history:

In this alternate reality, Germany won both the Battle of Kursk and the Battle of Stalingrad. However, the Germans realized they needed a more modern tank to replace their aging and underperforming Panzers. While the Tiger I was indeed powerful, it had several weaknesses such as high production costs, a fragile transmission, and an engine prone to overheating. For this reason, projects like the Tiger II were initiated—but it wasn’t long before a new concept caught Adolf Hitler’s attention: the E-65 Standardpanzer, which was intended to replace both the Tiger I and the Tiger II project.

The turret of the E-65 was developed by Krupp, while the chassis was designed by Adler. After the discovery of a lighter and more effective variant of rolled homogeneous armor by the Americans—called Modernized and Simplified Rolled Homogeneous Armor (MSRHA)—the tank was modified to incorporate it. However, the British then introduced a more modern and effective APDS shell, prompting Krupp to equip the 12.8 cm KwK 43 L/50 with APDS rounds to increase the E-65’s firepower. The tank was also fitted with an autoloader.

Description:

The E-65 Standardpanzer is one of the tanks in the E-series. Developed by Krupp and Adler, it features an advanced APCBC shell design capable of producing a high muzzle velocity. Originally, the tank was to be equipped with a muzzle brake, but this plan was canceled due to the discovery of a modern counter-recoil system, rendering the muzzle brake unnecessary. The E-65 uses a more modern engine and features a rear-mounted transmission to increase internal space for the crew.

Specifications:

Mass: 65 tons
Name: E-65 Standardpanzer or E-65
Type: Heavy tank
Advantages: Rangefinder, Night Vision, Autoloader, Rear Transmission, and relatively "low" cost
Disadvantages: Tall profile and heavy weight

Dimensions:
Width: 3.74 meters
Length: 7.3 meters (10.34 meters with gun)
Height: 2.8 meters (to the top of the turret)

Armor:
Hull:
1. Upper glacis: 174 mm @62° = 371 mm effective

1. Lower glacis: 138 mm @64° = 300 mm effective

2. Upper side: 164 mm @55° = 286 mm effective

3. Lower side: 154 mm

4. Rear: 142 mm @60° = 284 mm effective

5. Hull floor: 40 mm

6. Side skirts: 20 mm

7. Hull roof: 40 mm

Turret:
1. Front: 265 mm @45° = 375 mm effective

1. Side: 168 mm @25° = 185 mm effective

2. Rear: 150 mm @11° = 153 mm effective

3. Roof: 40 mm

4. Gun mantlet: 240–280 mm

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Main Armament:
12.8 cm KwK 43 L/50 (an alternate version of the 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71)
Reload time: 6 seconds
Ammunition carried: 48 rounds

Shell Types:
1. APCBC
2. APDS
3. HE

Secondary Armament:
1× 20 mm autocannon
1× 7.92 mm MG 34

Penetration:

1. 128 mm APCBC: 415 mm (RHA)

2. 128 mm APDS: 520 mm (RHA)

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Mobility:
Top speed: 61 km/h