Military

Ever heard of a military operation run out of a hollowed-out mountain? Welcome to NORAD, a defense command that monitors air and space for potential attacks on the U.S. Learn about NORAD and the unique location for the NORAD headquarters.

By Ed Grabianowski

Laser weapons have been depicted in science fiction for years, but they do exist in real life. How is the military looking to use laser technology?

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

The T-34 Medium Tank had few amenities but enough power to help the Soviets beat back a Nazi invasion in World War II. This tank was well armored and heavily gunned, which made it the toughest tank the Germans encountered in Russia. Explore the T-34 Medium Tank.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The T-54/T-55 Main Battle Tank series, one of the most popular in Soviet history, is still in use today. These tanks were more heavily gunned than previous versions and were distributed to military forces around the world. Learn about the T-54/T-55 Main Battle Tank.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The T-62 Main Battle Tank was the second generation of Soviet MBTs, based on the T-54/T-55. This tank signaled the end of heavy tanks throughout the world. Learn about the T-62 Main Battle Tank at HowStuffWorks.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The T-64 Main Battle Tank was long mistaken for another Soviet tank, the T-72. The main weapon on this tank was capable of firing anywhere from 5 to 8 rounds per minute. Explore the features of the T-64 Main Battle Tank at HowStuffWorks.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The T-80 Main Battle Tank continued the evolution of T-64 and T-72, adding a gas turbine engine. Because of the engine, this particular tank had the capability to reach 40 miles per hour. Explore the T-80 Main Battle Tank at HowStuffWorks.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I was a formidable battle tank in World War II. This tank featured armor that was over four inces thick that hurt this tank's agility. Learn about the design and history of the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Once you pass through this school's gates, you leave your civilian clothes and ordinary life behind and join the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. It's a far cry from the adventures of a typical, clueless college freshman. So what's knob life like?

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

The thrilling roar of fighter jets performing a military flyover is now a common experience at many big events. In fact, the military approves most of the 850 or so flyover requests submitted annually. What does it take to arrange a flyover?

By Jacob Silverman

The idea of anyone messing with your mind probably makes you nervous. But what if doctors could put that power to good use without drilling a hole through your skull?

By Robert Lamb

You may have thought militaries stopped using napalm after the Vietnam War thanks to the United Nations, but this incendiary weapon lives on in modern warfare. Has it also been used in Iraq?

By Jacob Silverman

These 10 technologies changed war and the course of history as we know it. Some of these battlefield innovations, like adding grooves to gun barrels, are surprisingly simple. So what else made our list?

By Susan L. Nasr

A fascinating article that describes how cruise missiles work and explores some of their advanced technology!

By Marshall Brain

Flintlock guns were extremely important weapons in the American Revolution; they also formed the foundation of all modern guns. Learn about the gun that started it all.

By Marshall Brain

How in the world can a gun silencer work? How can you possibly take an explosive noise that can damage your hearing and turn it into a little "ffft" sound?

By Desiree Bowie

Students at the actual TOPGUN school aren't as cocky as the characters in the movies, but the fictional version gets a lot of other things right.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Israel's Iron Dome defense system is capable of intercepting - and destroying - thousands of incoming rockets targeting civilian areas. Here's how the sophisticated system works.

By John Donovan

President Joe Biden announced new regulations surrounding ghost guns. What are these untraceable guns that allow a purchaser to assemble them from parts?

By Patrick J. Kiger

In 1961, the Soviet Union detonated the Tsar Bomba, still the biggest, most powerful nuclear bomb ever built. One of the cameramen who recorded the event said it sounded "as if the Earth has been killed."

By Patrick J. Kiger

President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization in Russia during an address to the nation. What does that mean for citizens there and in Ukraine?

By Sarah Gleim

Ukraine is seeking foreign volunteers to join the fight against the Russians. But unless you've got military experience and elite skills, you probably should stay home.

By Patrick J. Kiger

You probably have no idea what explosives smell like. But dogs can be trained to detect that distinctive smell, even if it's just wafting through the air.

By Susan L. Nasr

Winning wars sometimes requires innovative new tools, so it seems possible that new technologies are developed in the heat of battle. But is all technology born from conflict?

By Jonathan Strickland