![]() ![]() The rise of effective infantry anti-tank weapons has since eroded the dominance the tank enjoyed during the middle of the 20th century. Tanks remain vulnerable to airstrikes and helicopters, as well as other tanks, anti-tank missiles, heavy artillery and anti-tank mines or Improvised Explosive Devices. Unsupported Israeli armored units suffered heavy losses at the hands of Egyptian troops with early ATGMs in the Sinai. Israel's army is currently employing said systems on its Merkava tanks. ![]() Research is underway into "active" defense systems that would destroy incoming projectiles before they could reach the tank itself. Further protection may be added outside this in the form of Explosive Reactive Armour, which uses explosive-propelled steel plates to disrupt the jet from HEAT weapons and (in the case of the Russian Kontakt-5 and Relikt systems) to destroy kinetic energy penetrators such as 120mm fin rounds. Examples of this are the British "Chobham" (Challenger 1, M-1 Abrams, Merkava) or "Dorchester" (Challenger 2) ceramic matrix armor packs, and the Russian "Sandbar" (T-72B, T-80 and T-90) fiberglass/aluminium/silicate laminate inserts. Armor has evolved from homogeneous steel to advanced composite materials. Tank armor is strongest and thickest on the front of the tank, with lesser protection on the sides, rear, top and underside. Modern tanks mount a single large caliber gun with both armor piercing (for use against other tanks) and high explosive (for use against light vehicles, infantry and buildings) ammunition as well as one or more Machine Guns. Tanks require considerable logistical support to operate effectively. ![]() A modern tank typically has a crew of four, a commander, a gunner, a loader and a driver. The combination has resulted in one of the most effective land weapon systems. Modern tanks combine mobility, armor and firepower to ensure maximum survivability and lethality on the battlefield. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |