Armoured fighting vehicle

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Armoured fighting vehicle

An armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) is a combat vehicle, typically armed and protected by strong armour, which combines operational mobility with offensive and defensive capabilities. AFVs are a critical component of modern military forces and are used in various roles, including reconnaissance, infantry support, and direct combat.

Types of Armoured Fighting Vehicles

AFVs can be classified into several categories based on their design and intended role on the battlefield:

• Tanks: Heavily armoured and armed vehicles designed for front-line combat. Tanks are equipped with large-caliber main guns and thick armour to withstand enemy fire.
• Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs): Armoured vehicles designed to transport infantry into battle and provide direct fire support. IFVs are typically armed with autocannons, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles.
• Armoured personnel carriers (APCs): Vehicles designed to transport infantry safely to the battlefield. APCs are usually less heavily armed and armoured than IFVs.
• Self-propelled artillery: Artillery pieces mounted on a mobile, armoured chassis. These vehicles provide indirect fire support to ground forces.
• Armoured cars: Lightly armoured vehicles, often wheeled, used for reconnaissance and internal security roles.
• Tank destroyers: Vehicles designed specifically to engage and destroy enemy tanks. They are typically armed with powerful anti-tank guns or missiles.

History

The development of AFVs began during World War I, with the introduction of the first tanks by the British Army. These early tanks were designed to break through enemy trench lines and provide support to infantry. The concept of armoured warfare evolved significantly during World War II, with the widespread use of tanks and other AFVs by all major combatants.

Post-World War II, AFVs continued to evolve with advancements in technology, leading to the development of modern main battle tanks (MBTs) and other specialized vehicles. The Cold War era saw significant innovations in AFV design, including improved armour, more powerful weapons, and advanced targeting systems.

Design and Technology

Modern AFVs incorporate a range of advanced technologies to enhance their combat effectiveness:

• Composite armour: A combination of different materials, such as ceramics and metals, to provide superior protection against various threats.
• Reactive armour: Explosive or non-explosive reactive armour that detonates upon impact to neutralize incoming projectiles.
• Active protection systems (APS): Systems designed to detect and intercept incoming threats, such as anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
• Fire-control systems: Advanced targeting systems that improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the vehicle's weapons.
• C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance): Integrated systems that enhance situational awareness and coordination on the battlefield.

Related Pages

• Tank
• Infantry fighting vehicle
• Armoured personnel carrier
• Self-propelled artillery
• Armoured car
• Tank destroyer
• Composite armour
• Reactive armour
• Active protection system
• Fire-control system
• C4ISR

See Also

• Military vehicle
• Armoured warfare
• Mechanized infantry
• Tracked vehicle
• Wheeled vehicle