Although weapons systems and armour continue to be developed, many nations have reconsidered the need for such heavy weaponry in a period characterised by unconventional warfare. Tanks and armour tactics have undergone many generations of evolution over nearly a century. After World War I ended this type of vehicle was largely replaced by infantry carriers. The female tank contained a series of smaller weapons located around the hull as opposed to the single large weapon seen on today's tanks, and was mainly designed as an anti-infantry platform. The name tank first arose in British factories making the hulls of the first battle tanks: the workmen were given the impression they were constructing tracked water containers for the British Army, hence keeping the production of a fighting vehicle secret.ĭuring World War I two major types of tanks evolved the 'male tank' which is the vehicle associated with the word today, and the female tank. Tanks were first used in World War I to break the deadlock of the trenches, and they evolved gradually to assume the role of cavalry on the battlefield. Tanks are also at a disadvantage in wooded terrain and urban environments, which cancel the advantages of the tank's long-range firepower, limit the crew's ability to detect potential threats, and can even limit the turret's ability to traverse. Without such support, tanks, despite their armour and mobility, are vulnerable to infantry, mines, artillery, and air power. While tanks are powerful fighting machines, they seldom operate alone, being organised into armoured units in combined arms forces. While tanks are expensive to operate and logistically demanding, they are among the most formidable and versatile weapons of the modern battlefield, both for their ability to engage other ground targets and their shock value against infantry. A tank is equipped with heavy weapons and armour, as well as by a high degree of mobility that allows it to cross rough terrain at relatively high speeds. Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment provide security for other troops with their M1 Abrams main battle tank in Biaj, IraqĪ tank is a tracked armoured fighting vehicle, designed to engage enemy forces by the use of direct fire.

Modern day tanks