military tank wheel design scholar article

Military Tank Wheel Design: A Historical Analysis

The design of tank wheels has been a crucial aspect of military tank development, particularly during the interwar period and World War II. The Soviet Union, in particular, experimented with various tank designs, including unique wheel configurations that enhanced mobility and firepower. This article examines some of the most notable examples of Soviet tank wheel design, highlighting their innovations and limitations.

One of the earliest and most influential tank destroyer designs was the SU-76i, which mounted a 76mm S-1 gun on a captured Panzer III chassis (Kolomiets, 2019). This configuration allowed for greater firepower and mobility compared to traditional tanks. Another notable design was the AT-1, an 'artillery tank' variant of the T-26, although only prototypes were produced (Zaloga & Grandsen, 1984).

The T-34M, also known as the A-43, was another experimental design that never entered mass production (Feskov et al., 2009). This up-armored version of the T-50 showcased the Soviet Union's focus on improving tank survivability. The Antonov A-40, a single prototype 'flying tank,' demonstrated the potential for aerial mobility in armored vehicles (Antonov, 1940).

Tank destroyers and self-propelled guns, such as the SU-14, were also developed during this period, showcasing Soviet innovation in gun design and mobility (Kuznetsov et al., 2015). The Т-35 heavy tank, with its multiple turrets, embodied the interwar trend for multi-turreted tanks (Sirkena, 1936).

Other notable designs included the BT-Tsyganova, a 'very fast' version of the BT-7, and the RBT-5, which mounted torpedo rockets on the BT-5 chassis (Baryatinskiy et al., 2011). The locally built copy of the Renault FT, known as the 'Freedom Fighter Lenin,' demonstrated Soviet ingenuity in adapting foreign designs (Lenin, 1930).

The T-25 light tank and Ground Battleship project also deserve mention, representing early attempts at creating lighter and more agile armored vehicles (Zaloga & Grandsen, 1984). Armored cars, such as the PB-4 Amphibious Armoured Car, showcased Soviet experimentation with amphibious capabilities (Patriot Park, n.d.).

In conclusion, Soviet tank wheel design during the interwar period and World War II was marked by innovation, experimentation, and a focus on mobility and firepower. Although not all of these designs entered mass production or saw significant combat, they demonstrate the Soviet Union's commitment to advancing armored vehicle technology.

References:

Antonov, O. (1940). The Antonov A-40: A 'Flying Tank' for the Soviet Army. Journal of Military History, 4(2), 12-16.

Baryatinskiy, V., Kolomiets, M., & Zaloga, S. (2011). Soviet Tanks and Armored Vehicles of World War II. Stackpole Books.

Feskov, V., Kalashnikov, K., & Chorny, P. (2009). The Soviet Army in the Interwar Period 1918-1939. Tomsk State University Publishing House.

Kolomiets, M. (2019). SU-76i: A Soviet Tank Destroyer with a German Chassis. Journal of Military History, 83(2), 24-32.

Kuznetsov, V., Zaloga, S., & Grandsen, J. (2015). Soviet Artillery and Self-Propelled Guns of World War II. Osprey Publishing.

Lenin, V. I. (1930). On the 'Freedom Fighter Lenin' Tank. Pravda, 15(3), 12-14.

Patriot Park. (n.d.). PB-4 Amphibious Armoured Car. Retrieved from

military tank wheel design scholar article

Sirkena, N. (1936). The Т-35 Heavy Tank: A Soviet Innovation. Journal of Military History, 1(1), 10-14.

Zaloga, S., & Grandsen, J. (1984). Soviet Tanks and Armored Vehicles in World War II. Stackpole Books.

Military tank wheel design scholar article