Engineering directorate
Engineering department of the People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade of the USSR
May 25th, 1942
We received the following data on the Heavy Tank T1E1 from Washington.
- Mass: 57 tons
- Armament:
- 1 75 mm gun
- 1 37 mm gun
- 2 .30 caliber machineguns
- 2 .50 caliber machineguns
- 2 .45 caliber submachineguns
- Top speed: 56 kph
- Crew: 7
- Front armour thickness: 80 mm
- Engine: gasoline Wright Cyclone, aircraft type, 9 cylinder, 1100 hp at 2100 RPM, water cooled
There is also the same tank available with a diesel engine. Experimental prototypes are undergoing trials and are being improved. Resources for mass production have already been prepared.
Note: the 75 mm gun is long-barrelled, with a 50 caliber long barrel. The muzzle velocity is 2600 f/s. At 500 yards, it can penetrate a 5 inch plate.
I ask for your conclusions regarding the tank.
Acting chief of the 2nd Department of the NKVT Engineering Directorate, Engineer-Major Hohlov"
"To the head of the 2nd Department of the NKVT Engineering Directorate
May 31st, 1942
Reply to #0843s
I ask you to request more precise information on the American T1E1 heavy tank. It is necessary to find out:
- The thickness and type of hull and turret armour.
- Ground pressure.
- Placement of armament and crew. Can all machineguns be aimed?
- Ammunition capacity.
- Evaluation of visibility from the tank.
- Fuel capacity and operational range
- Transmission type, its brief characteristics, and location.
- Controls type.
- Description of the suspension and running gear.
- What changes were made to the tank as a result of trials.
In addition, we wish to know the opinion of tankers present in America about what known tanks can be best compared with the T1E1.
Chief of the 5th Department of the GABTU BTU, Engineer-Colonel Afonin
Senior assistant to the Chief of the 5th Department of the GABTU BTU, Engineer-Lieutenant-Colonel Kovalev"