Another wondering from my brain. Most British tanks during WW2 were (relatively) undergunned due to the small turret ring. The Cromwell could not easily be made to take the excellent 17 pdr gun, and even the Comet was forced to use the '77mm' gun. Later tanks (Black Prince & Centurion) that used the 17pdr were wider than their forebears, to give a bigger turret ring. However, when one looks at the T-34/85, the Soviets were able to fit a bigger gun than the turret ring could take by simply fitting an over-large turret, which housed the extra bit of the gun. At least, this is my understanding. Surely the Brits could have done something similar? I know that the Challenger probably counts, but that went rather wrong...
Remember that the Russian tanks had very poor ergonimics. Likewise, it would have been *possible* to install the 17 pdr., but it would have resulted in slower loading time.
The main British problem regarding turret ring size (hence the gun that could be carried) was the railway gauge limit that was smaller than on the Continent. The T-34-85 turret was the absolute maximum size (and probably weight) that could fit on an already overloaded chassis (ie. same old Christie suspension). Had the 'Great Patriotic War' begun 6 months or a year later, the T-34 would have been replaced by the T-43, a much better tank BTW. HTH
Ah, thanks guys. Oh, and for those who were curious like me - this is the T-43 http://www.nemo.nu/ibisportal/5pansar/index.htm
Yes, it is true... Increase weight and size of shell usually would have resulted in slower loading time. On the T-34-85 the turret ring were extended from 1420 to 1600 mm. While before the 'Great Patriotic War' in the Soviet Union was developed T-34M, with torsional suspension, over-large turret with commander's turret, 75 mm reservation, and 5 tank crew. After beginning the 'Great Patriotic War' all development was stopped.
In January 1941the Committee of Defence of SNK of USSR was approved the project of T-34M (A-43), and in March 1941 was began make 2 desired model. The T-34M had: Modern engine V-5, located across the body of tank, 600 horse-power; Standard transmission with 4 shafting, bat with demultiplier (8 gear to forward and 2 gear to back); Allowance of ammunition - 100 shell for gun and 72 cartridge-drum for machine gun; The weight - 25,5 tonne; The armour - 75mm front, 45mm side and poop. In all was maked 3 bodyes, 50 turrets, some torsions, expansion rollers, and many things, but engine isn't was received. After beginning the "Great Patriotic war" all working was stopped.
Yes, this gun is 76,2 mm F-34. Besides, the T-34 was another with 57mm antitank gun (about 200 unit), and some with additional armor plate (15 mm) on the front armor plate. But the increment load on the front wheels did not let to put on the series.
