The US Military Lost the Prototype of the T28 Super Heavy Tank for Decades – You'll Never Guess Where It Was Found!

The impact of tanks on military operations became clear after their introduction in World War I , and their importance expanded through later conflicts. During the global conflicts of World War II across Europe and the Pacific, the United States recognized the need to bolster its military strength for a decisive victory, prompting the development of the T28 Super Heavy Tank.

However, the project was abruptly terminated, leading to the manufacture of only two prototypes. One became inoperable after sustaining damage during testing, while the fate of the other remained lost 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, preparations began to manufacture five T28 Super Heavy Tanks, each outfitted with a 105 mm T5E1 anti-tank gun as its primary weapon and a .50-cal Browning heavy machine gun for secondary defense. This tank boasted heavily enhanced armor, featuring metal as thick as 12 inches in specific zones, offering impressive protection against anti-tank weaponry.

However, production encountered setbacks. The T28's considerable weight of 95 short tons restricted its maximum speed to approximately 8 miles per hour and posed serious difficulties in maneuvering over different terrain obstacles.

The T28 Super Heavy Tank wasn't really needed at all

As aforementioned, the original intention for the T28 Super Heavy Tanks was to deploy them against the Siegfried Line. However, beginning in mid-1944, the Allies launched a full-scale assault on the defensive line and, by early 1945, it had been overcome.

Plans were then made to use the T28s in operations on the Japanese mainland. However, Japan surrendered before they could be deployed, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . Consequently, the US government abandoned further development of these vehicles. Only two prototypes were ever completed; one suffered significant damage during testing at Yuma Proving Ground and was eventually 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.

More from us: A British Challenger 1 Set the Record for the Longest Tank-on-Tank Kill in 1991

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.