Tanks

Tanks are armored cavalry ground assault vehicles capable of extreme mobility thanks to their tracks, repulsorlift or mechanical legs. Used by the Imperial army and the local armies as part of armored cavalry units, they are designed for front-line combat as well as intimidation. The tank is a staple in many ground armies, their main function being to assist or spearhead attacks. 
Tanks typically boast large anti personnel cannons mounted on turrets or other powerful anti-vehicle weapons, and are heavily armored to protect the troops operating the weapons and the propulsion systems inside.
== Overview ==
A tank is a large type of armoured fighting vehicle with tracks, repulsorlift or mechanical legs designed for front-line combat. Tanks are strong mobile land weapons platforms, mounting a large-calibre cannon in a rotating gun turret. They combine this with heavy vehicle armour providing protection for the crew of the weapon and operational mobility, which allows them to position on the battlefield in advantageous locations. These features enable the tank to have enormous capability to perform well in a tactical situation: the combination of strong weapons fire from their tank gun and their ability to resist enemy fire means the tank can take hold of and control an area of the battle and prevent other enemy vehicles from advancing, for example. In both offensive and defensive roles, they are powerful units able to perform all primary tasks required of armoured troops on the battlefield. 
=== Origin ===
Tank technology was developed separately and simultaneously by several elected kingdoms as a means to break the deadlock of seaborne artillery in favor of greater firepower deployed on ground based conflicts. Their first use in combat was by the Groman Army during the Battle of the Galerius Metilius. 
=== Influence on military strategy ===
Important concepts of armoured warfare were subsequently developed after the introduction of tanks in armed conflicts. 
The mass tank/air attack, and the “Thunder Strike” were both techniques which made use of massed concentrations of tanks supported by artillery and air power to break through the enemy front and cause a complete collapse in enemy resistance and morale.
The widespread introduction of anti tank warheads led to the development of lightweight anti-tank weapons with considerable power. This caused major changes in tank doctrine and the introduction of effective combined arms tactics. Improved engines, transmissions and suspensions allowed tanks of this period to grow larger. Aspects of gun technology changed significantly as well, with advances in shell design.
Tanks seldom operate alone, as they are organized into combined arms units which involve the support of infantry, who may accompany the tanks in infantry fighting vehicles. They are also usually supported by reconnaissance or ground-attack aircraft.
== Technology ==
The modern tank was the result of development from armoured seaships, due to massive improvements in technology such as the internal combustion engine, hydraulics developments  and attractor repulsor technology which allowed the rapid movement of heavy equipment required to construct armoured land ships. As a result of these advances, tanks underwent tremendous shifts in capability.
=== Tank Propulsion systems ===
Some tanks run on repulsorlifts, others use caterpillar treads, and others are walkers. 
Treads: The classical representation of armored cavalry, a tank is a caterpillar tracked land ship. 
Hovertank: Tank that floats above the ground, eliminating the need for ground capable of supporting the immense weight of the tank. 
Walker: More commonly known as Mechs, Walkers are armored cavalry vehicles that move on mechanical legs.
== Tank roles ==
Assault tank: Typically fast attack vehicles designed to break through deadlocked situations.
Battle tank: Fast vehicles used for situations where mobility is essential. Also known as skirmisher tanks. 
Fighter tank: Heavy tanks designed for pure endurance and the absorption of as much punishment as possible. 
Droid tank: Completely autonomous vehicle. 
== Tank classes ==
Main battle tank: A combat focused armored vehicle that fills the role of armor-protected direct fire.
Infantry fighting vehicle: Used to carry infantry into battle and provide direct-fire support.
Armored personnel carrier:  Transport vehicle armed only for self-defense and not specifically engineered to fight on their own. Amphibious in case of marine assaults on land.
Self propelled artillery: Artillery equipped with its own propulsion system to move toward its firing position.
Self propelled anti aircraft gun: Mobile vehicle with a dedicated anti-aircraft capability.
Artillery tractor: Specialized tractor unit used to tow artillery pieces into firing position.
Combat engineering vehicle: Vehicle built for construction work or for the transportation of combat engineers on the battlefield.
== Examples of Tanks ==
===Caterpillar muscle tank===
Its midsection is flexible, making it an adept melee combat armored vehicle.
===AAV Tank===
Equipped with a powerful AA gun and a rear mounted drone LCC (launch command and control) module.
Category:Tank
Category:Military
Category:Warfare
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