To propel such a behemoth across the battlefields of Europe, Krupp suggested the use of either 8 x Daimler-Benz MB501 20-cylinder marine diesel engines developing an estimated 16,000 horsepower or 4 x MAN V127Z32/44 24-cylinder marine diesel engines of 17,000 horsepower output. The former engine type was utilized in existing German E-Boat systems while the latter was prominent in U-Boat submarine designs. Though an optimistic top speed of 25 miles per hour was envisioned, this was suspect with all things considered. Durable operational range was also of concern, though a hefty 120 miles was entertained. It is assumed that the P.1000 would have been extremely limited in most facets of its general operation - speed, range and reliability - leading many to doubt its true effectiveness in live fire use.
As it stood, the Landkreuzer P.1000 proved just another tangent for Adolf Hitler to commit valuable wartime resources and engineering manpower to. On paper, the P.1000 was a true threat with enough firepower and inherent armor protection to both destroy anything on the modern battlefield and survive most anything thrown in its direction. In reality, the system would have not added much in the way of changing the downward-spiraling German fortunes by the late-war months. The sheer size of the P.1000 would have extremely limited its tactical use and battlefield effectiveness and off-road travel would have proved impossible, more than likely limiting the tank system to operations as a static, fixed defensive weapon protecting a portion of territory within range of its guns. Weight alone would have forced many-a-European-road to simply crumble under the mass of its wheels. Additionally, no bridge in Europe would have supported the passing of the P.1000 requiring transport by railway cars constantly under attack from Allied fighters - however, even railway transport was not really a viable transport form for such a large and heavy vehicle - her width alone would have precluded such use. Furthermore the use of multiple engines in a joined complex arrangement within one hull would have proven a maintenance nightmare for accompanying crew not to mention headaches for when in search of useful spares. With that said, if used at all in combat, the P.1000's reach would have been severely limited by these inherent design restrictions.
While the P.1000 project eventually foundered, the Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus ("Mouse") went on to become the largest tank to be built in World War 2, though only reaching prototype form in two examples before the end of the war. The P.1000 would, therefore, fall to the pages of history.
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