T34 Heavy Tank

The variation of the T29 concept, the heavy tank T34, mounted a 120 mm gun based upon the then-current 120mm M1 anti-aircraft gun to further increase the armor penetration capability of the T29. This gun was designated as the 120 mm T53, which could achieve a maximum rate of fire of 5 rounds per minute with two loaders. With solid shot weighing 50 lb (23 kg), it had a muzzle velocity of 3,150 ft/s (960 m/s). A lightweight HVAP round with a muzzle velocity of 4,100 ft/s (1,200 m/s) was in development. In order to balance out the weight of the longer and heavier cannon, an additional 101 mm of armour was welded on the rear of the turret bustle. The end of the war curtailed further development, and only two prototypes were built. The experience gained with the T34 was valuable in the development of the M103 heavy tank.

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