How it evolved armored vehicles of World War II?What is the Soviet tanks, enemies or allies?In what direction were the creators of German armored vehicles and Russian?These issues are not only interested in the general reader, but also to many experts who study this period.The main representative of armored vehicles - a tank, through which was won many important battles.
main tank classification
tank classification not developed overnight.Especially in the period between the two world wars, the concept of the use of these military vehicles repeatedly changed.Create a unique armor, able to operate in different climatic conditions in the various areas and to perform various tasks - this is very hardly feasible task.So first of all to create the tanks based on the need for this type of weapon, the conditions of its use and always taken into account economic factors, ie the ability of the state to spend a certain amount.
It must be stressed that different countries had different tank classification, and to some extent arbitrary.For example, in the Soviet Union point to a combat weight of the machine and largely on its purpose.In Germany, it gives priority to the caliber of the weapon.In the UK division of armored vehicles produced by its main purpose.
the outbreak of hostilities, or German armed
In the thirties, there have been fundamental changes in the combat employment of tanks.This led to the fact that they have become purely an aid to one of the main striking force of the Army.At the expense of the larger theoretical research in the use of armored vehicles, a huge number of scientists, experts have found that by concentrating the tanks at a certain terrain, you can use them to solve some operational problems.German armored vehicles of World War II for the period beginning in 1939 is already linked in the whole tank groups.
Then in Germany there were several types of tanks.Their designation is used quite complicated alphabetic abbreviation PzKnfw, but literally it - an armored fighting vehicle.The first tank, put into service by Nazi Germany, became a light T1.
With a length of about 4 meters combat weight of the machine is 5.4 tons.She had a bulletproof armor plates with a thickness of 6 to 13 millimeters.The tower was equipped with two machine guns, the crew consisted of two people.Maximum road speed was 37 kilometers per hour, and cross-country - about 20.
Another type of tank in the German army was T2.In many ways it was similar to T1, but have more powerful weapons, and has a crew of three.T1 and T2 had a few modifications.Mostly, they were different chassis and powerplant.German armored vehicles of World War II to the beginning of hostilities in 1939 there were about three thousand tanks.
Czechoslovak military vehicles and factories
Czechoslovakia were seized as the tanks themselves and the factories where they are produced.These combat vehicles were designated LT35 and LT38.The Germans they got 35t codes and 38T.Czechoslovak tanks were not only light in comparison with the German cars, they were also equipped with more powerful weapons.
thickness of the armor plates was also greater, and in principle it would be possible to speak of their better protection, if not one "but."In contrast to the German tanks which were welded, Czech gathered by rivets, and when the tank got a shell, they are scattered and wounded crew, even in cases where there was no penetration through armor.
subsequent invention of German designers
German armored vehicles of World War II has been continuously improved.The developers were set new goals.And soon there T3 and T4.T3 It has long been considered the ultimate in armored troops of the Wehrmacht.The combat weight of the machine is almost 20 tons.The maximum thickness of armor plates reached 30 millimeters.Initially T3 armed with cannon and three machine guns, two of which were mounted in the tower, and the third - on the ball joint in the front broneliste.
With regard to tank T4, it is by numerous characteristics was similar to T3.Approximately equal to the mass of fighting, security indicators, both use the same type of engine and the crew consisted of five people.The main difference was in arms.
domestic tank building
and than Soviet armored vehicles of World War II?Tank development in the Soviet Union in the first half of the 1930s was based on the experience of the foreign manufacturer, mainly - British and American.In 1938, adopted adopted KV1 heavy.Armor tank was protivosnaryadnym.The maximum thickness of armor plates - 75 mm.Armoured World War II, Germany had 2.5 times thinner armor.
more difficult task creators decided to T34.And it is worth noting they have coped well with the objectives.This tank having high firepower, reliable fire protection and high mobility, that served as a reference point, which is designed for the entire Soviet tank armored vehicles of World War II.
Strengthening armor protection had to be made in the overall framework of the rigid medium tank.Maximum sheet thickness was 45 mm, and the designers have set them at an angle.This increases the likelihood of rebound.And most importantly, almost doubles the thickness of the armor horizontal.Also, designers determine the optimum angle of inclination.The most vulnerable part of the front, he was more and less on the sides.
US Armor of World War II
During World War II, the United States has undergone a revolution in the design and manufacture of tanks.The American victory was the weapon "Sherman".It was designed for a crew of five.In addition to the main 75 mm gun in the turret, the machine was equipped with three machine guns, and mortars of a caliber of 50.8 mm for the production of a smoke screen.Armour had a thickness of up to 100 millimeters.The main advantage of this tank was the fact that it combines the advantages of light and medium tanks.
But of course, armored vehicles of World War II was not limited to these structures.Throughout the period of hostilities developers constantly take into account all the pros and cons of a particular combat unit, and as this was carried out modernization.
