Changes

[[Image:tank2.gif|thumb|250px|A British [[Mark I tank]], the first tank to be used in warfare]]

[[Image:tank2.gif|thumb|250px|A British [[Mark I tank]], the first tank to be used in warfare]]

Modern tanks combine speed, manouverability, armour and firepower to ensure maximum survavability on the battlefield. The combination has resulted in one of the most effective land weapon systems. Tanks remain vulnerable to airstrikes and helicopters, as well as other tanks, anti-tank missiles, heavy artillery and mines or other booby traps. A modern tank typically has a crew of four, a commander, a gunner, a loader and a driver. Tanks require considerable logistical support to operate effectively. Modern tanks typically mount a single 120mm gun with both armour piercing (for use against other tanks) and high explosive (for use against light vehicles, infantry and buildings) ammunition as well as one or more [[machine guns]]. Tank armour is strongest and thickest on the front of the tank, with lesser protection on the sides, rear, top and underneath.

Modern tanks combine speed, manouverability, armour and firepower to ensure maximum survavability on the battlefield. The combination has resulted in one of the most effective land weapon systems. Tanks remain vulnerable to airstrikes and helicopters, as well as other tanks, anti-tank missiles, heavy artillery and mines or other booby traps. A modern tank typically has a crew of four, a commander, a gunner, a loader and a driver. Tanks require considerable logistical support to operate effectively. Modern tanks typically mount a single 120mm gun with both armour piercing (for use against other tanks) and high explosive (for use against light vehicles, infantry and buildings) ammunition as well as one or more [[machine guns]]. Tank armour is strongest and thickest on the front of the tank, with lesser protection on the sides, rear, top and underneath. Armour has evolved from simple steel to advanced composite materials including "Chobham" armour and "reactive" armour (designed to explode and disrupt/destroy incoming projectiles). Research is underway into "active" defense systems that would destroy incoming projectiles before they could reach the tank itself.

The rise of effective infantry anti-tank weapons has since eroded the dominance the tank enjoyed during the middle of the 20th century. Unsupported Israeli armored units suffered heavy losses at the hands of Egyptian troops with modern [[ATGM]]s in the Sinai. It is now considered essential for tanks to be supported by infantry at all times.

The rise of effective infantry anti-tank weapons has since eroded the dominance the tank enjoyed during the middle of the 20th century. Unsupported Israeli armored units suffered heavy losses at the hands of Egyptian troops with modern [[ATGM]]s in the Sinai. It is now considered essential for tanks to be supported by infantry at all times.

[[Category:Armored Fighting Vehicles]]

[[Category:Armored Fighting Vehicles]]