There are many armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) in use today. One of the most significant AFV's is the tank. The principle of the tank is many centuries old, but it was not until the internal combustion engine came into effect in the 20th century that this machine actually became a reality.
The time in between the world wars saw very few ideas and developments for the tank. Many believed that the tank was of use only in trench warfare, but they were very wrong.
Modern tanks are capable of firing while on the move. They can also fire shots at night having the facilities of infra red gunsights and thermal imagery. The driver is protected by an armoured plate and is seated towards the front of the vehicle. Behind him is the commander and gunner, who are located within a rotating turret which is power-assisted. The engine of the tank is positioned towards the rear. The tank does not have wheels but runs on caterpillar tracks, this allows it to cross terrains from sand to muddy, trenched battlefields.
