How Heavy Is A Tank

Tanks are some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring vehicles in the world, with a rich history dating back to World War I. One of the most striking features of tanks is their sheer size and weight. But just how heavy is a tank?

The weight of a tank can vary greatly, depending on its size, type, and purpose. Some tanks are designed to be lightweight and agile, while others are built for maximum protection and firepower.

In this article, we'll explore the weight of different types of tanks, from the smallest to the largest, and examine what makes them so heavy.

The Smallest Tanks

The smallest tanks are often referred to as "light tanks." These vehicles are designed for reconnaissance, infantry support, and other tasks that require speed and agility. Some examples of light tanks include:

M24 Chaffee: This American light tank weighs around 20 tons (44,000 lbs).
Panzer II: This German light tank weighs around 10 tons (22,000 lbs).
Type 95 Ha-Go: This Japanese light tank weighs around 7 tons (15,000 lbs).

Medium Tanks

Medium tanks are designed to balance firepower, mobility, and protection. They are often used as all-purpose tanks, suitable for a variety of tasks. Some examples of medium tanks include:

M4 Sherman: This American medium tank weighs around 30 tons (66,000 lbs).
Panther: This German medium tank weighs around 45 tons (99,000 lbs).
T-34: This Soviet medium tank weighs around 28 tons (62,000 lbs).

The Largest Tanks

The largest tanks are often referred to as "heavy tanks." These vehicles are designed for maximum protection and firepower, often at the expense of mobility. Some examples of heavy tanks include:

M26 Pershing: This American heavy tank weighs around 45 tons (99,000 lbs).
IS-2: This Soviet heavy tank weighs around 46 tons (102,000 lbs).
Tiger II: This German heavy tank weighs around 70 tons (154,000 lbs).

Main Battle Tanks

Main battle tanks (MBTs) are the most common type of tank in modern armies. They are designed to balance firepower, mobility, and protection, and are often used as the primary tank in a nation's arsenal. Some examples of MBTs include:

M1 Abrams: This American MBT weighs around 72 tons (158,000 lbs).
Leopard 2: This German MBT weighs around 62 tons (137,000 lbs).
T-90: This Russian MBT weighs around 46 tons (102,000 lbs).

What Makes Tanks So Heavy?

So, what makes tanks so heavy? There are several factors that contribute to the weight of a tank:

Armor: Tanks are covered in thick armor plating to protect them from enemy fire. This armor can be made from steel, aluminum, or other materials, and can be several inches thick.
Engine: Tanks require powerful engines to move their heavy loads. These engines can weigh several tons by themselves.
Gun: Tanks are equipped with large guns that can fire heavy projectiles. These guns can weigh several tons, and the ammunition they fire can be even heavier.
Tracks: Tanks use tracks instead of wheels to move around. These tracks are made from heavy steel or rubber, and can be several feet wide.

Why Do Tanks Need to Be So Heavy?

Tanks need to be heavy to provide adequate protection for their crews. The armor plating on a tank is designed to absorb or deflect enemy fire, and the weight of the tank helps to distribute the force of these impacts.

Tanks also need to be heavy to provide stability and traction. The weight of the tank helps to keep it stable on uneven terrain, and the tracks provide traction to help the tank move.

Finally, tanks need to be heavy to carry their guns and ammunition. The gun on a tank is often the heaviest component, and the weight of the tank helps to stabilize it and provide a stable platform for firing.

Conclusion

Tanks are incredible machines that have been a part of modern warfare for over a century. From the smallest light tanks to the largest heavy tanks, these vehicles are designed to provide protection, firepower, and mobility on the battlefield.

Whether you're a military historian, a tank enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the complexity and power of these machines, understanding the weight of a tank is essential to appreciating its design and capabilities.

Tank Image Gallery

What is the average weight of a tank?

The average weight of a tank can vary greatly, depending on its size and type. However, most main battle tanks weigh between 40-70 tons (88,000-154,000 lbs).

What makes tanks so heavy?

Tanks are made heavy by their armor plating, engines, guns, and tracks. These components are designed to provide protection, firepower, and mobility, but they also add significant weight to the tank.

What is the heaviest tank ever built?

The heaviest tank ever built is the Panzer VIII Maus, a German super-heavy tank that weighed over 188 tons (414,000 lbs).