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Post-WWII Main Battle Tanks

Since the end of World War 2, the US military has used several main battle tanks, with the M60 Patton and M1 Abrams being the most notable.

M1 Abrams Dominance

However, the M1 Abrams has been the most widely used and popular tank in the US military, with over 9,000 units produced since its introduction in 1980.

Service History

The M1 Abrams has seen service in several conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War, and remains the primary main battle tank of the US military to this day.

What are the key differences between the Abrams and Sherman tanks?

Key Differences

The Abrams and Sherman tanks have several key differences, including:

  • Armor: Abrams has composite armor, while Sherman had steel armor
  • Firepower: Abrams has a 120mm smoothbore cannon, while Sherman had a 75mm gun
  • Mobility: Abrams has a 1,500hp turbine engine, while Sherman had a 400hp gasoline engine
  • Technology: Abrams has advanced fire control systems and night vision, while Sherman had limited technology

Size and Weight

The Abrams is also larger and heavier than the Sherman, with a crew of 4 compared to the Sherman's 5.

Service Era

The Abrams is a modern main battle tank, while the Sherman was a World War II-era medium tank.

What are the most famous tanks in the Russian (or Soviet) military?

Famous Soviet Tanks

The most famous tanks in the Russian (or Soviet) military include:

  • T-34: A World War II-era medium tank, known for its mobility and firepower
  • T-55: A Cold War-era main battle tank, widely used by the Soviet Union and its allies
  • T-72: A Cold War-era main battle tank, known for its reliability and durability
  • T-90: A modern main battle tank, currently in service with the Russian military

Notable Mentions

Other notable Soviet tanks include the IS-2 heavy tank and the KV-1 heavy tank, both of which saw service during World War II.

Impact on History

These tanks have played significant roles in various conflicts, including World War II and the Cold War, and have had a lasting impact on the development of tank design and warfare.

Of the Russian/Soviet tanks listed, how many of each were produced?

Production Numbers

The production numbers for the Russian/Soviet tanks listed are:

  • T-34: approximately 84,000 units produced
  • T-55: over 95,000 units produced
  • T-72: around 25,000 units produced in the Soviet Union, with many more produced in other countries
  • T-90: around 2,500 units produced
  • IS-2: approximately 4,500 units produced
  • KV-1: around 5,200 units produced

Total Production

The Soviet Union was one of the largest tank producers in history, with hundreds of thousands of tanks produced during its existence.