Tank

A **tank** is described as a heavy armored fighting vehicle carrying guns and moving on a continuous articulated metal track. Until the arrival of Japan and the Gra Valkas Empire, this weapon was unknown to the inhabitants of the New World.

## Overview

A tank fulfills the need for an attacking force to bring firepower to support the infantry and to break through enemy lines. The history of the modern tank dates back to World War I where armies were bogged down in trench warfare and needed a way to cross into No Man's Land. An armored vehicle would certainly protect the soldiers from enemy fire but it also needed to traverse the rough and uneven terrain. When the internal combustion engine became powerful enough to move such a vehicle, and the continuous track was developed to overcome the terrain, a new weapon was born and warfare was changed forever.

The first generation of the tank back on Earth was made from a modified Tractor that adds armor plating for extra protection against infantry attacks. Later, it becomes a foundation to create tanks where the tanks play a major role at the end of World War I. During World War II, two units are formed, Mechanized and Armoured Units. Mechanized units primarily consist of tanks, light-armored vehicles, and infantries loaded inside APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) or transport vehicle in well-balanced components while Armoured units primarily consist of tanks and other vehicle-fighting units that bring a limited amount of infantries.

## Basic Tank Design

Tank design is influenced by three basic factors, **firepower, armor, and mobility.**

### Firepower

Initially, guns were mounted on a tank much like on ships. As a result, in order to aim the guns, you had to aim the whole tank. Each gun had a limited range of fire and even mounting them on sponsons didn't completely solve the problem. It wasn't until the rotating turret was developed that designers could mount one main gun on the tank and it could fire in a 360-degree arc. Afterward, the size of the main gun determined the tank's overall function. Small guns were usually meant for scouting and light-duty tanks. Medium to heavy guns normally meant infantry support while very heavy guns were meant for fortifications or heavy assault. However, there was a trade-off. If the tank carried a heavier main gun, that meant the tank itself got heavier and slower. Furthermore, the bigger the rounds, the less it could carry. The idea of the main battle tank normally leans toward the main gun of a super-heavy tank, yet still has the mobility of a light tank and the armor of a heavy tank.

### Armor

Protecting the crew from enemy fire is a key factor and comes with its own drawbacks. The more armor you have, the better protected is the crew. However, that also means more weight and therefore the mobility of the tank goes down. If the tank is meant for light-duty or reconnaissance, then its armor is usually light and makes it more vulnerable. Medium tanks have an average thickness of armor and is a jack-of-all-trades while heavy tanks have extremely thick armor and poor mobility.

### Mobility

Without the ability to move, a tank is no different from a field artillery gun. However, it takes far more horsepower to move a heavy tank than it does an automobile. Again, we have to take weight into account. Light tanks are fast and agile. Medium tanks have average speed while heavy tanks are slow.

## Weaknesses

Despite being designed for direct frontal assault and to support the infantry, the tank itself is vulnerable to infantry and various anti-tank weapons such as mines, rockets, missiles and other armor-defeating tactics. In the beginning, tanks were slow and the infantry soldier could keep up with them on foot. However, as tanks became faster and able to traverse various terrain, there came a need to develop the infantry fighting vehicle or troop transport in order to give the tanks the protection and support.

## Tanks in the New World

So far, there are 4 confirmed tanks users in the New World.

### Gra Valkas Empire

The workhorse of the Gra Valkas Empire is the Hound Medium Tank, supplemented by the Shafer Light Tank and the Wilder Heavy Tank. As a result, they have different levels of firepower, armor, and mobility. However, this diversity causes their resources to be spread out and none are able to stand up to Japan's main battle tanks.

### Mu

The nation of Mu has started on a tank prototype, but it was not ready in time for the New World War. It is said to be much smaller than Japan's main battle tanks and mount the 105 mm Eraser Gun.

### Japan

Japan has several main battle tanks in their arsenal, including the both outdated Type-61 and Type-74, the Type 90 and the Type-10. All of these tanks possess the mobility of a light tank, the armor of a heavy tank, and the firepower of a super-heavy tank. Thanks to composite armor, lighter alloys, and advanced technology, their designs are a well-balanced of three main factors.

### Calamique Kingdom

Surprisingly, this isolated country has a tank. It is called the Demon Flame Tank. The tank is made by the Archmage Ordo based on the analysis of the ruins of the Ravernal Empire he found on the island. The tanks are used by Duke Mauri Hamman is his rebellion against King Brande. It managed to destroy the gates of the Alcourt Castle and killed the king. However, they're proven to be ineffective against the superior firepower of Japan's anti-tank missiles.