Tanks

Tanks – they're heavy, unwieldy steel monsters, which can drive through buildings if necessary. This common view of battle tanks overlooks the fact that many soldiers develop what is almost a love affair with these remarkable vehicles. Today's tanks are anything but the proverbial bull in a china shop. They are crammed full of state-of-the-art technology and move quickly, safely and effectively across difficult terrain. This was not always the case, because in the past technologically unsophisticated vehicles could be a deathtrap. Nevertheless, the general rule applies that it is better to be inside a tank than in front of one. Our team of experts has identified the ten most interesting and famous tanks in history – is your favourite among them?

M4 Sherman Year 1942

Power 400 HP
Engine 9 cylinder radial
Weight 30.3 t
Top speed 34 km/h
Armament 7.5 cm M3 L/40
Rank 10th

Sheridan Tank M551 Year 1966

Power 255 HP
Engine GM, 6 cylinder
Weight 15.8 t
Top speed 70 km/h
Armament 152 mm cannon
Rank 9th

Panther Year 1943

Power 700 HP
Engine 12 V gasoline
Weight 45.5 t
Top speed 46 km/h
Armament 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70
Rank 8th

T-72 Year 1972

Power 840 HP
Engine 12 cylinder multifuel
Weight 44.5 t
Top speed 60 km/h
Armament 125 mm
Rank 7th

S Tank Year 1967

Power 791 HP (total)
Engines 1 Detroit diesel (6V-53T), 1 Caterpillar diesel gas turbine
Weight 42.5 t
Top speed 50 km/h
Armament 105mm cannon
Rank 6th

Centurion Year 1945

Power 650 HP
Engine Rolls-Royce Mk IVB 12 cyl.
Weight 51.8 t
Top speed 34 km/h
Armament 105mm cannon
Rank 5th

Merkava (MK3) Year 1990

Power 1,200 HP
Engine AVDS-1790-9ar diesel
Weight 61 t
Top speed 55 km/h
Armament 120 mm cannon
Rank 4th

T-34 Year 1942

Power 500 HP
Engine V 12 diesel Weight 30.9 t
Top speed 55 km/h
Armament 76.2 mm cannon F-34 (L/41.2)
Rank 3rd

M1 Abrams Year 1980

Power 1521 HP Engine Gas turbine
Weight 59.8 t
Top speed 67 km/h
Armament 105 mm cannon
Rank 2nd

Leopard 2 Year 1979

Power 2,200 HP
Engine MTU 12-cylinder diesel
Weight 55 t
Top speed 72 km/h
Armament 120 mm cannon
Rank 1st