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T23 (HVSS) Medium Tank
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the T23 (HVSS) medium tank to expand the inclusion of the T20 series of medium tanks for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. While the standard T23 with VVSS has already been suggested, this variant was distinct in being fitted with the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS), 23-inch T80 tracks, and a muzzle brake for its 76 mm gun. Much like the T23E3 with torsion bars, the HVSS version was part of experimentation with alternative suspension systems but ultimately never advanced to production as the war drew to a close and interest in electric-drive tanks waned.
History
Development of a Sherman replacement began in the spring of 1942 under the M4X program, which produced the T20 and T22 pilots. Both faced transmission troubles, leading to further experimentation that produced the T23, a design centered around General Electric’s electric transmission system. The first pilot was completed in January 1943, with subsequent tanks delivered for testing later that year. While its electric drive worked, the T23 proved heavier than the T20 and T22. Early turrets were later upgraded with the T80 mount and standardized as the M62 cast turret in October 1943.
As suspension development progressed, the T23E3 introduced torsion bars in 1944, showing real promise at Fort Knox but never moving beyond the pilot stage. Around the same time, the Ordnance Committee also looked into fitting the T23 with HVSS, the system already being trialed on the M4E8 Sherman. This design, designated T23E4, was blocked by the Corps of Engineers on the grounds that its 131-inch width exceeded the limits established under AR 850-15 regulations. No T23E4 would be officially produced.
Despite the official cancellation, three production T23s were later converted to test HVSS at an unspecified date in 1944 for whatever reason. These tanks were refitted with 23-inch T80 tracks and their 76 mm guns received muzzle brakes, effectively upgrading them to the M1A1C standard. Known informally as T23 (HVSS), the trio was shipped to Fort Knox, where testing again confirmed the advantages of the HVSS system over the earlier VVSS initially fitted on the standard T23, offering better ride quality, lower ground pressure, and improved cross-country mobility.
Nevertheless, just as with the torsion-bar T23E3, the HVSS-equipped T23 came too late. By late 1944, focus had shifted toward the T25 and T26 series with 90 mm guns, while the electric-drive T23 and its experimental derivatives were rendered obsolete.
Specifications
T23 (HVSS) Medium Tank
General Characteristics
Crew: 5
Dimensions:
Length: 308 in (782 cm)
Width: 137 in (348 cm)
Height: 98 in (249 cm)
Fire Height: 76 in (193 cm)
Tread: 108 in (274 cm)
Gun Overhang: 71 in (180 cm)
Ground clearance: 18 in (46 cm)
Ground pressure: 11.8 psi (81.4 kPa)
Powertrain:
Engine: Ford GAN
Net: 450 hp (456 ps) @ 2,600 rpm
Gross: 500 hp (507 ps) @ 2,600 rpm
Transmission: Electric drive with an infinitely variable speed, both forward and reverse
Weight:
Unstowed Weight: 37.5 US tons (34 metric tons)
Combat Weight: 41 US tons (37.2 metric tons)
Performance:
Power-to-Weight Ratio:
Net: 11.0 hp/US ton (12.1 hp/metric ton)
Gross: 12.2 hp/US ton (13.4 hp/metric ton)
Maximum speed:
Sustained, level road: 35 mph (56 km/h)
Armament & Armor
Main Armament:
76mm Gun M1A1C w/ muzzle brake in Mount M62 (T80) in turret
Traverse: 360° (hydraulic & manual)
Traverse Rate: 24°/second
Elevation: -10° to +25° (manual)
Firing Rate: 20 rpm
Stabilizer: Gyrostabilizer (elevation only)
Ammo: 66 rounds
Secondary Armament:
1 x .50 cal M2 HB: Anti-aircraft pintle mount (300 rounds)
1 x .30 cal M1919A4: Coaxial mount (2,500 rounds)
1 x .30 cal M1919A4: Bow mount (2,500 rounds)
1 x 2-in Mortar M3: Fixed in turret (12 smoke rounds)
Armor Protection:
Hull:
Front Upper: 3.0 in (76.2 mm) @ 47°
Front Lower: 2.5 in (64 mm) @ 56°
Sides Front: 2.0 in (51 mm) @ 0°
Sides Rear: 1.5 in (38 mm) @ 0°
Rear: 1.5 in (38 mm) @ 0-30°
Top: 0.75 in (19 mm) @ 90°
Floor Front: 1.0 in (25 mm) @ 90°
Floor Rear: 0.5 in (13 mm) @ 90°
Turret:
Gun Shield: 3.5 in (89 mm) @ 0°
Front: 3.0 in (76.2 mm) @ 0°
Sides: 2.5 in (64 mm) @ 0-13°
Rear: 2.5 in (64 mm) @ 0°
Top: 1.0 in (25 mm) @ 90°
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T20E3 Medium Tank
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the T20E3 medium tank to expand the inclusion of the T20 series of medium tanks for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. The T20E3 was essentially the T20 fitted with a torsion bar suspension system.
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Sources
Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series - R. P. Hunnicutt (2015)
Tank Archives: American Electro-tank
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T22 Medium Tank
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the T22 medium tank to expand the inclusion of the T20 series of medium tanks for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. The T22 was essentially a T20 that reverted to the M4A3’s conventional transmission instead of the experimental Torqmatic transmission.
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Pershing: A History of the Medium Tank T20 Series - R. P.…
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T23E3 Medium Tank
Hello everybody. I’d like to suggest the T23E3 medium tank to expand the inclusion of the T20 series of medium tanks for the US ground forces tech tree in War Thunder. Personally, I’m biased in saying the T23E3 is my favorite medium tank of the entire T20 series, so I’m especially glad to suggest this particular variant. The T23E3 was essentially a T23 fitted with electric transmission and torsion bar suspension. At one point, this tank was seriously conside…
Sources
Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃
4 Likes
+1 how many T20 variants are there?
1 Like
T20
That’s nine major variants of the T20 series. Not including modified/testbed pilots.
4 Likes
Jarms
November 1, 2025, 6:04am
4
US 5.3 - 6.3 should be full of these. Great looking tanks.
