How do tracks on a tank work?
Continuous track, also called tank tread or caterpillar track, is a system of vehicle propulsion in which a continuous band of treads or track plates is driven by two or more wheels, the large surface area of the tracks distributes the weight of the vehicle, enabling a continuous tracked vehicle to traverse soft ground …
Why did tanks have tracks?
Instead of the wheels having traction on the ground in 4 relatively small places, a tank has traction along the entirety of its track, meaning that there is more surface area for the tank to grip, lessening the likelihood of getting stuck, sinking, or losing traction.
What is the first MBT?
The first tank to officially earn the MBT designation was the Centurion Mk1, from Britain. In terms of actual performance, the M4 Sherman and T-34 medium tanks were probably the first iterations of a supposed “universal combat role” tank.
What are the tracks on tanks called?
The more common classical type is a solid chain track made of steel plates (with or without rubber pads), also called caterpillar tread or tank tread, which is preferred for robust and heavy construction vehicles and military vehicles.
Why do tanks have such thick tracks?
A tank is covered in thick armour to protect it from enemy weapons. Tanks have tracks that wrap around its wheels to spread out its weight and let it cross rough ground. Most tanks have a powerful gun and one or more machine guns. A tank’s crew is normally 3-5.
What is the difference between Tiger I and Tiger II transport tracks?
The Tiger II used the same system, except its tracks were 800mm and 660mm wide respectively, so not compatible with the older tank. Now when a unit requested SSyms wagons for a railway move they had to specify whether they needed Tiger I or Tiger II tracks. For clarity Tiger I transport tracks were painted green, and Tiger II tracks red.
What is the maximum width of a tank track?
The maximum permitted width was 3150mm. The 520mm wide transport tracks, which don’t overhang the side of the tank. Henschel’s solution was to provide a second set of tracks for the tank. Standard Marshketten (operational) tracks were 725mm wide, used with 24 road wheels per side.
Why was the Tiger I so difficult to transport?
The Tiger I was 3547mm wide and this posed a problem for its strategic mobility. The most efficient way to move tanks long distances during the 1940’s was by train, but the Tiger, with its operational tracks, was too wide. The Berne loading gauge governed the maximum size of objects that could be transported by rail across Continental Europe.
What is a second set of tracks for a tank?
Henschel’s solution was to provide a second set of tracks for the tank. Standard Marshketten (operational) tracks were 725mm wide, used with 24 road wheels per side. For rail transport these tracks were removed, as were the 8 outermost road wheels on each side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjCP2mB22IY