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TO INSURE PROMPT ATTENTION WAR DEPARTMENT

IN REPLYING REFER TO:
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE
_ _ _ No. _ _ _
WASHINGTON, D. C·
ATTENTION OF

~7 APR 194
SUBJECT: Transmittal of Technical Data
TO: The Commandant
Command and General Staff School
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
ATTENTION: Archives
Transmitted herewith are thirty (.30) copies of the
1.
technical data booklet, "Tank, Heavy, T26E.3," for your infor­
mation and distribution.
2. The Heavy Tanlc, T26E.3 is now being produced and
rushed overseas. It is considered far superior to a:c;y other
tank of equal speed or weight . This 46 ton tank, necessitated
by its heavy armor and powerful armament, has a groWld pressure
of 12.6 lb./sq. in., and can be operated at speeds up to
25 m.p.h. It will climb a 60% grade and will cross a trench
almost 8 feet wide •
.3. The armor is thicker than any U. s. tank standardized
to date and is p~ced at varying angles designed to provide the
greatest possible protection against enemy projectiles. Mount­
ing the 90mm Gun, M3 , the Heavy Tank, T26E.3, is believed to be ·
superior to any enentY tank.
4. If additional copies ed, they will be
supplied upon request.

/ ~f>~
L. H. CAMPBELL, Jr.
Lieutenant General, Chief of Ordriance
2 Incle
1. Booklet (30}
2. Receipt
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 ·/
TANK, EAVY,T26E3
AND RELATED VEHICLES
,J A.NUA.R'Y
 INTRODUCTION DEC~·
Now rolling off America's production lines and being rushed oversea , the Heavy Tank
T26E3 is con idcred far superior to any other tank of equal speed or weight. It is the
culmination of a consistent program of experimentation and development and embodies
improvements which have been tested thorou ghly on thi and other tanks of the T20 eries.
In spite of its weight of 46 tons, necessitated by its heavy armor and powerful armament,
the vehicle has a ground pressure of only 12.6 lb. /sq. in., and can be operated at speeds
up to 25 m.p.h. If considered de irable this unit ground pre urc may be reduced to 10.9
lb./sq. in. by using the T80 type track and ex tended end connectors. It will climb a 60%
grade and will cross a trench almost 8 feet wide.
The armor is thicker than on any U. S. tank standardized to date, and is placed at vary­
ing angle designed to provide the greatest po iblc protection against enemy projectiles.
Mounting the 90-mm Gun M3 and pos essed of characteri tic Ordnance reliability,
Heavy Tank T26E3 is believed to be upcrior to any enemy tank . Because of the demon­
strated uperiority of thi vehicle, it is being used as the ba is of additional tank develop­
ments, with the purpose of providing a well-rounded combat team. Heavy Tank T26E4
will mount the new 90-mm Gun Tt5E2, a gun more powerful than the :vf3. Heavy Tank
T26E2 will mount the 105-mm Howitzer 1\14 in lieu of the 90-mm Gun M3.
 -·
OUTSTANDING
FEATURES
OF
TANK, HEAVY,
TZ6E3

1
 Heavy Tank T26E3 uses armor plate 4 inches thick
on the front upper hull and on the turret front, pro­
viding the heaviest armor where it is most needed.
This armor i placed at suitable angles to provide
additional protection by helping to deflect enemy pro­
jectiles. Armor of the front upper hull has a basis of
6.9 inches, lower, a basis of 6 inches and a gun mount
shield of 4)1 inch basis.
Becau. e of its modern design, including its efficient
power plant and transmission and its cushioned tor­
ion bar uspension, Heavy Tank T26E3 is fast-mov­
ing and highly maneuverable, providing a smooth ride
and affording a stable firing platform.
Studies are being made of the possibility of increas­
ing the frontal armor basis to 8 inches, including
turret o ~ubseq,_ue p olluction vehicles.

z
 - -

Greater Firepower
Firepower of Heavy Tank T26E3 is greater than that of any
previous American tank. Principal armament is a 90-mm Gun M3
mounted coaxially with a Cal. .30 Machine Gun Ml919A4 in a
Combination Gun Mount TWE2 in the turret. These guns may be
depressed to -10° and elevated to +20° and may be traversed
through 360°, either manually or by power.
The 90-mm Gun M3 which has proved its excellence in the 90-mm
Gun Motor Carriage M36 is considered superior to the famed
German 88-mm gun. Its range and abi lity to smash enemy armor
has been greatly increased by recent developments in ammunition.
The Shot, Fixed, H .V.A.P.-T., 90-mm, T30El6, fired from this
gun, has a muzzle velocity or 3,350 feet per second . It will penetrate
all plates of the German PzKpfw V " Panther" and " King Tiger"
tanks. The H. V.A.P. Shot will defeat the glacis plate of the "Panther"
at ranges up lo 450 yards and of the " King Tiger" up to 100 yards.
Up to ranges of 800 yards the com bined thickness of the gun
mantlet and tuuet front plate of both the " Panther" and " King
Tiger" will be defeated by thi s shot. The AP Shot T33 will defeat
the glacis plate of the "Panther" tank up to 1,100 yards range.
A Cal. .30 Machine Gun, Ml919A4 (flexibl e) i in the bow, oper­
ated by the assistant driver. A al. .50 Machine Gun, M2 HB
(flexible) on the turret, operated by the tank commander, affords
protection against low-flying aircraft.
In addition, provision i made for ca rrying 5 cal. .45 sub-machine
guns and 1 cal. .30 carbine with grenade launcher. The vehicle has
stowage space for 70 rounds of 90-mm ammunition, as well as for
small arms ammunition and grenades.

3
 Torsion Bar Suspension
One of lhe most notable improvements on Heavy Tank T-26E3
is in lhe use of an individually sprung torsion bar suspension,
similar to that whi ch proved ils worth on lhe 76-mm Gun Motor
Carriage MIS, Light Tank M24, and other recently standardized
vehicles. The suspension, as applied lo Heavy Tank T26E3, was
especially designed to provide for lhe great size a nd weight of this
vehicle, and has proved its superiority in many tests.
Each bogie wheel is independ ently sprung, vertical movement of
the bogie wheel being transmitted through a crank arm lo a s haft
which runs transversely under or through the vehicle. Bumper
springs and double-acting s hock ausorbers give ndditional protec­
tion against shocks, increasing the shock-absorbing ca pacity of the
system lo !J times that of lhe Medium T a nk M4 volute spring
suspension. This permits a higher sustained speed over ad,·erse
battlefi eld terrain, provides grenter comfort for personnel and
reduces fatigue, increases the reliability of the \"E'hicle by cushioning
components against shock, prO\·ides a more stable firing µlat form
for delivery of effective firepower, a nd irnprO\"eS traction and obs ta­
cle crossing ability.
A center-guided track, 24 inches wide, is used. Because of the
width of lhis track, coupled with its ground contact length, th e
unit ground pressure or Heavy Tank T:?UE3 is markedly ueller
than thal of a medium L'l.nk with the s tandard 16,fe inch track.
This feature may ue further improved by the use or the T80El
track and ex tended e nd connectors. This combination result s in a
28 inch track and an over-nil vehicle width of l+l inch reducible lo
124 inch for rail transportation.
4

Engine and Power Train
Power to operate Heavy Tank T26E3 is upplied
by a Ford GAF gasoline engine through a Torqmatic
transmi ion and transfer ca e, the track being driven
by sprockets at the rear.
The GAF engine i a modification of the Ford tank
engine which has proved so out tanding on Medium
Tank M4A3. It is of the V- 8 liquid-cooled type, with
a gro hp. of 500 at 2,600 r.p.m. and a maximum
torque of 1,040 lb.-ft. at 2,200 r.p .m.
The three-speed Torqmatic tran mis ion is the same
type as u ed on 76-mm Gun fotor Carriage .M J8.
As compared with the mechanical tran mission used
on Medium Tank 14, it increa es the mobility of the
vehicle and decrease driver fatigue.
teering is by the time-proven controlled differen­
5
ill~IC . -~
tial. AsD~c
track is tkt1 al y s e
'
smooth turning action. In pite of it ize, the Heavy
Tank T26E3 has a turnin g radius of approximately
only 30 feet.
General Design Features
In pile of its size and weight, Heavy Tank T26E3
is operated by a crew of five men, occupying positions
similar to those in a Medium Tank M4.
The commander, gunner, and loader are seated in
the rotating turret, 69 inches inside diameter, entrance
to which i through the commander's hatch, or a
f~~~:,:ft'.r·t·h···..IMII•lsi.J~·i;P1"til J
-,;c - •• - ­
directions while the tank is "buttoned up." The com­
mander serves as antiaircraft gunner.
The driver and a istant driver are seated in the
lower front hull, acce to their po ition being through
two hatches. The assistant driver serves as bow ma­
chine gunner.
An emergency exit door is located in the floor of
the hull.
Peri copes are provided for the driver, assistant
driver, gunner, loader, and commander.
Compact in design, H eavy Tank T26E3 is low and
wide. The over-all width of 1361 5 inches may be re­
duced to 124 inche for hipping. When traveling in
non-combat areas, the turret i turned to the rear and
the 90-mm gun is secured in an exterior traveling lock.
 Characteristics .30Cal. .. g£
.-45 Cal .. .
Grenades
.. . .
..
. ..
.
Gunner•s Ouadrant , M1 . . .. . ........... . . .. ............... . ......... . 1
Vision Blocks (in cupola) . ... .•.•.• . ..... . ..... . .•.............. . ..... 6

Communications
Armor Actual Basis Rad io ...... . ...........•...•.•...• .. .... SCR 508 , 528 or AN / VRC 3
Crew ........ ······· · ······ · ·········· ··· ······· ··· ······ · · ·· · · ······ . 5
Hull , front, upper .... . . ......... .. .. .. .. . . 4 in . 6 .9 in. lnterphone stations ..... . ................ . ... ....... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Physical Characteristics lower ...........•...... .. . . ... 3 in. 6 in . Battery , Voltage, total ................... .. ....................... . .. 24
Weight (combat loaded) .. . ... . .......... .... .....•.•....... . . 92 ,000 lb. Sides , forward .. . ... .... . ......... . ..... 3 in. 3 in . Fire Protection and Decontamination Fire Extinguisher CO, - 10 lb. (fixed) ... .. .. 2
2 in .
Le;~~hf~r:;,~;d : .. .".".".·." ·.·.·. ·.·.-.·.·:.·:. ·.·.·:.·. ·.•.·.•..... ·.•. ·.•........... ·.·.·.-.·_-_·_")3 ~~;,~ :~:
2 Engine Compartment ...... . . . . ..... ..... . 2 in. CO - 4 lb. (hand) .. ... ....... . ................................... . 2
Top .. ...... .............•. ... . .. ..... V1 in .
Decontam inating Apparatus M2, 1 'h qt.. ... ............. . ...... . ... . .. 2
gun to rear . ...... .. ... .. .... .. ...............•.. . ......... 268 3 ~ in. Bottom ... . . ......... ........ . .. . ..... . 1 in .
W idth (over-all) .... . .... ... ... .. ..... •... . .•.•.•. .. ....... 136 15/ 16 in. Turret , front ........ . •....... .. .•......... 4 in . -4 in.
ship ping ..... ... ............•...•... . ... ...... .... . ....... .. 124 1n. Sides and rear ..... .. . . . ..... .. ......... 3 in . 3 in.
Height .. .. ......................... . . . ....•...•. • . . . ... . . . .. 109 '• in . Top . . ..... , .. ....... .... ..... 1 in. Engine
Turret ring d iameter (inside) .............. . ...•.•.•.•. • . • ......... 69 in. Gun Mount Shield .. . . . ........ ... ........ 4 'h In. 4 1h in. Make and Model. .......•.......... . . ..............•.. . .. . . Ford GAF
11 Type ... . ........ . ....... . ... . . • .•.•.............. . ... . ..... VS , LC.
Ground clearance ... . ...... . ............ , .. . . . ....... . . . .... 17 /t &in. Number of cylinders . . . . . ...... . . .. .. .. . .•.•. • . . . . . . ............ . .. S
Tread (center to center of tracks) ..... .. .... .. .... . .. . .......... . 110 in.
Performance Fuel (gasoline) ........ . ...... . . . ........ . .... .. • . ......... . . . 80 octane
Ground contact length-right side . . .. . ... . .... . ...... . ...... . ... 1 52 11. in. Maximum speed on level .....•.......... . . . ...•.... ... .•. . .... 25 m.p.h.
-left side ... . .......... .. .. .. ... . ... . .. 14S 71\6 in. Maximum governed speed ... .... . . .. . . . ..•......... . ........ 2,600 r.p.m.
Maximum grade ability ... . ..•.•. . ..........• . •.• . . .. .. .... .. .. ... 603 Gross horsepower .. ....... ..... ......... . . .... . ... . ". . 500 at 2 ,600 r.p.m.
Ground pressure . . . . ................................... . . 12.6 lb./sq. in,
Trench crossing ability .... . ... . .. .... . . ....... .. ................. 95 in. Maximum torque ......... .... . .. . . . . •.. . ...... 10-40 lb. / k. at 2,200 r.p.m.
Vertical obstacle ability .............. . ... .. ..•......•. . .......... -46 in.
Armament
90-mm Gun M3 with a Cal .. 30 Machin• Gun, M1919A4 (Aexible) Fording depth (slowest forward speed) ...... .• ......• .. ......• . ...... 4S in.
Jn Combination Gun Mount T99E2 in power operated turret Turning radius . . ..... ................. . .•.•.•.•. .. ...•.. . .. ... . .. 30 k. Transmissi on , Type ........... . ......•.. . • . . . .... ..• . . . • .. . ...... Torqmatic

~~~:~::~~ .................................................. . . .................................. . -~ 10~_'0. 1~g:

Fuel capacity . . .... . ........... . ..... . ......... . • . •.•.... . .... 1 S6 gal. Gear ratios
Cruising range (approx .) .. ... . •.•.•.• . • . ... . ...•.•. . ..... . . . .... 75 miles First speed . .. . . ...•.•. . .•.•......... . •..... .. . . . . . . . •.•. . ... .... 1 :1
1 Cal . . 30 Machine Gun M1919A4 (Aexible) ... .. .. . . . .•. ..... .... In bow Second speed .. .. ........ .. . ... .. . . .... ... . .. ...... . ........ 1:2.337
1 Cal. ,50 Machine Gun M2 HB (Aexible) ..... .. . ..... ... .. .. . . . On turret Third speed ...... . ........ . .•.... . ..... ..... ..... •.• . . .. . ... 1:-4.105
Reverse .............. ... ...... . ....... ... ... . .. . ......... . .. 1 :1 .322
Provision for: . . ...... . .......... . .... ... .. ······ · .......... 6 Differential , type .. .. . .. . . . • . ..•. ....... .... ........ ..•.•. .. ... . Controlled
5 Cal . .45 Submachine Guns M3 .... . . . .. 1 Suspension, type .. ................•.•.•..... .. .. . .•. . . . . . . . .. Torsion bar
1 Cal. .30 Carbine M1 and Grenade Launcher MS Wheel or tire size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 x 6
Track, width ...... ..... .. ...... ... . ... . . , ,.. ... ... . .. . ...... . . .. 24 in .
Ammun ition, Stowage pitch .... . ...... .. ...... . . . .. .. ..... . ........ ... ... . .. .. ... ... . 6 In .
90-mm ... .. .... , ...... •.•.• . •.•.•. , .•.•...• .... . . ....... . .. .. . . 10 rd. number of shoes per vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . 164
.50 Cal. .. . .. . .........•.•.•...•......... . .. . ..... ..•.•.•. ..... 440 rd.
6
 TANK,
HEAVY,
T26E4

7

Heavy Tank T26E4 utilizes the new super velocity
90-mm Gun Tl5E2 as it principal armament. This
gun is mounted coaxially with a Cal. .30 Machine
Gun, Ml919A4 (flexible) in a combination mount in
a 360° power-operated turret. Elevation from -10°
to +20° are anticipated.
The 90-mm Gun Tl5E2 u es the same breech ring
a the 90-mm Gun 1\13, but i 70 calibers in length and
use separate-loading ammunition. It ha a muzzle
v locity of 3,200 f/s with a 24.06 lb. projectile and
3,850 f/ with a 16.70 lb. projectile. It i equ ipped with
a muzzle brake.
Olher armament will be the same as on Heavy
T ank T26E3.
towage pace will be provided for an estimated 60
round of 90-mm ammunition a well as for small arm
ammunition and grenade .
Thi vehicle is ha ed on Heayy Tank T26E3, and
general ~haracteri s tics will be the ame except for the
change m the armament, fire codfr.ol and ammuni­
tion towage. : -;· '
-
D *Characteristics _
D 1 Cal. .30 Machine Gun, M1919A4 (Rexible) ... . . In bow
Physica I Characteristics
Weight (combat looded) .. ..... ....... ......... 94,000 lb.
Length (over fenders) ............................. 243 in.
(over-all gun forward) ... .•........ . . . .. . 405 3/s in .
Width (over-all) ........... .. .. . ............. 13615/ 16 in.
shipping ............ . ...................... 124 in.
Height ......................... . ............. 1093/s in.
Turret ring diameter (inside) ................. . .. . .... 69 in.
Ground clearance ...... .... .. .......... . ...... 17 1 l!t 6 in.
Tread (center to center of tracks) .................... 110 in.
Ground contact length-right side . .. ...... .. ..... 152 1f.i in .
-left side ................ 148 7/16 in.
Ground pressure ............ .. .......•..... 13.0 lb./sq. in .
Armament
90-mm Gun T1 5E2, with a Cal. .30, Machine Gun,
M1919A4 (Rexible) in combination Gun Mount,
in power operated turret
Elevation .. ......... . . ......... . ........ -10° to + 20°
Traverse .. .. ......... . .. ... ... . .............. . .... 360°
ED
1 Cal. .50 Machine Gun, M2 HB (Rexible) ..... ... On turret
Provisions for:
5 Cal. .45 Submachine Guns, M3
1 Cal .. 30 Carbine, M1 and Grenade Launcher, MS
Ammunition Stowage
90-mm ... . .. . .... . ... . ......... . ....... 60 rd. (estimated)
.50 Cal.. ..................... . ..... . . . ... . .. . . . 440 rd.
.30 Cal. ...... .............. .............. . .... 5,000 rd.
.45 Cal. ......... . ........... .. ................. 900 rd.
Grenades ..... . ............... . .. .. ................. 12
Vision and Fire Control
Periscope, M6 ...... . .... .. ... .... .. .................. 6
Periscope, M10 type .... .. ... . ....... •.... . ............. 1
Telescope, M71 type ............. . .................... 1
Azimuth, Indicator, M20 ........ . . ..................... 1
Elevation Quadrant, M9 .. .....•..... ................... 1
Gunner's Quadrant, M1 . .............. .... ............. 1
Vision blocks (in cupola)............................... 6
*Other characteristics same as for Heavy Tank, T26E3.
8
TANK,
HEAVY,
T26E2
 The Heavy T ank T26E2 will provide a heavy tank
with a 105-mm howitzer.
Principal armament is a 105-mm Howitzer M 4,
mounted coaxially with a Cal. .30 Machine G un
Physical Characteristics
l\11919A4 (flexible) in a combination gun mount in
t he t urret. The howitzer and machine gun may be
elevated from -10° to + 35° and may be traversed
360° manually or by power.
The 105-mm Howitzer M4 was designed for use in
l\14 ~ri e medi um tanks and has already proven itself
in battle. Fi red from this weapon, t he Shell, H .E.,
l\11, ha a muzzle velocity of 1,550 f/s and has a
maxjmum range of 12,205 yards.
Armament
Other armament is t he same as on Heavy T ank
T 26E3 . The vehicle has stowage space for 72 rounds
of 105-mm ammunition, as well as fo r small arm s
amm unition and grenades.
General characteristics of t his vehicle are t he same
as those of H eavy Tank T26E3, on which it is based.
*Characteristics
D Provision for:
Weight (combat loaded) .. . .................... 92,000 l.b.
Length (over-all) ............ . .. ........... . .. .. . . 243 in .
Width (over-all) .... . ........ . ....... '. ....... 136 1 5/16 in .
shipping ................. . .......... . ..... 124 in.
Height . ....... . .......... . ................. . .. 1093/s in .
Turret ring diameter (inside) .............. . .......... 69 in .
Ground clearance .... . ................ . ....... 17 l Ifi 6 in.
Tread (center to center of tracks). ....... . ...•....... 110 in .
G round contact length-right side ........ .. . ... .. . 1521/.a in.
-left side ... ....... . ..... 148 7/1s in.
Ground pressure .... . ...... .. ............ . . 12.6 lb./sq. in .
105-mm Howitzer M4 with a Cal. .30
Machine Gun, M1919A4 (Aex ible) in
combination mount in power operated turret
Elevation ............................... - 10° to +35°
Traverse ........ . . . ........ . . . .. ........... . . . .. 360°
1 Cal. .30 Machine Gun, M1919A4 (Aexible) . . ... . . . In bow
5 Cal. .45 Submachine Guns, M3
Dbl.)....:... o .......
1 Cal . .30 Carbine, M1 and Grenade Launcher, MB
Ammunition Stowage
105-mm ..... . ............ . . .. .................... 72 rd.
.50 Cal. .......... . .......................... . .. 440 rd .
.30 Cal. ......... .. ... ................. . .. . . .. . 5,000 rd.
.45 Cal.. ......... . ....... . . . .. . . . ... . . . . .. . ... . 900 rd .
Grenades ... .... . ....... . .... . . .. ..... . ..... . ....... 12
Vision and Fire Control
Periscope, M6 . ............. ..... . ...... . ... .... . .. ... 6
Periscope, M1 OD, in Periscope Mount, T130 ... . .. . .. .. . .. 1
(One Periscope, M4A 1 furnished as spare)
Telescope M76G with Instrument light, M33
in Telescope Mount, T131 ............. . ... . ... .. ..... 1
Elbow Telescope, M62 .. .................... . ...... . ... 1
Elevation Quadrant, M9 . ....... .. . ..... . . .. .. .. . . .. . .. 1
Gunner's Quadrant, M1 ... ......... . ..... . ... .. . . . . . . .. 1
Vision blocks (in cupola) ..... . .. . ........... . .. .. ...... 6
"Ei'l '"'" ~-· ~"·· H~•y TED"· IO
 THE
T26 SERIES
The Heavy Tank T26 Serie i an outgrowth of the
Medium Tank T20 Serie ·, including Medium Tanks
T20, T22, T23, and T25, and variation , development
of which wa started in 1942. H eavy Tank T26E3,
now under production, utilizes new components and
new principle of design which were te ted and proved
sati factory during the period of thi development.
Rea~~ Tank T26 wa de igncd a a
modification o~. '1edium Tank T23, u ing an electric
drive, but nd mounts a 90-mm
gun. One pi
II
Heavy Tank T26EI is similar to the
pendi11g standardization. Principal armament is the
T26 in design, but u es a Torqmatic tran mission be­
90-mm Gun M3.
cause the weight of the electric drive was con idercd
exce sive. Ten pilot model have undergone tho rough
test , resulting in modifications and improvements in
the production model, now designated T26E3. Heavy Tank T26E4 is a proposed
moclificatiort"of Heavy Tank T26E3 which will mount
the new s~p~r velocity 90-mm Gun TI5E2 as its
Heavy Tank T26E2 is a modifica­ principal ai-mament.
tion of H eavy Tank T26E3 and mounts a 105-mm
H owitzer 14 as its principal a rmam ent.
Heavy~,.ank T26ES is a proposed
.
modificatio'! of.,Jieavy Tank T26E3 to provide an
armor basis 01'·"8· inches on all frontal turret and hull
production model, under Limited Procurement
surfaces.
•
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