The importance of tanks in warfare quickly became known following their introduction in World War I, culminating in their heightened role during the Second World War. Amid the conflicts in Europe and the Pacific, the United States identified the imperative to enhance its military might for a decisive victory, prompting the development of the T28 Super Heavy Tank.
Unfortunately, the endeavor met an untimely end, yielding just two prototypes. One succumbed to damage during testing, while the fate of the other took an unconventional turn, becoming lost for several decades.
The United States wanted to match the German Army’s powerful tanks
Having achieved victory in World War II, the United States and its Allies got invaluable insights into the dynamics of conflicts and potential strategies for the future. Even amid the ongoing war, the US military actively pursued solutions to address existing gaps. A noteworthy advantage held by the Wehrmacht over the Allied forces was its tank superiority, exemplified by the Siegfried Line, which proved to be a significant obstacle to Allied attempts to breach into Germany.
Beginning in 1943, the US initiated plans for a new tank, later designated the T28 Super Heavy Tank. Engineered for robustness, this new vehicle aimed to possess the strength necessary to penetrate enemy lines while ensuring ample security for those within the tank.
The United States begins work on developing prototypes
In March 1944, the decision was made to manufacture five T28 Super Heavy Tanks, each equipped with a 105 mm T5E1 anti-tank gun as their primary armament and a .50-cal Browning heavy machine gun as their secondary weapon. Distinguishing itself from other tanks of its time, the vehicle featured a significantly thicker body, with metal reaching up to 12 inches in thickness at certain points, designed to provide enhanced protection against anti-tank fire.
However, challenges emerged during the construction phase. The T28’s weight of 95 short tons limited its maximum speed to approximately 8 MPH. Additionally, the tank encountered significant difficulties when traversing obstacles.
The T28 Super Heavy Tank wasn’t really needed at all
As aforementioned, the initial plan for the T28 Super Heavy Tanks was to use them to smash through the Siegfried Line. However, beginning in mid-1944, the Allied forces began an all-out attack on the defensive line, and by early 1945, all of the bunkers along it had fallen.
Those in charge decided the T28s would now be used on the Japanese mainland. However, Japan surrendered before the tanks could be sent overseas, following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This led the US government to scrap any plans to further develop the vehicles. Only two prototypes were ever completed, with one becoming heavily damaged during testing at Yuma Proving Ground and ultimately sold for scrap.
The remaining T28 Super Heavy Tank was lost for decades
With the conclusion of the Second World War and the changing landscape of warfare, the T28 Super Heavy Tank became largely redundant. Extensive testing revealed flaws that would have posed significant challenges on the battlefield. Consequently, the US military shifted toward a different direction, prioritizing tanks with lighter and more versatile designs.
Throughout the following years, amid conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, the absence of the T28 tank was notable on the battlefield. Its WWII-era design had faded from relevance, no longer aligning with the military’s evolving strategic priorities.
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.
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