Today, we’ll be taking a look at the T1E1 (90 mm), a vehicle that derived from fitting the T1E1 with a more powerful 90 mm cannon. Although this upgrade didn’t ultimately change the outcome of the development program, this unique up-gunned variant of the T1E1 will soon arrive to the American ground forces tree as part of the next major War Thunder update!
T1E1 (90 mm): A Heavy Tank for the USA at Rank III
At a glance:
- Powerful 90 mm T7 cannon, albeit with a longer reload than the 76 mm.
- More varied ammo selection: M77, M71 (default), M82, M313 (unlocked through modifications).
- Decent survivability, however not outstanding.
- Average mobility with the same forward and backwards speed.
- No stabilizer compared to the T1E1.
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By 1943, the focus of the Armored Corps changed. The resulting shift toward the increased production of medium tanks, such as the M4 Sherman, resulted in the effective cancellation of the M6 heavy tank project. By 1943, only a few dozen units were left on order with the few built prototypes undergoing testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. During testing, engineers anticipated that the standard 76 mm cannon would be deemed insufficient. Therefore, a prototype of the T1E1 was rapidly modified to field the T7 90 mm cannon. Although the performance of this armament was noted as superior over the standard 76 mm cannon, it ultimately made no difference to the tank program’s already sealed fate. In the end, only 40 production units of the M6 heavy tank were manufactured, none of which ended up being equipped with the larger cannon.
Meet the T1E1 (90 mm)!
The T1E1 (90 mm) is a special modification of the T1E1 heavy tank that you already might be familiar with. Representing a direct upgrade over the standard modification of the T1E1, the up-gunned version of this experimental American heavy tank chiefly provides better firepower, making it a battlefield behemoth. Let’s take a closer look!
If you’ve already gathered experience with the M6A1 and T1E1 heavy tanks in the game, you’ll find many similarities with this further development of early American heavy tank design. Inheriting many of the basic T1E1’s specifications, the T1E1 (90 mm) features the same chassis, suspension, armor layout and engine as its direct predecessor. As such, this vehicle is going to offer you a familiar blend of workable survivability and reasonable mobility, although coming at the cost of a comparably high silhouette, making it easier to spot and hit during engagements as a result.
The most important difference however is found with the T1E1’s main armament. Despite it not appearing as such at first glance when compared to its close relatives, the T1E1 features a larger 90 mm T7 cannon. Representing the experimental version of the M3 cannon which would later find its way onto famous U.S. tanks, such as the M36 or M26 Pershing, the T7 features similar ballistic properties as its later production counterpart and can thus boast good penetrating capabilities as well as a wide range of ammunition options, including APCBC.
Overall, the larger caliber cannon will especially come in handy for dealing with more heavily protected opponents at longer ranges. This will further increase the T1E1’s lethality and allow it to take part in long-range combat even more effectively.
The T1E1 (90 mm) is arriving to the American ground forces tree as the last member of this heavy tank family with the next major War Thunder update. In the meantime, stay tuned to the news as we’ll continue to share more details about the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
