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Look at any German tank of the Second World War, and compare it with any other. The first thing that will notice any attentive person - a caterpillar. Strictly speaking, the location of the rollers. The fact that many German tanks are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Hence a natural question: why?
When it comes to the design of machines, it is very often the case that all the strange, unusual and seemingly incomprehensible is simple enough explanation. Something like the situation is and design the suspension of German tanks. In fact, the reason for this design decision had a few, but the first and the main reason - is the weight of the tank. The fact that the German "Tigers" and "Panthers" were very severe.
Just for comparison, the "Tigers" have weighed 57 to 70 tons, "Panther" about 45 tons, while overseas, "Sherman" and domestic T-34-85 barely got over the mark, by weight of 30 tonnes. German tank mass created tremendous pressure on the ground. In order to improve the running parameters of German designers have come up with a simple, but far from the best way (for some reason, we learn at the end) - to organize the rollers on the suspension in a checkerboard pattern.
Caterpillars German tanks were wider than in the tanks of other armies. This made it possible to compensate for the pressure on the ground. Checkerboard pattern rollers not only solve problems, but also improves the dynamic qualities of armored vehicles. For example, the "Panther" and "Tiger" quite well cope with rough roads. For all its mass is not German tanks began to sink in the mud when driving fast. Ironically, the M4 "Sherman" being almost 20 tons lighter "Panther" could not go to the places where German tank passed.
Another important reason - stabilization tools. "Panther" and "Tiger" used a very powerful cannon, which is no good effect on the tanks hit, especially when trying to shoot on the move. This problem is also solved chess suspension. Instead of stabilizing the gun, the Germans prefer to stabilize the tank completely. Surprisingly, it worked.
There were other minor merits of such an organization rollers. German tanks went more smoothly in general, besides their tracks not wear out quickly. But not everything was so good, we wanted German engineers. The harsh reality of the Front has made the amendments. Let the tanks did not sink in the mud with quick passing, but want it or not, snow and mud inevitably stick to the rollers. Over time, this could be the reason for stopping the entire machine. Clean chess rollers for the German tank crews were "favorite" thankless, but vital occupation on the eastern front.
Finally, such a suspension for the tank was much more expensive to produce and difficult to maintain.
I would like to learn more interesting things about the Second World War? How about to find out for yourself what happened to the captured German weapons after the war in Soviet Union.
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A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/080319/49718/