdraw from the position before it was over run. Only smart thing they've done so far. Halt put on war games. Congressmen come to our Assembly Area and inform us that if the M1A2 keeps losing that congress will pull the plug on the M1A2 program and that none of us want that. A battle a week later. Movement to contact ( both forces start moving toward one another and once contact is made its a free for all). The bad guys lose some tanks and are given M113's, an old APC with no tank killing capibilities. 3 M113's and 3 M1A1's to 16 M1A2's. Final tally = 3 M113's & 1 M1A1 killed / 16 M1A2's killed. Now a general comes to the assembly area ( actually 3 generals, but since one was a four star, no one paid attention to the other two). He gives Cdat & friends a direct order to die in the next battle or our careers are over. Cdat refuses and is withdrawn from the battle by his commander. Last battle, 3 M1A1's & 3 M113's on the defense against 16 M1A2's on the offense. As the A2's swarm over the objective they notice all the bad guys are still in their sleeping bags or eating poogy bait and no one is defending squat (just following orders). The A2's win, end of mission, the Army buys the A2. Cdat takes a buy-out and leaves the Army after 12 + years of service ( a very handsom buy out/off). Cdat joins the National Guard (Nasty Girls) finishes his last 8 years & retires and also gets hired by GM, who pays him 5 times what he made in the Army. The End. I'm not saying this is true but you never know?!
P.S. Cdat retired a SFC/ E-7. He was a master gunner (expert on weapons systems and everything to do with the turret/fire control systems and electronics). He was last seen near Flint, Michigan.
Silly?
I just asked a simple question. Don't get upset. Sims don't mean sqat in real life. I thought the Hellcat was a tank destroyer? I could be wrong?! I was just looking for some different views. I didn't think I would offend anyone. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I won't do it again. Sob, sob.
Jagdmaus said:Really, I agree that the whole question is silly from the beginning. "Which is the best tank?" There's no way to really answer that - for sure. I can talk about various WWII tanks/tank destroyers, and talk about why each one has a potential advantage over another. For example, I could argue the U.S. M18 Hellcat was the best tank because it could do 80 km/h, and maneuver so quickly, it could just literally run circles around it's opponents (and yes, I've proven this to devestating effect in the tank-sims!), but seriously, there are so many things to take into consideration, and different tanks have different roles.
As far as armor vs. armor, it's hard to beat something like a Jagdtiger (or better yet, a Jagdmaus!
I just asked a simple question. Don't get upset. Sims don't mean sqat in real life. I thought the Hellcat was a tank destroyer? I could be wrong?! I was just looking for some different views. I didn't think I would offend anyone. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I won't do it again.
Sob, sob.
A (hopefully) related question from me:
I have had the feeling that US had some really big problems with tanks (mostly building). Both during more or less the complete WW2 and maybe also pre Korea and during the initial time there.
If I am not totally wrong there were only a handful of heavy US tanks seeing combat in the very end of WW2. I read some small but very detailed book about US medium/heavy tanks (models about 1940-1955 as I remember it) and it was a bit confusing. Some US leaders insisting on not producing better tanks and/or rely on defensive tank destroyer doctrine.
As the problems of WW2 weren’t enough, there seemed to be a total lack of modern/medium-to-heavy tanks in the beginning of the Korea war. I read in one book that WW2 tanks used as monuments back in the states were removed from sockets and send to Korea in very poor shape. The desperation seemd big to throw in something else than the light "Chaffee".
When some medium tanks were deployed, US had lost so much of their own antitank weapons to the enemy that they had to do lots of makeshift add ons on the tanks they got to protect themselves from their own antitank (WW2) weapons. Nothing wrong, with makeshift problem solving in the field, but hey, shouldn't the country support its warriors better?
I think I read that the "heavy" label where soon replaced with "medium", but considering all testmodels and makeshift add ons I don't know what to make of it.
Sure, Germans and others also had lots of models, but US seemed to have lots of testmodels. Or?
The question is, how wrong am I? Maybe someone can correct or explain anything of this?
I have had the feeling that US had some really big problems with tanks (mostly building). Both during more or less the complete WW2 and maybe also pre Korea and during the initial time there.
If I am not totally wrong there were only a handful of heavy US tanks seeing combat in the very end of WW2. I read some small but very detailed book about US medium/heavy tanks (models about 1940-1955 as I remember it) and it was a bit confusing. Some US leaders insisting on not producing better tanks and/or rely on defensive tank destroyer doctrine.
As the problems of WW2 weren’t enough, there seemed to be a total lack of modern/medium-to-heavy tanks in the beginning of the Korea war. I read in one book that WW2 tanks used as monuments back in the states were removed from sockets and send to Korea in very poor shape. The desperation seemd big to throw in something else than the light "Chaffee".
When some medium tanks were deployed, US had lost so much of their own antitank weapons to the enemy that they had to do lots of makeshift add ons on the tanks they got to protect themselves from their own antitank (WW2) weapons. Nothing wrong, with makeshift problem solving in the field, but hey, shouldn't the country support its warriors better?
I think I read that the "heavy" label where soon replaced with "medium", but considering all testmodels and makeshift add ons I don't know what to make of it.
Sure, Germans and others also had lots of models, but US seemed to have lots of testmodels. Or?
The question is, how wrong am I? Maybe someone can correct or explain anything of this?