When did tanks get turrets?
France began development in late 1915, eventually creating the Renault FT light tank. This was the first to use a fully rotating turret that contained the tank’s main armament – the basis of tank design ever since. Over 3,000 of these machines were made by late 1918. By contrast, Germany lagged behind.
Why do tanks have turrets?
The earliest, most simple answer is this: Tanks with multiple side turrets or a gun in the nose of the vehicle had to turn the entire tank in order to cover every angle of approach. A tank with a central turret could sit still and rotate its turret to cover every angle.
What is a turret on a tank?
In modern tanks, the turret is armoured for crew protection and rotates a full 360 degrees carrying a single large-calibre tank gun, typically in the range of 105 mm to 125 mm calibre. Machine guns may be mounted inside the turret, which on modern tanks is often on a “coaxial” mount, parallel with the larger main gun.
How are tank turrets attached?
The turret traversing motor is attached to the turret itself, and when the turret and hull are mated together, a geared shaft from the turret motor engages the gear teeth on the hull, and that’s what turns the turret. Nothing “attaches” the turret to the hull, except gravity.
How does a tank turret rotate?
In the conventional design, a spur gear in the hull (called the traverse gear) engages an internal gear lining the inside of the turret. Turning the traverse gear rotates the turret on the hull, allowing the tank crew to aim the main gun without turning the entire tank. The crew can also pivot the main gun up and down.
Who invented the tank turret?
Landor
Landor. Landor, a British inventor living in Italy, who designed a new armored car in 1915. It featured possibly the first ever oscillating turret, which was armed with 65 or 75mm gun (specifics unknown) mounted on the vehicle’s roof.
How does a turret tank spin?
Can tank turrets rotate 360?
All modern main battle tank turrets can rotate 360 degrees. The speed of rotation is dependent on the motor and gearing.
How did ww2 tank turrets rotate?
The turret sits in a wide circle at the center of the hull. Turning the traverse gear rotates the turret on the hull, allowing the tank crew to aim the main gun without turning the entire tank. The crew can also pivot the main gun up and down.
Can tank turrets rotate?
Tank turrets use electric or hydraulic systems to rotate their turret but some tanks still in use today use hand cranks.
How were tanks created?
In 1914, a British army colonel named Ernest Swinton and William Hankey, secretary of the Committee for Imperial Defence, championed the idea of an armored vehicle with conveyor-belt-like tracks over its wheels that could break through enemy lines and traverse difficult territory.
Who invented tank tracks?
George Cayley
Benjamin HoltCharles DinsmoorDavid Roberts
Continuous track/Inventors