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I've been looking over the plans for the Pz. III and Pz. IV recently.

All I can say is that some of the design decisions for German tanks were absolutely baffling.

Let's start with a really huge, gaping flaw I've spotted.

The transmission for most WW2-era German tanks was in the front of the tank with the driveshaft running besides the turret. This setup is not only less than optimal, it's downright stupid for the following reasons:

1.) The setup is needlessly complex. A rear mounted transmission/driveshaft setup is far simpler and would result in fewer breakdowns.

2.) It's heavy. It also increases the tank's height by ~10-20cm.

3.) Less mechanically efficient. More power is lost in the driveshaft the longer it is.

4.) Constrains turret ring width. The Pz. III and IV could have had turret rings 10cm wider if it wasn't for the driveshaft taking up some much room.

5.) It'd offer more space in the front if the transmission was in the rear.

Disadvantages:

1.) The only disadvantage as far I can tell is that the tank would have be approximately 30cm longer to accommodate the rear mounted transmission.

So, what if the Germans went with a rear mounted drive sprocket for the Pz. III and Pz. IV?
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