Tanks at the Iron Curtain 1975–90

The ultimate generation of Cold War heavy armor

Tanks at the Iron Curtain 1975–90 cover

Tanks at the Iron Curtain 1975–90

The ultimate generation of Cold War heavy armor

Description

A comprehensive, illustrated account of the new generation of advanced tanks to emerge during the last 15 years of the Cold War, showcasing major improvements in armor protection, gunsights, and fire-control systems.

Focusing on the technology of the period, author Steven J. Zaloga explains how the demands of a potential Cold War battlefield spurred the development of the 20th century's most advanced tanks. He considers the final versions of the Soviet T-72, T-64, and T-80 and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. He also explores how the failure of the US-German MBT-70 project led to America's development of the M1 Abrams tank, and to Germany's all-new Leopard II. The British development of the Challenger tank is also considered, as is the lesser-known Leclerc tank developed by France, the smallest and lightest of any of the western designs.

Featuring superbly detailed new illustrations and many photos, this volume pinpoints the key technology of the era, including turbine engines, APFSDS ammunition, advanced armor and high-tech fire-control systems, and describes how the rival tanks compared in the final stretch of the Cold War arms race.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
THE TANKS, DOCTRINE, AND ORGANIZATION
Soviet Union
United States
Germany
UK
France
TANKS IN BATTLE
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Protection
Firepower
Combat effectiveness
FURTHER READING
INDEX

Product details

Published 26 Oct 2023
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781472853837
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Illustrated throughout with 40 photos and 8 pages of colour illustrations
Series New Vanguard
Short code NVG 323
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Steven J. Zaloga

Steven J. Zaloga received his BA in History from U…

Illustrator

Felipe Rodríguez

Felipe Rodríguez Náñez (aka Felipe Rodna) lives wi…

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