The huge impact of tanks in warfare was clear from their introduction in World War I, and their importance increased further during World War II. As the conflict expanded across Europe and the Pacific, the United States acknowledged the need to enhance its military strength to ensure a decisive victory, leading to the development of the T28 Super Heavy Tank.
However, the project was suddenly terminated, resulting in only two prototypes being built. One prototype became inoperative due to damage received during testing, while the other took an unexpected path, going missing for many years.
The United States wanted to match the German Army’s powerful tanks
Following their victory in World War II, the United States and its Allies gained valuable insights into the dynamics of conflict and potential future strategies. Even during the ongoing war, the US military was actively addressing its existing shortcomings. One big issue was the Wehrmacht’s superiority in tanks, which posed a considerable challenge for the Allied forces, shown by the formidable Siegfried Line, which limited their efforts to breach Germany.
In 1943, the US started the development of a new tank, which was eventually named the T28 Super Heavy Tank. This innovative vehicle was engineered for resilience, designed to possess the strength needed to break through enemy lines while providing ample protection for its crew.
The United States begins work on developing prototypes
In March 1944, plans were set in motion to produce five T28 Super Heavy Tanks, each equipped with a 105 mm T5E1 anti-tank gun as their main armament and a .50-cal Browning heavy machine gun as their secondary weapon. This tank distinguished itself with much thicker armor, with metal up to 12 inches thick in certain areas, providing exceptional defense against anti-tank weapons.
Despite this, the manufacturing process faced obstacles. The T28’s substantial weight of 95 short tons limited its top speed to around 8 MPH and presented serious challenges in navigating over various obstacles.
The T28 Super Heavy Tank wasn’t really needed at all
As previously mentioned, the original plan for the T28 Super Heavy Tanks was to deploy them against the Siegfried Line. However, starting in mid-1944, the Allied forces launched a full-scale assault on the defensive line, and by early 1945, all the bunkers along it had fallen.
The decision was then made to use the T28s on the Japanese mainland. However, Japan surrendered before the tanks could be deployed overseas, following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Consequently, the US government abandoned any further development plans for these vehicles. Only two prototypes were ever completed; one was severely damaged during testing at Yuma Proving Ground and ultimately sold for scrap.
The remaining T28 Super Heavy Tank was lost for decades
As World War II ended and the nature of warfare evolved, the T28 Super Heavy Tank was rendered mostly obsolete. Rigorous testing showed shortcomings that would have created substantial difficulties in combat. As a result, the US military adjusted its focus, prioritizing tanks with lighter and more adaptable designs.
In the ensuing years, during the Korean and Vietnam wars, the absence of the T28 tank was notable on the battlefield. Its World War II-era design lost relevance, no longer fitting with the military’s changing strategic goals.
The T28 Super Heavy Tank was eventually found in the weeds
The military’s concentration on developing new tanks led to the misplacement of the remaining T28 Super Heavy Tank prototype. Remarkably, it wasn’t until 1974, a staggering 27 years after its disappearance, that it was stumbled upon in a field at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Neglected and exposed to the elements for decades, weeds had begun to encroach upon its structure.
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Following its rediscovery, the prototype received significantly better care and reverence. It was relocated to the General George Patton Museum at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where it resided for several years before finding a permanent home at Patton Park in Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia.