Development of Armored Vehicles Volume 1 Tanks
Abstract
The development of tanks in the United States has been an intermittent process. During times of peace, interest lags and there is always a lack of adequate funds for research. In time of war it becomes necessary to adapt and modify already designed or built vehicles and components in order to produce quickly and in quantity. Although a Frenchman is generally credited with the invention of the first tank and an American produced the caterpillar traction device which was fundamental to its operation, to the British must go the credit for developing tanks to the extent that they could be used on the battlefield. Due to numerous maintenance difficulties the use of tanks in quantity by the British at Cambria in 1918 was not a complete success. They were able, however, by capitalizing on the element of surprise, to penetrate the enemy lines a distance unheard of up to that time. This feat served to awaken the allied nations to the many possibilities of such vehicles. Subsequent use of the tanks saved many lives that would otherwise have been lost and helped to bring the war to an early end. Almost as far back in history as we can trace, man has sought for the perfect combination of the three variables: firepower, mobility, and protection. From the ancient war chariots to the present-day tanks these three characteristics have existed in almost endless combinations and variations. If one or two of the elements are overemphasized it must be at the expense of the third; for example, in heavy tanks increased firepower and protection bring about decreased mobility. In vehicles of greater mobility, there is less armor or protection and often less effective firepower. The perfect relationship of one to the other is still being sought.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1947
- Accession Number
- AD1116719