The names of tanks of World War II German and Soviet. Names of Russian tanks

The story tells that the names of the tanks appeared depending on the events that took place. Some received the name due to their characteristics, others - the names of commanders. As is known, the Second World War became the catalyst for the development of tank building. Therefore, these machines began to be widely produced in Germany and the Soviet Union.

Historical foundation

Before we deal with what tank names existed, let us turn to history. For the first time caterpillars appeared during the First World War. Now they are little known and have only indirect features with modern designs. The very concept of "tank" has English roots. It means "tank". It appeared during the British counterintelligence. When England decided to send the first cars to the front, she had to hide this fact. Then the intelligence service let out a rumor that the railway was occupied by tanks sent by the Russian government. Therefore, the British hid their armored cars with a warning inscription and sent them along the rails.

For the first time the prototype of the tank appeared in the Middle Ages, and there were many variations on this subject. Various designs (on wheels, with shields and crossbows) were used in the field during the battle. The first armored vehicles appeared at the beginning of the 20th century and became something self-evident. Therefore, the Germans, the French and the British were ready to create on their base combat transport. Already in 1915, at the same time, it was decided to design tanks in several countries at once.

First attempts

Together with the French and the British, Russia also began to design a caterpillar. The son of the world-famous Dmitry Mendeleyev was the originator of this case. Vasily Dmitrievich developed a draft of a land combat vehicle. The next attempt was interesting designs. The names of the Russian tanks of this time were very original: "Russian All-Terrain Vehicle" and "Tsar-Tank". These machines appeared only in one copy, as there were several unsuccessful attempts. The government tried to track projects of other countries in order to create its own, more perfect, transport of military purpose.

In addition to unsuccessful decisions, since 1917 more and better cars have been produced from the Rybinsk plant. In most cases, the names of Soviet tanks began to appear thanks to the founders of cars. Thus, the armored tractor Gulkevich was issued. In order not to hamper the process of improving the army, Russia decided to ask for help from France, from which it acquired several combat vehicles.

Legendary Light Tank

Over time, the names of tanks began to change to shorter ones. So, the first military transport, which began to spread widely, was called MS-1. This abbreviation meant "small support tank". It was first heard in the late 1920s. In total this LT numbered 960 copies. Appeared in battle in 1929. Then the tank managed to scare away all the Chinese infantry. There is a possibility that the MS-1 served the army during the Great Patriotic War.

Fast as lightning

Another, no less legendary, tank - BT-7. This is also an abbreviation. It stands for "high-speed tank". On the battlefield he made his debut against Japan in 1938. Fame and success took a year later on the territory of Mongolia. Then in the steppe BT-7 was able to prove itself in full measure, and its speed played into the hands of the soldiers. Until 1942, this machine was not inferior to its opponents and was used in the war. From this moment, the armored car began to be used much less, as more powerful models appeared.

Mass production

The names of tanks of the Second World War did not have a special fantasy, especially if we talk about Soviet machines. So, in 1940 began to exploit the T-34, probably the most popular option. His combat effectiveness was used until 1942, until the enemy began to produce more powerful tanks on the battlefield. So next year the T-34 was upgraded, improved booking and added space for another crew member. Also changed the gun. In history, this tank became one of the most famous. And although it was not powerful enough, it was still very simple in design and operation.

Fear for the Germans

But the names of the tanks of the KV series were associated with the famous Klim Voroshilov, who became famous for his political activities. In 1941, KV-1 became a real monster for the German troops. He held back the division for two days, and the documents found indicated that the machine received 14 direct hits from a 50-millimeter gun. At the same time, it showed no damage - only small dents. And yet two days later the Nazis stealthily damaged the armored car and destroyed the KV-1. Their number during the Second World War was not great because the state could not find funds for fuel and repairs.

Combat "Joseph Stalin"

The world is known for another victorious powerful series of tracked vehicles. The names of Russian IS tanks were dedicated to Joseph Stalin. TTs were created specifically to break enemy positions. So everyone coped with the task. IS-2 was the most popular among all ISs. For a couple of days he was able to defeat 17 enemy cars and successfully broke through the defenses to Koenigsberg and Berlin. The caterpillar has served Russian armament already before 1995.

Modern exhibits

After the Second World War, the designers analyzed the experience of combat operations and began to develop even more powerful and robust machines. The first of such attempts was the T-54. He served already in the second half of XX century. And in a few years it was upgraded to version 55. This caterpillar was so popular that it served until the beginning of the XXI century.

The names of Russian tanks have never been distinguished by special options. Each of them had only a serial number. The T-72 became a later project. The tank was designed in 1973 and was actively used after 10 years. He served in Lebanon and the Middle East, and in 2008 carried out a successful operation in Tskhinvali. In the early 90's it was improved - the T-90 was released.

German experience

The names of the German tanks were always distinguished by bright and memorable names. So, during the Second World War, Germany was armed with "Panther" and "Tiger" - the most popular caterpillar vehicles. They appeared in 1943, a little later they were joined by a modified tank "Royal Tiger". In general, initially the Germans gave very long names to their armored vehicles. But in practice they simplified them. For example, Pz.Kpfw. - this is the abbreviated word Panzerkampfwagen, which could be translated as "tank" or "armored combat vehicle". Ausf is Ausfuhrung, it is translated from German as "modification". To such long names, letters of prototypes were usually added. In addition to the "Panther" and "Tiger" in German arms were the "Leo" and "Leopard-1."

During World War II, the world saw the first radio-controlled tanks, which were called "Goliaths". They were issued in more than 2500 pieces. They were used to pass through the minefield and destroy the protective structures. A separate mention deserves the legendary "Mouse", which was supposed to demolish everything in its path. His armor protection was maximum, and according to Hitler's plans it was a project of a "breakthrough tank". In 1944, two prototypes were created, which could serve in combat operations. But Hitler suspended production due to lack of funds. The machine was not destined to participate in a real battle.

"Mouse" was not at all like a mouse. It was a 180-ton monster that could not pass through the bridges, but it easily moved along the bottom of the river. When the Red Army began the offensive, the Germans could not quickly evacuate the two prototypes and destroyed them. Of the parts of the destroyed tracked vehicles, one was gathered, which they sent to Kubinka. Here he remained forever - in the Military History Museum.

Original names

The names of tanks during the Second World War and after it were interesting. Usually they popularized military commanders and other famous personalities. American M4 "Sherman" has become the most popular in the US and their allies. He glorified the famous general William Sherman. But in England, the famous tank was the "Comet", which effectively fought with German cars and had many kindred traits with "Sherman" and "Firefly".

The post-war period introduced us to improved Americans: the M26 "Pershing", named so by the name of General John Pershing, and the M46 "Patton", he was also called "General Patton". The British presented the middle tank with the original name "Centurion". This caterpillar vehicle was replaced in 1960 by the "Chiften" (from English it is translated as "leader").

Over time, designers began to try to make each tank specialized. Therefore, one of the reconnaissance vehicles was "M41" Walker Bulldog, "also named after the general. He was projected after the war to replace the famous "Chaffiku" or "General Chaffi." As practice shows, in most cases tanks were named in the days of World War II and after it in honor of the great generals and those who made a huge contribution to the fighting. Especially this trend was popular with the British.