Turbo-Panther Rumours
In a recent post on popular WoT bulletin-board , the following was written:
- there is an idea (SerB emphasizes, just an idea) to actually push the E-50 to tier 10 (and to unify its hull with E50M) and make the Turbopanther a new tier 9
It goes on to briefly explain the premise of the "Turbo-Panther", being that a gas turboshaft engine in a Panther medium tank.
The particular engine was designated the GT101, and produced upwards of 3,500HP, and 1,150HP to the drivetrain. Basic math reveals that the clunky Panther has it's power-to-weight ratio almost doubled, with a HP/ton of around 27, similar to that of the Bat-Chat 25t.
Ingame characteristics would increase top speed, acceleration, turret and hull traverse and general handling. It would make the Panther extremely nimble and would no doubt have a unique exhaust sound.
However, light research reveals that the GT101 was too large for the Panther's engine bay, and would not be completely covered by the armour, with components in "free air" (like a hotrod engine), leaving it vulnerable to damage. After performance improvements (GT102), the unit was redesigned to fit the original engine bay, and named the GT102 Ausf. 2.
Further improvements were made to the engines fuel economy, and the engine was deignated the GT103, however, as fuel economy has no in-game parameter, the GT103 is essentially no different from the GT102 Ausf. 2.
---Tanks the GT102 Ausf. 2/GT103 could be used in.---
Since the engine replaced the stock Maybach HL 210 P30, I assume that all other tanks that can equip that engine would be eligible for the upgrade.
- Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger (21HP/ton)
- Pz.Kpfw. V Panther (27HP/ton)
- VK 36.01 (H) (28HP/ton),
- VK 30.01 (H) (35HP/ton)
- Jagdpanther (25HP/ton)
- VK 30.02 (D) (31HP/ton)
- Pz.Kpfw. Tiger II (17HP/ton)
- Jagdtiger (16HP/ton)
- Panther II (26HP/ton)
- VK 28.01 (46HP/ton) !!!!!!!
- Jagdpanther II (22HP/ton)
- Aufklrungspanzer Panther (30HP/ton)
The E-50/M, E-75, E-100, Maus and JgPz E-100 all have piston engines with greater power as their top engine, and so would not benefit from the gas turbine.
I would also like to point out that this engine was only ever designed for the Panther, although it was originally intended for the Tiger, it would not fit. It could be assumed that the compact GT102 Ausf. 2, would, however.
So yeah, we could have Turbo-Tigers, Turbo-Jagdtigers, Turbo-Jagdpanthers.... you get the idea.
Oh, but the drawback to such an engine will be enlarged fueltanks, reduced engine hitpoints (think 1/3 of original) and fire chances hovering around 50%.
We can dream.
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