Tanks and Fighting Vehicles

Tank Town USA is just one of a few places in the country where you don't have to be in the military to pay to drive a 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.

By Josh Clark

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.

By Tom Harris

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.

By Julia Layton

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?

By Tom Scheve

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.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The M-41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank was a quick and agile tank designed for reconnaissance missions. Although lightweight, this tank was built to defend itself against other medium tanks. Explore the 1950 M-41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

M-47 General George S. Patton Medium Tank was a hybrid of two tanks created after the start of the Korean War. This tank was important in that it was the last time that a tank featured a hull machine gunner. Explore the M-47 Patton Medium Tank.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The M-48 General George S. Patton Medium Tank was developed in anticipation of the Cold War and used in the Korean War. All M-48s were equipped with main guns that can fire a wide variety of ammunition types. Explore the M-48 Patton tank.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The M-60 Main Battle Tank entered production in 1960, developed in response to increasingly advanced Soviet tanks. More than 15,000 of these tanks were manufactured before production ceased in 1987. Explore the M-60 Main Battle Tank.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

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 Soviet T-72 Main Battle Tank was heavily armored and served through the fall of the Soviet Union. This tank featured up to 11 inches of armor on the front of the turret and eight inches everywhere else. Explore features of the T-72 Main Battle Tank.

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.

Panzerkampfwagens I and II were secretly developed by the Nazis in defiance of the Versailles Treaty. These tanks were intended as training tanks. They were armed with only a pair of machine guns. Learn more about Panzerkampfwagens I and II.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Panzerkampfwagens III and IV evolved from earlier models, adding specific features for targeted attacks. It was the first tank built by the Nazis that was designed for actual combat. Explore Panzerkampfwagens III and IV.

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 Panzerkampfwagen V Panther was a well-designed German World War II tank. This tank featured a 700 horsepower engine that had a range of 110 miles. Learn about the history and design of the Panzerkampfwagen V Panther.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger II was the most massive and heavily armored tank of World War II. This tank carried an 88-mm gun that was capable of penetrating 7.2 inches of armor. Learn about the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger II.

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.

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.

By Kevin Bonsor

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.

By Dave Coustan