M26 Adamant
| M26 Adamant | |
|---|---|
 An M26 Adamant tank | |
| Type | Heavy tank |
| Place of origin |  Gallia-Bruhl |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1940-1953 |
| Used by | See Operators below |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Wolfgang Theimer |
| Designed | 1937-1939 |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Produced | November 1940 – October 1950 |
| No. built | 8,201 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 92,355 lb (46.2 short tons) fighting weight |
| Length |
|
| Width | 11 ft 6 in (3.51 m) |
| Height | 9 ft 1.5 in (2.781 m) |
| Crew | 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver) |
| Armor |
|
Main armament | 90mm Gun M3 40 rounds 90mm M5 rifled gun 30 rounds |
Secondary armament |
|
| Engine | Continental GAF; 8-cylinder, gasoline Allison V12 diesel engine (A46 Tachibana) 800–900 hp (600–670 kW) |
| Power/weight | 13.7 hp (10.2 kW)/tonne (A46 Tachibana) |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
Operational range | 100 mi (160 km) (M26) 160 mi (260 km) (A46) |
| Speed |
|
The M26 Adamant is a heavy tank used by Gallia-Bruhl and other Allied nations during the Second Europan War. It was first designed and prototyped in 1937 with the threat of Tiger I and Tiger II posing a challenge for Allied armoured forces throughout the conflict. Designed by Gallian engineer Wolfgang Theimer, the Adamant was perceived as a replacement for all Gallian tanks in service.
First seeing action during the Battle of Barious in 1940, the M26 Adamant was a shock for the Imperials, being capable of penetrating Imperial tanks of that era. Although, it would have trouble engaging with Tiger II's the M26 nonetheless proved satisfactory. Countries such as Concordia, the United Kingdom, Nibelheim, Dalmasca, Holy Galbadian Empire, Erebonian Empire, and Alteria expressed interest in the tank. But at the same year, the newest Lucian tank, the Centurion made its debut in late 1940 and when its success reached the Allies, express for the Adamant drastically went low but certain nations still remained interest because the M26 was cheaper than the Centurion.
In 1941, the Erebonian-based Kongsberg Arsenals introduced upgrades to the tank in response to reports of the M26 breaking down or having faulty performances. A new 90mm rifled gun, a V12 watercooled diesel engine, bore evacuator, and spall liners to negate HE shells and reduce damage. This variant was designated as the A46 Tachibana named after Lucian war hero General Harry Tachibana. The M26 and A46 continued to see action across the theatres of EWII due to the lack of Centurions available in the field until 1944. Most were sold off to Dalmasca, Nibelheim, Galbadia, Alteria, Esthar, and Concordia following EWII.
Background
Development
