![]() ![]() Numbering 12,556 tanks, the Russian Federation has the largest fleet in their arsenal by far, from the workhorse T-72 series to the ultra-advanced T-14 Armata. The numbers do not include armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles. M1A2 Abrams or the German Leopard 2, but also more lightly-armed medium and light tanks, like Thailand’s Stingray. The ranking includes main battle tanks, like the U.S. ![]() Global Firepower has released their ranking of combat tank fleet sizes for 2023, which we’ve visualized in this infographic. ![]() Since then, despite some commentators predicting the end of the tank era, they remain a cornerstone of 21st century armies. The tank, an armored all-terrain fighting vehicle, revolutionized the way we fight when introduced during the First World War. View the gallery above to see more creative uses for repurposed aircraft parts.Visualizing the World’s Top 25 Fleets of Combat Tanks With nails and fresh paint, aircraft crates became cozy barracks, hangars, musical stages, and private clubs. Light aircraft such as gliders and scout planes were also delivered in wood crates for assembly in the field. These durable watertight tanks, and the sturdy wooden crates in which they arrived by the hundreds, were an airman’s best building materials. Long-range tanks were made of aluminum or steel, though, and were reusable. These smashed to bits when dropped, to deny any scrap to the enemy. Some were made of heavy paper laminated with glue or plastic, and were only strong enough to hold fuel for a few hours. Drop tanks came in the shape of a teardrop, and held from 75 to 330 gallons. One of the most common and versatile items was the drop tank, the external fuel pods attached to the belly or wingtips of fighter aircraft, which were dropped when empty or jettisoned to shed weight when under attack. The soldiers stationed at bases around the world found clever new uses for all kinds of surplus airplane parts. To duplicate the comforts of home, they had to get creative. American airmen and ground crews in World War II may have been linked to the world’s best supply chain, but that only delivered basic necessities. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |