Akker Pantser
| Akker Pantser | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Type | Super-heavy tank project |
| Manufacturer | Schroeter Traktoren (proposed) |
| Model code |
|
| Production | Not built |
| Model years |
|
| Designer | Ferdinand Schroeter |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Super-heavy tank |
| Powertrain | |
| Propulsion | Tracked |
| Chronology | |
| Era | |
The Akker Pantser (AkPa) was a Dutch super-heavy tank project designed by Ferdinand Schroeter for Schroeter Traktoren. Intended to cross the agricultural fields (akkers) of the Netherlands, it had two proposed versions, the AkPa.I of 1944 and the AkPa.II of 1950. Neither was built.
History
[edit | edit source]Ferdinand Schroeter designed the AkPa.I in 1944, hoping it would impress German generals and help him secure more military contracts for Schroeter Traktoren. He wanted to expand the company through German military orders, but German authorities refused to allow the tank to be built.
In 1950, Schroeter returned to the idea with the AkPa.II. It was a personal design that he never pursued for production.
Design
[edit | edit source]Both designs had a planned crew of seven and a 150 mm cannon. The AkPa.I weighed an estimated 221.894 tonnes, while the AkPa.II was much heavier at 524.584 tonnes. Although the chassis dimensions remained the same, Schroeter increased the engine capacity from 80 to 120 litres and proposed thicker armour for the second version. Both designs used torsion-bar suspension.
Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Specification | AkPa.I | AkPa.II |
|---|---|---|
| Design year | 1944 | 1950 |
| Planned weight | 221.894 tonnes | 524.584 tonnes |
| Crew | 7 | 7 |
| Main armament | 150 mm cannon | 150 mm cannon |
| Armour | 5–150 mm | 5–250 mm |
| Engine | 80 L, 16-cylinder | 120 L, 24-cylinder |
| Transmission | 10 forward gears, 1 reverse | 10 forward gears, 5 reverse |
| Chassis length | 17.023 m | 17.023 m |
| Chassis width | 2.0 m | 2.0 m |
| Suspension | Torsion-bar | Torsion-bar |
| Number built | 0 | 0 |