A History of Tanks: Evolution and Impact

Historic Tanks Browse the article Historic Tanks

Historic Tanks

The basic definition of a "tank" is an armored vehicle moving on an endless track and armed with a large-caliber gun. Beyond that, a tank can be -- and has been -- just about anything its designers have wanted it to be. In these profiles, however, we will concentrate on historical tanks that are designed to punch through enemy lines so that following infantry can occupy ground.

Tank Image Gallery

To begin learning about tanks throughout the history of warfare, see:

United States Tanks

• M-3 Stuart (Honey)/M-5 Light Tank
• M-3 Grant/Lee Medium Tank
• M-4 Sherman Medium Tank
• M-24 Chaffee Light Tank
• M-26 General Pershing Heavy Tank
• M-41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank
• M-47 General George S. Patton Medium Tank
• M-48 General George S. Patton Medium Tank
• M-60 Main Battle Tank

Soviet Union Tanks

• T-34 Medium Tank
• T-54/T-55 Main Battle Tank
• T-62 Main Battle Tank
• T-64 Main Battle Tank
• T-72 Main Battle Tank
• T-80 Main Battle Tank

German Tanks

• Panzerkampfwagens I and II
• Panzerkampfwagens III and IV
• Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I
• Panzerkampfwagen V Panther
• Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger II
• Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank

British Tanks

• Infantry Tank Mark II A-12, Matilda II
• Cromwell A-27M Infantry Tank
• Centurion Main Battle Tank
• Chieftain Main Battle Tank

French Tanks

• AMX-13 Light Tank
• AMX-30 Main Battle Tank

Israeli Tanks

• Merkava

Swedish Tanks

• Stridsvagn 103 Main Battle Tank

Japanese Tanks

• Type 89 CHI-RO Medium Tank
• Type 95 KE-GO Light Tank
• Type 97 SHINHOTO CHI-HA Medium Tank
• Type 61 Main Battle Tank

For more information about tanks and the military, see:

• How M1 Tanks Work
• How the U.S. Army Works
• How the U.S. Marines Work