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Description

An E 50 how it may have appeared in service in 1945, with the standard IR Vampir night vision combat system.

The Panther Ausf.F was basically an Ausf.G fitted with a Schmalturm turret. Its front plate was 120 mm (4.72 in) thick, designed in November 1943 by Rheinmetall. None were built before the end of the war, although production was scheduled to start in April. In parallel, these design studies were integrated into the Entwicklung 50 series,

Incorporating design features of the Ill-fated Panther Ausf.F as well as the Tiger II, the E 50 was to be the new standard medium tank of the Wehrmacht, aimed at replacing the Panzer IV and Panzer V Panther. The design of the E-50 was much simplified and far less labor-intensive to build than the Panther. The E 50 shared the same hull design and dimensions as the E 75; this was to allow the same machines and tools to work on both tanks. Both the E 50 and E 75 had the transmission moved to the back, thus if the front idler wheel was destroyed in a mine blast, the tracks could be adjusted around the remaining road wheels and the tank could limp back to a repair shop.

The E 50 was originally supposed to use a supercharged Maybach HL 230 engine, but as it was not ready, production was to go ahead with the Maybach HL 234. The E 50 was to use Belleville Washer coil spring suspension, with three double bogies on each side. Compared to the Panther, the E 50 had improved frontal armor, and a Schmalturm turret, housing the 8,8cm PaK 43 L/71 gun; as well as all-around improved ergonomics.

Nothing ever came of the E 50 project by the time the War ended.

Idea Is Not Mine and Just, German Project Tank.

Description

An E 50 how it may have appeared in service in 1945, with the standard IR Vampir night vision combat system.

The Panther Ausf.F was basically an Ausf.G fitted with a Schmalturm turret. Its front plate was 120 mm (4.72 in) thick, designed in November 1943 by Rheinmetall. None were built before the end of the war, although production was scheduled to start in April. In parallel, these design studies were integrated into the Entwicklung 50 series,

Incorporating design features of the Ill-fated Panther Ausf.F as well as the Tiger II, the E 50 was to be the new standard medium tank of the Wehrmacht, aimed at replacing the Panzer IV and Panzer V Panther. The design of the E-50 was much simplified and far less labor-intensive to build than the Panther. The E 50 shared the same hull design and dimensions as the E 75; this was to allow the same machines and tools to work on both tanks. Both the E 50 and E 75 had the transmission moved to the back, thus if the front idler wheel was destroyed in a mine blast, the tracks could be adjusted around the remaining road wheels and the tank could limp back to a repair shop.

The E 50 was originally supposed to use a supercharged Maybach HL 230 engine, but as it was not ready, production was to go ahead with the Maybach HL 234. The E 50 was to use Belleville Washer coil spring suspension, with three double bogies on each side. Compared to the Panther, the E 50 had improved frontal armor, and a Schmalturm turret, housing the 8,8cm PaK 43 L/71 gun; as well as all-around improved ergonomics.

Nothing ever came of the E 50 project by the time the War ended.

Idea Is Not Mine and Just, German Project Tank.