The military tank is an iconic vehicle of war, but it is really only a modern development. While this type of armored vehicle might be among the most well-known, you may not realize just how many different types of tanks there are; and how many have been designed throughout history.
TANK CLASSIFICATIONS
There are basically three types of Troy Armoring tank: light tank, medium tank, and heavy tank. Each classification, obviously, is designated by the armor of the tank and what type of missions it is generally designed to do.
A light tank, for example, is smaller than the others and has thinner armor. These tanks also have low-powered guns. All of this is designed to make these vehicles more agile for improved tactical mobility and for easier strategic transport. The light tank is intended for armored reconnaissance and skirmishes as well as artillery observation, expeditionary warfare, and for supplemental an airborne assault or naval landing.
A medium tank is, obviously, slightly larger—mid-sized—with more armor and stronger guns. These machines have decent mobility and add more balanced fighting options particularly in terms of cost and transportability. Basically, the most well-rounded type of fully armored military fighting vehicle
A heavy tank, then, is the largest and has the most armor. It has also has the most powerful guns. Obviously, though, this makes them the least agile. These can often be equipped with anti-armor guns but their size and heft make them expensive, difficult to maintain, and hard to transport.
TANK ROLES
Each of these tank classifications can be further dissected into specific tank roles. Indeed, tanks do more than just fire guns. Some of these roles can be designated, even, regardless of size. Tanks have long been considered part of the traditional military infantry or cavalry or artillery teams. However, more specialized categorizations have developed over time. Thus, here are some tank role classifications:
- Breakthrough tank
- Cruiser tank—also called cavalry tank, designed for fast movement to exploit enemy front penetrations
- Flame tank—standard tank equipped with a flamethrower
- Main battle tank—best all-around tank
- Super-heavy tank—75+ ton tank
- Infantry tank—developed by the British and French during World War I; designed to work in parallel with infantry, slow moving (walking pace)
- Tank destroyer—anti-tank artillery
- Tankette—tracked, armed, and armored ultra-light tank for light infantry support or for scouting; small tank