After being lost for decades, the last prototype of the T28 Super Heavy tank was finally found

The impact of tanks on military strategy became clear after their debut in World War I , with their use expanding in later conflicts. By World War II, the United States realized the necessity of improving its military strength to achieve a decisive victory, leading to the creation of the T28 Super Heavy Tank.

However, the project was abruptly halted, leaving only two prototypes. One became inoperable after sustaining damage during testing, while the other remained lost for many years.

The United States wanted to match the German Army's powerful tanks

After their triumph in World War II , the United States and its Allies gained critical insights into the nature of conflict and future strategic opportunities. Even as the war was going on, the US military was actively working to overcome its existing weaknesses. One of the key challenges was the Wehrmacht 's tank superiority, made clear by the imposing Siegfried Line , which greatly slowed Allied efforts to breach German defenses.

In 1943, the US began developing a new tank, later known as the T28 Super Heavy Tank. This innovative vehicle was built for durability, designed to have the power to break through enemy lines while offering substantial protection for its crew.

The United States begins work on developing prototypes

In March 1944, work commenced on producing five T28 Super Heavy Tanks. Each was equipped with a 105 mm T5E1 anti-tank gun as its main armament and a .50-cal Browning heavy machine gun for additional defense. The tank featured majorly improved armor, with metal thickness reaching up to 12 inches in certain areas, providing exceptional protection against anti-tank weapons.

Nevertheless, production faced challenges. The T28's substantial weight of 95 short tons limited its top speed to around 8 miles per hour and created major obstacles in navigating various terrains.

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

As previously noted, the T28 Super Heavy Tanks were originally intended for use against the Siegfried Line. However, by mid-1944, the Allies launched a large-scale offensive against this defensive line, and it was breached by early 1945.

Plans were then made to deploy the T28s in operations on the Japanese mainland. However, following Japan’s surrender after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki , the tanks were never put into service. Because of this, the US government halted further development. Only two prototypes were completed; one was heavily damaged 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.

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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.