††††A tank is an armoured fighting vehicle which moves on caterpillar tracks.
Sketches for the design of a tank were first drawn up by Leonardo da Vinci as early as 1482. However, it was only after the internal combustion engine was invented that the idea for a tank was fully developed.
The tank was first used in action by the British in 1916 during World War I at the Battle of the Somme. It was improved upon and was considered the most important land force weapon of World War II in 1939-1945.
The importance of tanks has grown since the introduction of tactical nuclear weapons.
A modern tank is highly mobile and manoeuvrable, has a relatively high weapon-power, and offers its occupants some protection against blast and radioactivity.
