Tanks and Fighting Vehicles
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.
F-35As Put to the Test in First-ever 'Elephant Walk'
Recovered 'Lost Squadron' Plane Leads to New Mystery
How do they deice airplanes?
What does an Army combat engineer do?
Does Army experience help your civilian career?
How Army Reconnaissance Jobs Work
Why Nerve Agent Novichok Is So Deadly
How Tear Gas Works
How Agent Orange Worked
U.S. Military Dogs Usually Outrank Their Handlers
Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers Risk All to Save Lives
Why Smoking Rates in the Military Are So High
What Is a Vacuum Bomb and Is Russia Using Them in Ukraine?
How Israel's Iron Dome Defense System Works
Tsar Bomba: The Most Powerful Nuclear Weapon Ever Built
What Are Ghost Guns and Why Are They So Dangerous?
How Bulletproof Are Bulletproof Vests?
Half the World's Gun-related Deaths Occur in Just 6 Countries, Including the U.S.
What Are the Mysterious 'Havana Syndrome' Attacks in D.C.?
Hypersonic Missiles Fuel New Global Arms Race
What Are 'Low-yield' Nuclear Weapons?
You've Seen 'Top Gun.' But What's the Real TOPGUN Program Like?
How the Navy Ship Comfort Is Aiding Puerto Rico
Ridiculous History: The U.S. Navy Used Dirigibles as Flying Aircraft Carriers
10 Financial Tips for Preparing for Deployment
How Military Video Conferencing Works
What Does Russia's Partial Military Mobilization Mean?
Want to Fight for Ukraine? Here's What You Need to Know
How You Can Help Veterans Every Day
Does the U.S. Military Maintain Secret Underwater Bases?
10 Insane Disguises That Actually Worked
How Code Breakers Work
Learn More / Page 2
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.
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.
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.
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.
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.
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.
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
Advertisement
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
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 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