Above you see pics of the T54E1. Its a blast from the past that explored placing an oscillating turret with an autoloader on an M-60A1 chassis. The only reason why it wasn't put into production was because of issues with the autoloader, but the implications and potential of the design remain.
A 105mm, rapid firing cannon could decimate almost any target on the battlefield (especially if it used depleted uranium rounds) and would change tank tactics forever.
Is the future for US Main Battle Tanks autoloaders?
Theoretically you could have a much smaller turret, you could reduce crew size and the vehicle would be harder to detect AND lighter to transport....call it an oversized RWS system only it uses a heavy cannon instead of machinegun.
KADBB tried it with the Falcon Turret mounted on a Challenger MBT chassis. I think its time for the US Army and Marine Corps to trial this version (or develop something similar/better) on an M-1A3.
Sharp, short, punishing and decisive armored engagements will be a hallmark of future combat in my opinion. An autoloading tank might be the winning weapon in such a battle.
