tanks & fighting vehicles library

 

In this section you can learn all about armored transports like tanks and Humvees. Find out what makes them so tough and how they are used in combat situations.

Featured Article:  Is the army testing an invisible tank?

Scientists are working on a cloaking method that would render tanks effectively invisible. New metamaterials may bend light, making the tank and its shadow indiscernible. See more »

Do we still need nuclear submarines?

Do we still need nuclear submarines?

During the Cold War, the U.S. and USSR kicked nuclear submarine production into high gear. But if the Cold War is over, why are we still making them? What are our nuclear subs up to these days?

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How Bradley Fighting Vehicles Work

How Bradley Fighting Vehicles Work

The U.S. military uses the Bradley Fighting Vehicle to scout enemy positions and transport troops into hostile territory. With land and sea capabilities, as well as speed and heavy-duty weapons, it's well-outfitted for the job. Learn all about the Bradley and check out some great action photos.

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How Crusher Works

How Crusher Works

At the Carnegie Mellon debut, a Crusher prototype rolled over and crushed piles of cars that would have most monster trucks backing up with their tails between their legs. Crusher is no typical truck. It can drive right over a 4-foot vertical wall while carrying 8,000 pounds of cargo – and no people.

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How M1 Tanks Work

How M1 Tanks Work

The M1 can withstand an attack from any tank out there -- including another M1. Learn all about the toughest armored land vehicle in the world.

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How Strykers Work

How Strykers Work

The U.S. Army's Stryker is a lesson in flexibility: There are as many Stryker configurations as there are tasks to complete in today's military. Plus, it's easier to deploy than the mighty M1. Learn all about the Army's ambitious Stryker project: anywhere in the world within 96 hours.

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Is the army testing an invisible tank?

Is the army testing an invisible tank?

Scientists are working on a cloaking method that would render tanks effectively invisible. New metamaterials may bend light, making the tank and its shadow indiscernible.

See more »
AMX-13 Light Tank

AMX-13 Light Tank

The AMX-13 Light Tank was modified to suit the needs of various countries. This tank could be used as both a tank destroyer and a reconnaisance tank. Learn about the history and design of France's AMX-13 Light Tank.

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AMX-30 Main Battle Tank

AMX-30 Main Battle Tank

The AMX-30 Main Battle Tank served as the principal Main Battle Tank for the French Army. This tank is unique in that it features its own built-in anti-air defense system. Learn about the history of the AMX-30 Main Battle Tank.

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Centurion Main Battle Tank

Centurion Main Battle Tank

The Centurion Main Battle Tank was heavily armed and used by many countries. This tank was the most heavily armored tank ever produced in the post-war years. Learn the history and design of Britain's Centurion Main Battle Tank.

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Chieftain Main Battle Tank

Chieftain Main Battle Tank

The Chieftan Main Battle Tank had excellent firepower and protection capabilities. Nuclear-biological-chemical protection is featured on this tank through the help of a forced-air filtration system. Learn the history and design of Britain's Chieftan Main Battle Tank.

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Cromwell A-27M Infantry Tank

Cromwell A-27M Infantry Tank

The Cromwell A-27M Infantry Tank was fast and agile but still outmatched by opposition tanks. This tank featured a 57mm barrel that was bored out to accommodate a 75mm round. Learn about Britain's Cromwell A-27M Infantry Tank.

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Historic Tanks

Historic Tanks

Tanks are armored military vehicles designed to break through enemy lines. However, as time has passed, tanks can be just about anything that the designer wants it to be. Check out profiles of historical tanks with photos and specifications.

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Infantry Tank Mark II A-12

Infantry Tank Mark II A-12

The Infantry Tank Mark II A-12, or Matilda II, signified a change in Britain's thinking about tanks. Fortunately, this change in tank design came just in time for the start of World War II. Learn about the Infantry Tank Mark II A-12.

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Japanese Type 89 Chi-Ro Medium Tank

Japanese Type 89 Chi-Ro Medium Tank

The Type 89 CHI-RO tank was suited to fight a war where the enemy was infantry equipped with small arms, machine guns, and a few larger guns. It was this type of war that the CHI-RO fought in the 1930s. Check out design of the Type 89 CHI-RO tank.

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Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank

Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank

The Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank was post-war Germany's first tank designed and built in West Germany. This tank can be sealed and pressurized for use in biological warfare situations. Learn more about the Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank.

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M-24 Chaffee Light Tank

M-24 Chaffee Light Tank

The M-24 Chaffee Light Tank retained the speed and agility of the M-3 Stuart while adding needed firepower. A total of 4,415 tanks were produced before the war ended in 1945. Climb into the hatch of the M-24 Chaffee.

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M-26 General Pershing Heavy Tank

M-26 General Pershing Heavy Tank

The M-26 General Pershing Heavy Tank was developed during World War II to compete with powerful German tanks. These tanks were designed to eliminate some of the shortcomings of the M-4 tanks. Explore the M-26 General Pershing Tank.

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M-3 Grant/Lee Medium Tank

M-3 Grant/Lee Medium Tank

The M-3 Grant/Lee Medium Tank was developed to help the United States face the growing threat of World War II. Except for a few T-4s, no medium tank was produced in the inter-war period. Explore the M-3 Grant/Lee Medium Tank.

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M-3 Stuart (Honey)/M-5 Light Tank

M-3 Stuart (Honey)/M-5 Light Tank

The M-3 Stuart and M-5 Light Tank were nicknamed 'Honey' for their smooth and agile handling. These tanks were equipped with extra fuel tanks, which allowed for greater range. Explore the M-3 Stuart (Honey) and M-5 Light Tank.

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M-4 Sherman Medium Tank

M-4 Sherman Medium Tank

The M-4 Sherman Medium Tank boasted thick armor and was powerful enough to match nearly any tank of its era. At the time of construction, the M-4 had the thickest armor ever used on an American tank. Learn about the M-4 Sherman Medium Tank.

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