The Threat of the Premium Tank: The Product and Process of the Soviet Experience
Abstract
This study investigates the tank development concept of simultaneously evolving two parallel tank designs, and fielding both tanks in a high-low force mix. The high end of this force would consist of very high value and innovative Premium Tanks which incorporate the highest technology available at a given time. Because of their inherent high cost, complexity, and high risk design, premium tanks are normally produced in relatively small numbers. The low end of this force mix would be made up of Main Battle Tanks that are less sophisticated and cheaper to produce than premium tanks, and would be produced in much larger numbers. Focusing on the Soviet example of premium tank development, this study emphasizes the massive impact these tanks have had in the past as well as the projected threat new premium tanks constitute for the future. This study concludes with an examination of a future premium tank design that represents a new and projected premium tank threat. The employment of the next premium tank may give a new adversary a critical advantage for the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255552
Entities
People
- James M. Warford
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College