Trefilova I.L. (Tula, MBOUTSO No. 6)
1. “Fire training” part 2 – “Fundamentals of weapons devices”, ed. V.M. Shishkovsky.
2. “Training of reserve officers ground forces» by ed. Yu.A. Naumenko.
3. “Encyclopedia Terra”, section Tanks of the world.
4. Kochetkov D.I., “With closed hatches”, Moscow, 1962.
Like many modern children, I really love playing computer games. Thanks to one of the games, I became interested in studying military equipment. I became interested in learning about how tanks were created, who invented them and in what country, what tanks are installed in my city.
Relevance of the topic
The topic of my work is relevant today, because the defense and defense of our country directly depends on our military equipment. In the process of researching this topic, it is impossible not to touch upon the topic of the Great Patriotic War, the memory of whose heroes should always live in our hearts.
Hypothesis. I assume that the best battle tanks were created in the USSR and they played one of the main roles in the victory against the Second World War.
The main goal of my work is to learn about the history of the appearance of tanks, their role in the Great Patriotic War, to find out the features of tanks, to determine in which country the best tank was created.
- Analyze encyclopedic material on the research topic;
- Determine which tanks were the best;
- Find out which brands of tanks are installed in our city and region.
Object of study: military equipment.
Subject of research: tanks
Research methods:
- Literary - the use of materials from periodicals, scientific and educational literature, Internet resources.
- Search - work in library archives.
- Theoretical analysis.
Since ancient times, humanity has constantly invented and improved weapons with which to protect itself and destroy the enemy.
Rice. 1. Self-propelled gun" Blinov
Our country can rightfully be called the birthplace of world tank building. And although the first tanks were built not here, but in England, this statement is true. After all, the main distinguishing detail of any antique and modern tank- caterpillar - was born on the banks of the great Russian river Volga. A native of the village of Nikolskoye, peasant Fedor Abramovich Blinov, in 1878 received a patent (“privilege”) for a “Wagon with endless rails for transporting goods along highways and country roads.” This design became the ancestor of the caterpillar propulsion system. A talented student of Blinov, Yakov Vasilyevich Mamin, in 1903 also designed an internal combustion engine that ran on crude oil.
The author of the first Russian project The tank became Vasily Dmitrievich Mendeleev, the son of Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev. This project went down in history as the “Mendeleev tank” and was submitted for consideration on August 24, 1916.
By all accounts it was formidable and majestic fighting machine, which could handle the most difficult and dangerous combat missions. But neither the project itself nor its careful study interested the military department.
History of tank building
The First World War was a big impetus for the development of tank building. It was at this time that neither of the opposing sides could advance forward, as the defense lines became impregnable. They could only be overcome with the help of mobile and well-protected means. This is how the idea of creating a tank came about. Although during the First World War, Russian tanks never appeared on the battlefields.
Soviet tank building began in the fall of 1919, when the Council of Military Industry of the RSFSR decided to establish the production of domestic tanks based on the model of the French Renault FT. At the end of 1919, the captured tank, which was to serve as a model, was brought to the Sormovo plant. Already in August 1920, the production of the first Soviet tanks, developed on the basis of Renault. These tanks were called “Freedom Fighter Comrade Lenin” ( light tank M).
The first production tank of the USSR was the MS-1 (T-18) light tank, which was put into service in the summer of 1927.
In the thirties, the basis of Soviet tank formations were wheeled-tracked BT tanks, which for that time had high combat and specifications. The experience gained during this time working on armored vehicles allowed us to rise to a new, better level. In 1938, the wheeled-tracked prototype A-20 (BT-20) appeared, and then the fully tracked tank A-32 (T-32). After sea trials, preference was given to the tracked prototype A-32, and it received the name T-34. This tank, created in the design bureau under the leadership of Mikhail Ilyich Koshkin, was destined to become the best medium tank of the Second World War.
The T-34 tank was first tested at the plant in early 1940. The main tests were to take place at a training ground near Moscow. According to the rules, before appearing before the commission, the tank had to travel at least 3,000 km. There was no longer time for this, and Koshkin decided to lead the tanks to Moscow under his own power.
In March 1940, two experimental T-34s set off and on March 17 appeared at the training ground before a commission headed by Stalin himself. The T-34 made a strong impression on him: its speed, maneuverability, maneuverability, firepower and armor power really seemed to prepare the tank for mass production.
Rice. 4. Tanks: A-8 (BT-7M) A-20 T-34 (model 1940) T-34 (model 1941)
As you know, the T-34 became a real legend of the Second World War, and none of the warring countries managed to create a more advanced tank in five years. “The Thirty-Four went through the entire war, from beginning to end, and there was no better fighting vehicle in any army. Not a single tank could compare with it - neither American, nor English, nor German... Until the very end of the war, the T-34 remained unsurpassed.” (I.S. Konev). Of all the types of military equipment that German troops encountered in World War II, none caused them such a shock as the Russian T-34 tank in the summer of 1941. In just the years of the Great Patriotic War Over 66,000 of these tanks were produced.
Of course, the T-34 was not the only tank of the USSR in World War II; besides it there were also light tanks: T-40, T-50, T-60, T-70; heavy - KV (Klim Voroshilov) and IS (Joseph Stalin) series. The development of the IS-3 tank, or as it was also called “Kirovets-1,” began in the summer of 1944. Two designers took up the project at once. The competitors were the chief engineer of Chelyabinsk Kirov plant(ChKZ) Mikhail Fedorovich Balzhi and Joseph Yakovlevich Kotin, who headed the Experimental Plant No. 100.
Both projects have been submitted for approval. people's commissar tank industry to V.A. Malyshev. After reviewing both, it was decided to take the tower from the project of M.F. Balzhi. Its peculiarity was its low silhouette and shape, which, combined with strong frontal armor, made it a very formidable weapon. And the building is from the project of Zh.Ya.Kotin. It was decided to make it from the top two plates of rolled, homogeneous armor at an angle, and in the middle it was covered with a small roof, triangular in shape, in which the driver's hatch was located. The lower armor plate was located at an angle. Then this arrangement of armor plates began to be called “pike nose” because of their similarity. It should be noted that the director of the plant, when he wrote the decree on the construction prototype, called the tank “Pobeda”, but this name was rejected in favor of the name of the IS-3 tank. The tests took place under the supervision of Marshal of the USSR Tank Forces P.A. Rotmistrov. At the end of the tests, he personally got into the tank and said the words: This is the kind of machine the army needs!
After the tests, Marshal Zhukov and Vasilevsky presented the project to I.V. Stalin, who signed a document on its adoption and production at ChKZ. The first batch of tanks rolled off the assembly line in May 1945. IS 3 heavy tanks did not see service during World War II.
The IS-3 was first shown at the Berlin WWII Allied Forces Parade on September 7, 1945. The IS-3 shown then against the backdrop of the American Pershings was simply magnificent, the Red Army then made it clear that they were not fooled and could do it again.
At present, there is no, and in the near future it is not expected, the emergence of a cheaper and more powerful weapon system that could be compared with a tank in its characteristics, and would be capable of providing high maneuverability, protection from enemy fire, firepower and the ability to operate in any conditions in various types battle.
Tanks installed in the city of Tula and the region
\The Great Patriotic War swept through the Tula land like a destructive hurricane. There were fierce battles with the Nazi invaders here. Thirty-three districts of the Tula region were completely occupied by enemy troops, six were partially occupied.
Tula was supposed to become a springboard for an attack on Moscow. That's what Hitler wanted. He is in Once again did not take into account the indomitable spirit of the Soviet people. The battles near Tula once again proved: there is only one warrior in the field, if he is Soviet.
A powerful group of 2 tank groups and some other units aimed at Moscow from the north-west. In the Tula-Kashira direction it operated tank army. It was operated by an army corps reinforced with tanks. In total, 51 divisions were allocated to capture Moscow, including 13 tank divisions. Autumn 1941 Soviet troops withstood the heroic defense of Tula, and their feat went down in the history of the Great Patriotic War. General Guderian's tank armada fought its last battle here and lost.
The creation of the tank greatly helped our country in wars. In almost every city, different models of tanks were installed on pedestals in memory of the past war. Our city was no exception either.
There are 3 tanks installed in Tula and the Tula region:
1. IS-2 tank, located in Shchekino, Tula region, next to the Sokol cinema. As a result of the fighting in the Shchekino area, troops of the 50th and 10th armies defeated units of Guderian's 2nd Tank Army and the 296th infantry division"Deer Head"
2. Tank IS - 3, located in Tula, Kosaya Gora village, next to the KMZ.
3. The legendary T-34 tank is installed in Mogelevsky Park in Tula.
These tanks were installed in memory of the 50th Army, 32nd Tank Brigade and 112th Division, which liberated the Shchekinsky region and took part in the defense of Tula. Those who showed heroism during the defeat of the Nazi troops. Namely, the troops of Guderian, who tried to take Tula with a “frontal” blow and break through to Moscow. During fierce battles, troops of the 2nd German army suffered heavy losses, were exsanguinated, and their striking force - tanks - was mostly destroyed. Their tank army could no longer not only advance, but also defend. This is confirmed by the fact that Guderian made a difficult decision for him “to withdraw his far advanced units to the Don, Shat, and Upa rivers.”
Conclusion
After analyzing the work done, I made a number of conclusions:
1. The main distinguishing feature of any tank - the caterpillar - was invented on the banks of the Volga River.
3. The first domestic tank began to be produced in August 1920 and was called “Freedom Fighter Comrade Lenin”, and the first production tank was the MS-1 (T-18) light tank, which was put into service in the summer of 1927.
4. The best was to be tracked tank T-34, against which Nazi tanks were powerless.
5. With the help of the IS-3, the Red Army made it clear that they were not fools and could once again march across Europe.
6. Tank construction in the USSR made a huge contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany.
7. There are two installed in our city legendary tank: T-34, IS-3 in memory of the heroic defense of the southern borders of the capital of the USSR.
Bibliographic link
Kozlov K. DEVELOPMENT OF TANK BUILDING IN THE USSR AND THE ROLE OF BATTLE TANKS IN WAR // International School Scientific Bulletin. – 2017. – No. 6. – P. 57-61;URL: http://school-herald.ru/ru/article/view?id=459 (access date: 03/02/2019).
History buffs often study cars in isolation from the conditions in which they were created and the reasons that prompted the designers to develop them. Meanwhile, military equipment is not a cheap pleasure, and behind every innovation introduced in a particular tank, and every model that went into production or remained in a single copy, there is far more than just the research passion of the designer. The reasons for implementation or, on the contrary, refusal to put it into service can be very different - from the political situation in the country and the world to the “fashion” for certain technical solutions. Understanding these nuances allows us to create a more harmonious and meaningful picture of the development of tank building.
The first stage of development of tank building in the USSR (1920–1929) – “Russian Renault”, MS-1 (T-18), T-12 and T-24
The history of Soviet tank building began during the Civil War, when in 1920–1921 the Sormovsky shipyard in Nizhny Novgorod produced the Russian Renault tank in a series of 15 vehicles, which was an almost exact copy of the French Renault FT-17.
By 1925, these vehicles had become outdated, and the Main Directorate of Military Industry (GUVP) of the USSR set the task of creating a new tank. It was developed by the Leningrad Bolshevik plant, using as a basis the Italian Fiat-3000 specially purchased for this purpose (according to other sources, captured from the Poles). The suspension was copied from the French Renault NC27.
Both vehicles used were technical developments of the Renault FT-17 design, so the MS-1 tank designed by 1927 (T-18 index is often used) was very similar in appearance to the “Russian Renault”.
MS-1 differed from the prototype in a number of innovations. In particular, the transverse engine arrangement made it possible to significantly reduce the length of the tank. The next time Soviet designers returned to this technical solution only when designing the T-44 in 1944. The tank's suspension was also improved. Since the late 1920s, instead of the outdated coaxial 6.5 mm Fedorov machine gun, the T-18 began to be installed with a 7.62 mm DT machine gun (designed by Degtyarev), which served faithfully Soviet tank crews next 20 years, until the late 1940s
Light tank MS-1 on display at the Military Glory of the Urals Museum of Military Equipment in Verkhnyaya Pyshma (Sverdlovsk region)
Source – wikimedia.org
Also in 1927, the GUVP formulated the final requirements for a tank weighing 12 tons. This more powerful and faster escort vehicle, which was specified in the documents as a “maneuverable tank,” was entrusted to the design bureau of the Kharkov Locomotive Plant (KhPZ). The result was a completely new medium tank, the T-24, and in 1931 KhPZ received an order to produce 300 units. True, very soon the order was canceled - the plant was ordered to switch to the production of BT-2 tanks.
In fact, during the 1920s, three main design centers of Soviet tank building were formed in Leningrad, Kharkov and Moscow, which subsequently determined all trends in its development.
Foreign contracts - 1930
The work of Soviet engineers on the creation of tanks and wedges (T-12, T-17, T-19, T-20, T-21, T-23, T-24, T-25) showed that the Soviet Union lacks design experience activities of this scale, personnel and basic production culture. In order not to waste time on solving these issues by domestic specialists, the head of the Department of Mechanization and Motorization of the Red Army, corps commander Innokenty Khalepsky, suggested that the country's top leadership purchase samples of suitable tanks and licenses for their production abroad, and also invite foreign specialists to work in the USSR. On December 5, 1929, an official decision was made to send a special commission headed by Khalepsky abroad. In 1930, she visited several tank-producing countries, among which England, Germany and the USA were of particular interest.
The first deal was concluded on April 28 between the American company U.S. Wheel Track Layer Corp., owned by designer John Christie, and Amtorg Trading Corp. - a company through which equipment and weapons were exported to the USSR. According to the agreement, the Soviet Union acquired two M1931 tanks and the right to produce them.
May 28 with the British company Vickers & Armstrongs Ltd. a contract was signed for the supply of fifteen Mk.E “Model A” tanks to the USSR in a version with two machine gun turrets for 7.7 mm Vickers machine guns (future T-26). In addition, 20 Carden-Loyd Mk.IV tankettes (the basis of the T-27) and 15 Medium Mk.II vehicles were purchased. The British refused to sell the three-turreted Medium Mk.III.
Khalepsky cheated: he told representatives of the British manufacturing company that he had already received permission to purchase this vehicle from the British Defense Department and now he needed more information about the tank to report to management. So the Soviet side received maximum amount materials thanks to which the T-28 tank was later created in Leningrad
English medium three-turreted tank Medium Mark III from Vickers-Armstrong in the factory workshop
Source – wikimedia.org
Multi-turreted tanks (1930–1940) – TG-1, T-35, T-28
After defeat in the First World War, Germany did not have the right to produce tanks, so purchases of armored vehicles were not carried out from it. Instead, Khalepsky invited an entire design bureau to the USSR under the leadership of Edward Grote. Soviet developers had already turned to these specialists for advice when designing the T-17 wedge and the T-20 tank.
In March 1930, the AVO-5 design bureau was created, and within a year its employees developed a new vehicle, the TG-1, the two turrets of which were mounted on top of each other. But the tank turned out to be too expensive: its cost was 1.5 million rubles, while the BT-2, created on the basis of the American M1931, cost only 60 thousand. As a result, the car did not go into production, and the German engineers went home. The Soviet part of the design bureau at plant No. 185 began creating a heavy five-turret T-35, the layout of which the designers borrowed from the British A1E1 “Independent”.
However, over time it became clear that multi-turreted tanks, for a number of design reasons, had no prospects for development, and they were later abandoned.
T-35 on display at the Museum of Armored Vehicles in Kubinka
Source – wikimedia.org
In parallel with the development of the T-35, the design of a Soviet medium three-turreted tank began, taking into account information about the English Medium Mk.III brought by the Khalepsky commission. The work was supervised by designer Semyon Ginzburg. As a result, by 1933, the T-28 was designed - one of the most well-armed and armored medium tanks in the world in the mid-1930s. During the development of its production, a tank school was formed at the Kirov Plant (formerly Putilovsky), and a specialized design bureau SKB-2 was formed, which played a huge role in the subsequent development of the design of heavy tanks in the USSR
BT series tanks (1931–1940)
After the cancellation of the order for the T-24, the Kharkov Locomotive Plant began production of BT-2 tanks, created on the basis of the American M1931 designed by engineer Christie. This vehicle was of great importance for the subsequent development of Soviet tank building: it was the first to use Christie suspension and inclined front armor parts. The tank was built according to the classical design, had a welded hull and moved on both caterpillar and wheeled tracks. Further development of the BT-2 resulted in the creation of the BT-5 with a more spacious elliptical turret on an extended shoulder strap, in which a twin 45-mm tank gun and a 7.62-mm machine gun were mounted. The hull and chassis of the BT-5 were practically no different from the BT-2.
BT-5 in the exhibition of the diorama museum “Breaking the Siege of Leningrad” near Kirovsk
Source – wikimedia.org
In 1935, the Kharkovites took a step further, creating the BT-7 tank - its chassis was already significantly different from the M1931. The designers installed the V-2 tank diesel engine on the BT-7M model. While working on this tank, they came up with the idea of creating a fundamentally new car, which was later to become the legendary “thirty-four”.
Europe's first tank diesel V-2 (1939)
On September 1, 1939, at the Kharkov plant No. 75, separated from the KhPZ, the legendary 12-cylinder V-2 diesel engine was put into serial production, modifications of which were installed on almost all medium and heavy Soviet tanks up to the T-64. The first machine on which it began to be mounted was BT-7M. Over time, minor changes were made to the engine, but the main design solutions remained the same as those found in Kharkov in the late 30s of the last century.
Tank diesel V-2 in the museum of the history of the T-34 tank
Source – wikimedia.org
Heavy tanks of the KV series (1939–1943) – KV-1, KV-2, KV-13, KV-1S
By the end of the 1930s, the T-35 was completely obsolete. A struggle developed between the design bureaus of Leningrad tank factories for the creation of a Soviet serial heavy tank. Pilot Plant No. 185 worked on the twin-turret T-100 weighing 58 tons, the turrets of which were placed one after the other on different levels, which should have allowed them to fire simultaneously. This arrangement was determined by the performance characteristics provided by military customers. At the Leningrad Kirov Plant they created the SMK tank (Sergei Mironovich Kirov) with a similar layout and weighing 55 tons. But, realizing that a single-turret vehicle could be equipped with thicker armor, the Kirov team proactively created another heavy tank - the KV (Klim Voroshilov).
All three tanks were tested during the Winter War with Finland in battles on the Karelian Isthmus in a combined tank company. Based on the test results, the military chose the KV tank, which, with the advent of its 152-mm version KV-2, received the index KV-1.
KV-1 at Aberdeen Proving Ground
Source – wikimedia.org
The Kirov plant continued research work. The improvement of the KV-1 resulted in the creation of the KV-1S model - a lightweight version of its predecessor; new models were designed using already developed components.
Further development of heavy tanks moved towards reducing their mass and bringing it to the level of medium tanks. At the same time, the thickness of the armor remained the same due to more efficient use of the reserved volume. The result of this work was the creation of the experimental medium tank KV-13, which the Leningraders designed while already in evacuation in Chelyabinsk. However, in terms of overall performance characteristics and manufacturability, the vehicle could not compete with the T-34 medium tank that had already been created by that time, although the thickness of its frontal armor of 120 mm was very attractive.
The KV-13 medium tank and its design development “Object 234” (an intermediate version before the IS tank). It also had five rollers (a sixth was added to the IS), and a 122-mm U-11 howitzer was installed in the turret
Source – inarms.ru
When, by mid-1943, heavy German Tiger and Panther appeared at the front en masse, they remembered the KV-13. As a result of its refinement, a new line of Soviet IS heavy tanks appeared. During the restructuring of production to new vehicles, a transitional version was produced for some time - the KV-85, which was a modernized KV-1S with an 85-mm gun installed in its turret instead of a 76-mm cannon.
Medium tank T-34 (1940–1943)
In September 1938, the design bureau of the Kharkov plant received an order to design a new light tank A-20. As power plant It was planned to use the V-2 tank diesel engine. The upper frontal part had to be made straight, inclined at an angle close to 60°, which significantly increased the likelihood of a projectile ricocheting from a 45-mm plate. This tank, like all vehicles of the BT series, was required by Moscow to be made on a wheeled-tracked vehicle. But the KhPZ designers, led by Mikhail Koshkin, had their own point of view on this matter. In the end, Stalin, who personally oversaw the development of Soviet tank building, allowed the Kharkovites to develop their own version of the tank with anti-ballistic armor and a fully tracked propulsion system.
Pre-war tanks produced by plant No. 183 (Kharkov). From left to right: BT-7 (A-8), A-20, T-34–76 with L-11 cannon (1940), T-34–76 with F-34 cannon (1941)
Source – wikimedia.org
This is how the A-32 tank project appeared, which later became the A-34 project, and after a convincing victory in comparative field tests (including over the A-20) - the famous T-34. It differed from the vast majority of its Western counterparts in its sloping frontal armor, 76-mm F-34 cannon, V-2 tank diesel engine and Christie suspension. Taken together, all this made it a fast and well-armored vehicle with high maneuverability and a powerful, reliable gun. Before the appearance of the Tigers and Panthers, as well as the Pz.Kpfw. IV with modernized T-34 guns was superior to German tanks in its characteristics. Wehrmacht tankers were saved in battles only by experience and coordination of actions.
Heavy tanks of the IS series during the war (1943–1945) –IS-1 and IS-2
The IS-1 was designed as a replacement for the KV-1. With the appearance of the German "Tigers" at the front, work accelerated. The originally planned 76 mm gun was replaced with an 85 mm one. This led to an increase in the size and weight of the structure, and the vehicle moved from the category of medium (prototype of the KV-13 tank) to the category of heavy. The plant produced only 130 of these vehicles - they were soon replaced by IS-2, which were armed with a 122-mm gun and could fight on equal terms with the German Tigers and Panthers.
IS-1 on display at the Kyiv Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Source – author’s photo archive
Many German tankers admitted that the heavy IS-2 was a worthy opponent. Its 122 mm cannon easily penetrated the armor of Panthers and Tigers and was effective in assaulting fortified areas. The tank performed so well that it was completely withdrawn from service. Russian army only in 1995. Work to strengthen its armor led to the creation of new IS-3 and IS-4 tanks.
Medium tank T-34–85 (1944–1958)
The need to confront the Tigers and Panthers forced Soviet designers not only speed up the development of heavy vehicles, but also increase the power of guns and the protection of medium tanks. As a result, the T-43 tank was developed with more powerful armor hull, a new turret with an 85-mm cannon and torsion bar suspension. However, the transition to the production of a new car would lead to a decrease in total output. In addition, the permissible weight of the structure was exceeded, so they decided to continue production of the T-34 with the turret from the T-43. The new tank received the index T-34–85.
T-34–85 on display at the Kyiv Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Source – author’s photo archive
The vehicle proved itself to be excellent and - in parallel with the new models T-44 and T-54 - was produced in the USSR until 1950, and in the world until 1958, including at Polish and Czech enterprises. In addition to the Second World War, this tank participated in many local conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Its last use in battles was the wars in the Balkans, which broke out in the 90s of the last century after the collapse of Yugoslavia.
Heavy tanks of the IS series in the post-war period (1945–1966) – IS-3, IS-4, T-10 (IS-5, IS-8)
Simultaneously with the production of the IS-2 tank, work was underway at Experimental Plant No. 100 and the Chelyabinsk Kirov Plant (ChKZ) to create new heavy tanks. Engineers designed the IS-4, which was a logical continuation of the IS-2 design. But military receivers gave preference to the IS-3, the body of which with the famous “pike nose” was designed at factory No. 100. The tower was designed at ChKZ, and mass production was also established there. However, the first months of operation of the IS-3 in the army revealed a number of shortcomings, and its production was stopped.
IS-3 on display at the Kyiv Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Source – author’s photo archive
The development of heavy tanks continued actively after the Second World War. The most successful was the IS-8, a project of the Chelyabinsk designers of plant No. 100 (at the initial stage of work in 1944, the tank had the index IS-5). The combat weight of the vehicle was 50 tons. The IS-8 was also a development of the IS-3 design, so it retained its “pike nose”. It acquired the final index T-10 in 1953 after the death of Joseph Stalin, after whom the entire line of IS tanks was named. The number “10” meant that this was the tenth heavy tank put into service in the USSR. The vehicle turned out to be so successful that it was removed from service only in 1993. The frontal armor of the T-10 reached 120 mm. It was the last mass-produced heavy Soviet tank - it was soon replaced by fast, well-armed medium tanks, called "main" tanks.
T-10 on display at the Kyiv Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Source – author’s photo archive
Medium tanks T-54 and T-55 (1946–1979)
After the end of the Second World War, the armament of the T-44 tank did not fully meet modern requirements: its turret, taken from the T-34-85 with an 85-mm cannon, was already outdated at that time. By 1946, a new turret with a 100 mm gun was developed. In this form, the tank, designated T-54, went into production. However, exploitation among the troops revealed whole line shortcomings, and in 1949 the vehicle underwent a deep modernization: the shape of the turret was changed and the armor was reduced to make the structure lighter. In 1951, the T-54 turret was replaced again, this time with a hemispherical one, after which the tank acquired its final, familiar silhouette. Further modernization concerned the improvement of the design of the gun stabilizer, ejector, anti-nuclear protection, ammunition racks, instruments, equipment, etc. The result of all these changes was the T-55 tank, created under the leadership of Leonid Kartsev at the Nizhny Tagil plant No. 183.
T-55 on display at the Kyiv Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Source – author’s photo archive
The predecessor of the T-54 was the T-44 tank, produced in 1944–1958 It did not take part in combat operations during the war, largely due to the fact that the latest technical solutions implemented in the T-44, which allowed the USSR to be decades ahead of its competitors, could fall into the hands of the enemy. The transverse rather than longitudinal arrangement of the power plant reduced the length of the tank, and a different arrangement of some of the units on the B-44 diesel engine made it possible to reduce the height of the vehicle. Starting with the T-44, torsion bar suspension appeared on Soviet medium tanks. In addition, they abandoned the directional machine gun and the radio operator gunner.
T-44 in the Museum of the city of Volsk
Source – wikimedia.org
Main tank T-62 (1961–1975)
The creation of the T-62 actually put an end to the development and production of heavy tanks in the USSR. The installation of the 2A20 smoothbore 115-mm cannon brought medium tanks closer to heavy tanks in terms of weapon power (the latter were equipped with 122-mm rifled guns). At the same time, the rate of fire of the T-62 was higher. In addition, it was planned to install an automatic loader on subsequent models, which would make heavy tanks completely useless. The frontal armor of the T-62 was also close to heavy (100 mm), and its maneuverability was significantly higher.
T-62 on display at the Kyiv Museum of the Great Patriotic War
Source – author’s photo archive
The time has come for the main tanks. Soon after the T-62, the T-64 was created in Kharkov at the Morozov Design Bureau. Subsequent Soviet tanks - T-72, T-80, as well as the Russian T-90 and Ukrainian "Oplot" and "Bulat" use design solutions implemented in this vehicle
The traditions of Soviet tank builders did not disappear after the collapse of the USSR. In 2015, the creation of the main Russian tank of the new generation T-14 "Armata" with an uninhabited turret and no foreign analogues. On May 9, he will take part in the parade on Red Square dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory, after which he will enter the Russian Armed Forces. This machine is intended to finally replace the well-served machines of the T-64, T-72, T-80 and T-90 series.
The end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries is characterized by rapid scientific progress of mankind. They are actively using steam locomotives and cars, they have invented the internal combustion engine and are actively trying to take to the skies. Sooner or later, the military becomes interested in all such inventions.
History of the development of armored vehicles by country
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History of tanks from other countries
Stages of tank building development
The steam locomotive was the first to be used. First, to transport troops, and later, a cannon was installed on the railway platform, and armored shields were installed for protection. This is how the first armored train was created, which was used by the Americans in 1862 during the Civil War in North America. The use of armored trains imposes its own limitations - railway tracks are needed. The military began to think about combining high firepower and mobility in a vehicle.
The next stage was the reservation of ordinary passenger cars with the installation of machine gun or light cannon weapons on them. They were to be used to break through the front line of enemy defenses and deliver manpower.
The main problem in the history of the development of tank building was the lack of motivation and lack of understanding of the possibilities of using armored vehicles. About the basics of using an armored cart back in the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci wrote: “We will build closed chariots that will penetrate enemy lines and cannot be destroyed by a crowd of armed men, and infantry can follow behind them without much risk or any baggage.” In practice, no one took seriously “expensive iron toys,” as the British Minister of War once called tank prototypes.
The reasons for the creation of the first tank and its purpose
Tanks received real recognition during the First World War.
The First World War was a positional war, characterized by a multi-echelon continuous line of defense with machine guns and architectural structures. For the breakthrough, artillery barrage was used, but due to the short firing range, it could suppress, and then rather conditionally, only the firing points of the front line. When capturing the first line, the invaders inevitably encountered the next, to suppress which it was necessary to bring up artillery. While the attackers were engaged in artillery, the defending troops mobilized reserves and recaptured the occupied line and began to go on the attack themselves. Such fruitless movement could continue for quite a long time. For example. In February 1916, more than one thousand guns took part in the Battle of Verdun, for which the Germans had been preparing for almost two months. Over ten months of confrontation, more than 14 million shells were spent, and the death toll on both sides exceeded one million. With all this, the Germans advanced as much as 3 kilometers into the depths of the French defense.
The military clearly faced the question of the need vehicle, which could break through enemy defense lines with complete suppression of firing points, or at least quickly deliver artillery to the next lines.
For obvious reasons, armored trains could not be used, and armored cars quickly showed their inadequacy - weak armor and ineffective weapons. Strengthening the armor and armament significantly increased the weight of the vehicle, which, along with wheel suspension and weak engines, reduced the cross-country ability of armored vehicles to zero. The use of a tracked loader (caterpillars) helped improve the situation somewhat. The track rollers evenly distributed the pressure on the soil, which significantly increased maneuverability on soft ground.
To increase firepower and maneuverability, military engineers began experimenting with the size and weight of the new combat vehicle. We tried combining tracks with wheels. There were also several rather controversial projects among them. For example. In Russia, designer Lebedenko, and independently of him in England, Major Hetherington, designed a tank on three huge wheels for greater maneuverability. The idea of both designers was to simply move a ditch with a combat vehicle, so Lebedenko proposed creating a tank with wheels with a diameter of 9 meters, and Hetherington, respectively, 12 meters. Lebedenko even created a prototype, but during testing it... got stuck in the first hole.
Due to the imperfections of the armored vehicles presented, debates about the need for their development and reconciliation among the military continued until September 15, 1916. This day became a turning point in the history of tank building and warfare in general. During the Battle of the Somme, the British used their new tanks for the first time. Of the 42 two that were available, 32 took part in the battle. During the battle, 17 of them various reasons were out of action, but the remaining tanks were also able to help the infantry advance 5 kilometers deep into the defense along the entire width of the offensive, while the losses in manpower amounted to 20 times! less than calculated. For comparison, we can recall the battle of Verbena.
The world's first Mark I tank
This tank was named after one of the creators, “Big Willie”, being, in some way, the progenitor of all tanks, it also received the nickname: “Mother”. The tank was a huge diamond-shaped box with tracks around the perimeter. To conduct directional shooting, machine guns or cannons were installed on the sides of the tank, in the sponsons, depending on the modification. The tank's crew consisted of 8 people, it weighed 27-28 tons, and the speed was 4.5 km/h (over rough terrain 2 km/h).
Such a tank, imperfect in all respects, marked the beginning of mass tank construction throughout the world; no one doubted the need for such combat vehicles. Later A.P. Rotmistrov wrote that the British were unable to develop tactical success into operational success only because of the small number of tanks.
The term "tank" is translated from English as "tank" or "tank". This is how combat vehicles began to be called when they were delivered to the front lines. For purposes of secrecy, the tanks were transported under the guise of “self-propelled water tanks for Petrograd.” On railway platforms they really did resemble large tanks. It’s interesting, but in Russia, before the English “tank” took root, it was translated and called “tank”. In other armies, their names stuck - “panzerkampfwagen” PzKpfw (armored combat wagon) among the Germans, “char de comba” (combat wagon) among the French, “stridvagn” (combat wagon) among the Swedes, the Italians called it “carro d'armato” (armed cart).
After the Mark I, tanks were constantly given great attention, although the tactics and strategy for their use had not yet been developed, and the capabilities of the tanks themselves were rather mediocre. But after a very a short time The tank will become a key item on the battlefield, light and heavy tanks, multi-turreted clumsy giants and high-speed wedges, floating and even flying tanks will appear.
The development of a promising Russian tank (object 195) was carried out by UKBTM (JSC Ural Design Bureau of Transport Engineering, N-Tagil) within the framework of the “Improvement-88” theme, but for a number of reasons it did not achieve success.
The issue of equipment has also not been resolved Russian tanks thermal imaging observation and targeting devices (TVP) of a new generation corresponding to modern analogues. Now we can assume with reasonable confidence that developments within the framework of the federal target program “infravid” have not achieved success; Russian tanks are equipped with foreign-made products.
Along with the development of a promising tank, R&D work is also underway to modernize the Motoball and Slingshot-1, already created within the R&D framework. Leading contractors: OJSC VNIItransmash, FSUE UKBTM, FSUE KBTM, OJSC Spetsmash.
Research is aimed at comprehensive modernization of existing tanks in terms of firepower and mobility characteristics, but they have practically no implementation in mass production and modernization.
The key aspects of modernization under the above programs are the creation of a new transmission that will be able to provide superiority over mass-produced vehicles in all key indicators and improve the firepower of the tank, ensuring characteristics that give the probability of defeating modern enemy models with a probability close to 100%.
The problem of improving firepower includes both fire control systems and solutions to increase the power of ammunition.
Speaking on the radio station "Echo of Moscow", GABTU representative Vladimir Voitov said that "the so-called object 640 does not exist, and no development has been carried out." The continuation of the concept inherent in “object 640” was the development of “Burlak”.
Along with the development at UKBTM of a tank with a new layout “Object 195”, KBTM LLC (Omsk) was developing a less radical project for a promising tank within the framework of the “Burlak” theme, which, according to the latest data, has also been suspended.
The most easily implemented promising An option for the development of Russian tanks is the development of KBTM as part of the creation of a single fighting compartment with a dual-flow automatic loader mechanism with full automation of the ammunition placed in the tank (36 rounds or more). TLC (transport-loading container) of various capacities has been developed - 14...32 rounds.
Unified combat compartment with two-stream AZ (OKR Burlak). The turret can be installed on new tanks, as well as on modernized tanks, such as T-72, T-80, T-90 and their modifications, increasing their security. A lightly armored compartment is attached to the side wall of the turret to accommodate an autonomous anti-aircraft machine gun installation, which is covered by a protective module from the front view.
The main advantage of solutions within the framework of the Burlak design and development work is an integrated approach to ensuring the security of the tank and its firepower.
This was achieved through innovative solutions that, within the existing layout and without fundamental changes to the chassis and fighting compartment, create a tank that has the characteristics of a promising tank based on existing technologies and profound changes in mass production. The layout solutions proposed within the Burlak framework make it possible to increase the survivability of the tank in the event of damage to the ammunition load, by placing it in an isolated compartment equipped with knockout plates.
Location of fuel filling complex in the rear part of the tank turret makes it possible to achieve balance in the turret and, therefore, further enhance the armor protection of the frontal projection.
Features of the new tower:
· modular armor - quick-detachable protective modules and can be replaced in case of combat damage by repair units in field conditions. In addition, with further modernization of previously produced tanks, old protective modules can be replaced with new, more effective ones, created taking into account the latest technological advances in the field of armor protection.
· increased internal volume to 2.5 m3, due to which it is possible to accommodate a complex of on-board equipment that meets modern requirements for command control and improves the ergonomics of the fighting compartment.
· the turret is designed with the ability to install a removable armored transport-loading container with an automatic loading mechanism.
Quick-release protective modules are a combination of dynamic and “passive” protection. The protective modules do not worsen the conditions for the driver getting into and out of the tank.
The implementation of measures to strengthen the armor protection of the turret of the T-90A and T-80U tanks is difficult due to the large moment of imbalance of the turret.
The new combat compartment "Burlak" is designed for the production of newly manufactured tanks with a new turret and for the modernization of already created ones (T-90, T-80) without replacing the turret.
The refueling complex located behind the tank's turret is highly protected, but even if it is damaged, the crew will remain unharmed, and the tank can be repaired even in the field. Installing dynamic protection on the sides of the tank's turret will provide protection against enemy anti-tank weapons (RPGs) significantly exceeding the level of serial tanks.
The use of a new removable armored transport-loading container with an automatic loading mechanism allows the use of modern projectiles of increased power (increased length). Another advantage is the separate placement of ammunition from the crew, which significantly increases the safety of the crew and the tank as a whole. Works with both standard shots and new ones with increased power of separate loading.
This is what a modernized T-80U tank with the Relikt remote sensing system and a new automatic loader might look like. The automatic loader located behind the turret required the development of new equipment for underwater tank driving (OPVT).
In the AZ conveyor of the T-72B/T-90 tank, only 22 are placed, and the remaining 21 shots are in non-mechanized ammunition racks in the hull and turret; replenishing the conveyor with new shots is done manually, requiring significant effort and time (rate of fire when loading from a non-mechanized rack is 1. 5 – 2 minutes), which in a combat situation increases the likelihood of being hit by the enemy and is therefore a significant drawback.
The proposed modernization option solves the problem of increasing the combat effectiveness of the T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks to the level of modern requirements by installing a turret-mounted AZ. In the turret of the tank with the fighting compartment there is a second automatic loader, equipped with a carousel-type conveyor (similar to the AZ of the T-72 tank) with cassettes for storing shells, located at the bottom of the tank hull.
Thus, in modernized tank the entire ammunition load of the tank is automated; if the turret-mounted AZ (TZK) is damaged, the tank is able to continue the battle using the AZ located at the bottom of the hull. In the presence of enemy tanks, loading is carried out with a shot of increased power from a turret-mounted automatic loader, in other cases with shots from an AZ located at the bottom of the hull.
To intensify the development of modernized (based on the results of the Burlak R&D) T-72B, T-72B1, T-80U, T-80BV, T-90 tanks (T-80 Burlak, T-90 Burlak), a complex of computerized teaching aids.
Modernization goals
T-72 tanks and their modifications, including the T-90, no longer meet modern requirements, based on the following: in modern domestic and foreign tanks, including Leclerc, Abrams, and Leopard-2 modifications, the protection of the frontal projection has significantly increased. The effectiveness of armor-piercing projectiles, in response to increased protection, was also increased by increasing, mainly the active part with a sub-caliber core made of a high-density metal, such as depleted uranium, and also by imparting a higher initial velocity to the projectile by using a more powerful charge. It is not possible to place such elongated projectiles, especially unitary shots, in the T-72 automatic loader.
The automatic loader T-72 and its modification T-90 is located in the turret at the bottom of the tank, equipped with a carousel-type conveyor and equipped with a mechanism for lifting shots. The length of the projectile is limited by the dimensions of the conveyor.
The search and targeting capabilities of the weapon system were increased by increasing the view of the tank commander using panoramic observation and targeting systems, including those that control the object’s additional weapons. Detection, recognition and tracking of a target in automatic mode until it is guaranteed to be destroyed by a tank's guided weapon system using automatic target tracking.
If in the developments of Burlak one can see an integrated approach to the issues of firepower and tank protection, then in the developments of UKBTM a different path was chosen.
In the new version of the AZ developed by UKBTM, the rotating conveyor cassettes are placed vertically; this not only will not improve the security and ergonomics of the tank's fighting compartment, but will also lead to the opposite result. The issue of further strengthening the armor protection of the tower will also remain unresolved due to the large moment of imbalance.
Advantages of the modernized tank:
A set of technical solutions aimed at increasing the level of security during modernization, incl. to increase survivability in the event of an ammunition explosion (insulated fuel compartments, knockout plates, etc.).
Fully mechanized ammunition in the refueling station and AZ at the bottom of the tank hull; if the turret-mounted AZ (refueling station) is damaged, the tank is able to continue the battle using the AZ located at the bottom of the hull.
Reliable protection of the tank crew from death when exposed to kinetic or cumulative projectile.
Possibility of using high-power shots with increased elongation BPS with a core made of ultra-dense single-component and composite materials and improved missile launchers.
Increasing the effectiveness of combating manpower and air targets.
Use of modular combined armor complete with dynamic protection.
Increasing the level of command control, an information and control system has been installed, into which communications, control, diagnostics, computer information processing and reconnaissance tools are integrated.
Improved fire control system by expanding search and accuracy indicators, installing a panorama, and equally possible control systems for the commander and gunner to implement the “hunter-gunner” principle.
Materials from RF patents No. 2169 336, 2165617, 2233418, 43633, 2202756, 2215965, 2366882, 2204776 were used.
Tank building began during the First World War. Machines that amazed the imagination of contemporaries appeared on the Western Front. Fighting between Germany, France and Great Britain remained positional for several years. The soldiers sat in the trenches, and the front line hardly moved. It was almost impossible to break through enemy positions with existing means. Artillery preparation and forced marches of the infantry did not give the desired result. The history of tank building began thanks to the British. They were the first to use self-propelled vehicles that had no analogues.
Great Britain
The first English Mark I tank appeared in 1916, when an experimental model was produced in the amount of 100 combat units. This model had two modifications: with machine guns and cannons. The history of tank building began with a bang. The Mark I was ineffective. His machine guns could not fight German firing points.
Despite the fact that those tanks were imperfect, they demonstrated that the new type of weapon had serious prospects. Moreover, the first models terrified German soldiers, who had never seen anything like it. Therefore, the Mark I was used more as a psychological weapon than as a combat weapon.
In total, nine models appeared in this British “family”. The Mark V marked serious progress. It acquired a four-speed gearbox and a special tank engine called “Ricardo”. It was the first model to be driven by only one person. There have been other changes as well. An additional machine gun appeared in the stern, and the commander's cabin was enlarged.
France
The successes of the British inspired the French to continue the Allied experiments. The history of tank building owes a lot to the Renault FT-17 model. The French produced it in 1917-1918. (almost 4 thousand units were produced). The effectiveness of the FT-17 is evidenced by the fact that they continued to be used even at the beginning of World War II (twenty years is a colossal period for tank building).
What explained Renault's success? The fact is that this was the first tank that received a classic layout. The vehicle was controlled from the front. In the center was the combat compartment. The engine compartment was located at the rear. This technical and ergonomic solution revealed the combat potential of the FT-17 in the best possible way. The history of tank building development would have turned out differently if not for this vehicle. Most historians consider it the most successful model used on the fronts of the First World War.
USA
The American history of tank building began thanks to the efforts of General John Pershing. He arrived in Europe in 1917 with the US Expeditionary Forces after they declared war on Germany. Having become acquainted with the experience of the Allies, their equipment and trench warfare, which was unknown in America, the general began to seek attention from his leadership to the topic of tanks.
The US Army purchased French Renaults and used them in the battles of Verdun. American designers, having received foreign cars, carried out a slight modification. After World War I, US tank forces were disbanded due to cost. Then for several years it did not allocate funds at all for the creation of new machines. And only in the 1930s. the first experimental models of our own production appeared. It was an M1931 (T11 combat vehicle). It was never adopted, but experimental work gave American designers the necessary food for thought before further research.
The evolution of American technology was also slowed down due to the Great Depression, which seriously shook the country's economy. Serious funding came to engineers and designers only with the beginning of World War II, when the authorities realized that they might not be able to sit overseas and would have to send troops to Europe.
In 1941, the M3 Stuart appeared. This light tank was produced in the amount of 23 thousand units. This record in its class has not yet been broken. The history of world tank building does not know of a model produced in such quantity. "Stuarts" were not only used American army, but were also supplied to the allies: Great Britain, France, China and the USSR under Lend-Lease.
Germany
Armored forces in Germany appeared only during the era of the Third Reich. concluded following the First World War, forbade the Germans to have their own combat-ready fleet. Therefore, at the time of its machines, Germany did not have. And only the Nazis, who came to power in 1933, spun the military flywheel. At first, light tanks were produced under the guise of tractors. However, the German authorities, having acquired a taste, quickly stopped hiding. As for the parallels between tanks and tractors, similar practices existed in the Soviet Union, where in the 1930s. Many tractor factories were built, which in the event of war could easily be converted into tank factories.
In 1926, Germany and the USSR entered into an agreement under which future German military specialists began to study at a specialized school near Kazan. Later, this core began to create technology in their homeland. First German tank became the Panzer I. This model turned out to be the basis of the German fleet.
By the beginning of World War II, there were more than three thousand tanks in Germany, and before the attack on the USSR, more than four thousand vehicles were concentrated on the Eastern Front alone. The Germans were the first to use heavy equipment as assault equipment. Many SS tank divisions received personal names (“Das Reich”, “Totenkopf”, etc.). A significant part of them was destroyed. In total, the Third Reich lost about 35 thousand vehicles during the war. The key German medium tank was the Panther, and the heavy tank was the Tiger.
USSR
In the mid-1920s. The history of Soviet tank building began. The first production model in the USSR was the MS-1 (another name is the T-18). Before this, the Red Army only had captured vehicles captured during the civil war. With the advent of peace, work was organized to design a heavy positional tank. They were discontinued in 1925, when, after a regular meeting in the Red Army, the military decided to direct all resources to create a small maneuverable model. This was the MS-1, created in 1927.
Soon other Soviet tanks appeared. By 1933, production of light T-26 and BT, T-27 tankettes, medium T-28 and heavy T-35 tankettes was launched. Bold experiments were carried out. History of tank building in the USSR in the early 1930s. passed under the sign of designing amphibious tanks. They were represented by T-37 models. These machines received a fundamentally new propeller. Its special feature was its rotating blades. When moving afloat, they provided reverse gear.
The history of tank building in the USSR would be incomplete without the T-28 medium tanks. Thanks to them, it became possible to qualitatively strengthen combined arms formations. T-28s were intended to break through enemy defensive positions. The tank weighed 28 tons and was externally distinguished by its three-turreted weapons installation (it included three machine guns and a cannon).
In 1933-1939. a 50-ton T-35 was produced. It was created as a combat vehicle to effectively enhance the attack when breaking through fortification lines. At that moment, the history of Soviet tank building moved to a new stage, since it was the T-35 that was the first to receive such numerous weapons. It was installed in five towers (a total of five machine guns and three cannons). However, this model also had disadvantages - first of all, clumsiness and weak armor when large sizes. In total, several dozen T-35s were produced. Some of them were used at the front at the initial stage of the Great Patriotic War.
1930s
In the 30s of the last century, Soviet engineers and designers actively conducted experiments related to the creation of wheeled-tracked tanks. Such a design of the machines complicated the chassis and power transmission, but domestic specialists managed to cope with all the difficulties they faced. At the end of the 1930s. a crawler was created medium tank, called T-32. Subsequently, the main Soviet legend appeared on its basis. It's about about T-34.
On the eve of the Great Patriotic War, designers paid most attention to two qualities of vehicles: mobility and firepower. However, already Civil War in Spain in 1936-1937 showed that it was necessary to modernize other characteristics. This was primarily required by armor protection and artillery weapons.
The results of the change in concept were not long in coming. In 1937, the T-111 appeared. It became the first Soviet tank equipped with anti-ballistic armor. This was a serious breakthrough not only for the domestic, but also for the entire global industry. The characteristics of the T-111 were such that it was intended to support infantry units. However, the model was never put into mass production for a number of design reasons. It turned out to be impractical from the point of view of installing and dismantling parts due to the locked suspension and other features of the machine.
It is interesting that the history of Soviet tank building and USSR tanks differed from foreign ones at least in their attitude towards light tanks. They were preferred everywhere because of economic reasons. In the USSR there was additional motivation. Unlike other countries, in the Soviet Union light tanks were used not only for reconnaissance, but also for direct combat with the enemy. Key Soviet cars This type were BT and T-26. Before the German attack, they made up the majority of the Red Army fleet (about 20 thousand units were built in total).
The design of new models continued during the Great Patriotic War. In 1941, the T-70 was developed. This tank became the most produced during the entire war. He made the greatest contribution to the victory during the Battle of Kursk.
After 1945
The first generation of post-war tanks includes those whose development began in 1941-1945 and which did not have time to begin operation at the front. These are Soviet models IS-3, IS-4, as well as T-44 and T-54. The history of American tank building of this period left behind the M47, and the M46 Patton. The British Centurion also belongs to this series.
By 1945, light models had finally become highly specialized vehicles. Thus, the Soviet model PT-76 was intended for water conditions battle, the American Walker Bulldog was created for reconnaissance, the Sheridan was designed for easy transportation by aircraft. In the 1950s Main battle tanks (MBTs) are replacing medium and heavy tanks. This is the name given to multi-purpose models that combine good protection and firepower. The first in this cohort were the Soviet T-62 and T-55 and the French AMX-30. The history of US tank building has developed in such a way that the class of main battle tanks in America began with the M60A1 and M48.
Second post-war generation
In the 1960-1970s, the era of the second generation of post-war tanks began. What distinguished them from their predecessors? New models were created by engineers, firstly, taking into account the existence of improved modernized anti-tank equipment, and secondly, in the conditions of the use of weapons mass destruction.
These tanks acquired combined armor, consisting of several layers and made from different materials. First of all, it protected against kinetic and cumulative ammunition. In addition, the crew received a set of protection against weapons of mass destruction. Second-generation tanks began to be equipped with a lot of electronics: ballistic computers, laser rangefinders, fire control systems, etc.
Similar equipment included the T-72, M60A3, Chieftain, and Leopard-1. Some models appeared as a result of deep modifications of first-generation cars. Soviet tanks of that period were in no way inferior in their characteristics to their intended opponents, and in some ways even significantly surpassed them. However, since the 1970s, a lag in electronics equipment has become noticeable. As a result, it began to become outdated before our eyes. This process was especially noticeable against the backdrop of conflicts in the Middle East and other countries where the global Cold War flared up.
Modernity
In the 1980s the so-called third post-war generation appeared. The history of Russian tank building is connected with it. The key feature of such models is high technology protective equipment. The third generation includes the Lecrerks of France, Leopards 2 of Germany, Challengers of Great Britain, and Abrams of the USA.
The history of Russian tank building is symbolized by such vehicles as the T-90 and T-72B3. These models go back to the distant 1990s. The T-90 was also named "Vladimir" in honor of its chief designer, Vladimir Potkin. In the 2000s, this tank became the best-selling main battle tank worldwide. In the person of this model, the history of the development of tank building in Russia turned another glorious page. However, domestic designers did not stop at their achievement and continued unique technical research.
In 2015 appeared newest tank T-14. Its distinctive features were elements such as an uninhabited tower and the Armata tracked platform. The T-14 was demonstrated for the first time general public at the Victory Parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War. The model is produced by Uralvagonzavod.
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