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Jan 1, 1487
First Concept of a Tank
Leonardo Da Vinci, designs and describes an armored vehicle to cross through enemy lines and protect anyone inside. (Exact date unknown) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/culture/film-fury/11146708/tank-history.html -
First Caterpillar Tracks In Use
Benjamin Holt tested his steam powered tractor. The tractor utilized caterpillar tracks. These tracks were good for travelling though muddy terrain. This inspired the use of tracks on tanks in the first World War. http://www.caterpillar.com/en/news/caterpillarNews/history/110-years-pass-since-the-first-test-of-the-steam-powered-track-type-tractor.html -
Production of the First Tank
During the first world war, the British created a prototype for the first tank, named Little Willie. It was developed to break through enemy lines and travel over rough terrain. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-tank-produced -
Countermeasure of a Tank
During World War I, large rifles which shot massive bullets were used against the British Mark I. Not very long after, cannons were used to fire AT shells. This made it necessary for tanks to use much more protective armor so it wouldn't be vulnerable to the attacks. The most popular AT rifle was the German Mauser 1918 T-Gewehr.
(No exact date)
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Anti-tank_warfare -
Changes During World War 2 (1939-45)
When the war started, the main focus on armored vehicles went to lighter tanks with thin armor and weak firearms. As the war raged on, the vehicles evolved to be extremely heavy at around 30-40 tons and contain very thick armor. The most popular tank used by the US Military was the M4 Sherman, which was in the middle range in power and weight. http://militaryhistorynow.com/2012/08/02/heavyweights-the-unused-super-tanks-of-world-war-two/ -
Tanks in the Vietnam War
During the Vietnam war of the 60's and 70's tanks were used by both the North Vietnam Army and the United States. The US used a tank named the Patton M48A3. It used wide tracks which was successful in keeping speed in rough terrain. The armor was anywhere from 5 in thick in vital areas to 2 in. in less vulnerable spots. http://www.historynet.com/patton-m48a3-battle-tank.htm -
The Birth of Present-Day Tanks
With the US entering the Gulf War, the M1 Abrams tank was created. The M1 Abrams could reach a speed of 45 mph. The tank's weight was 63 tons. The Abrams also utilized a FLIR system, which is an infrared device which allowed the users to see through dust or in the dark. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/weapons/m1.html -
Modern Tank
The Russian made Armata-14 is one of the newest tanks produced. The Armata has the ability to track incoming rounds and absorb the impact with a new radar system. It also uses an unmanned turret, which keeps the crew and ammunition separated, making it more safe. (Date is when it was unveiled) http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/russias-armata-t-14-tank-vs-americas-m-1-abrams-who-wins-13825
