- 6/4/2025
Combat Vehicles: High-tech and dressed in steel: the best and most legendary tanks of the last several decades and today.
Massive, heavy, and very dangerous: combat vehicles are still the symbol of armed conflict. And since the military has always taken a leading role in technological development, the combat vehicles of today are all high-tech machines.
Combat vehicles come in countless variations: as battle tanks or troop transporters, with steel or rubber tracks, fast and agile or heavy and well-armored.
We examine the most extraordinary combat vehicles in the world.
Combat tank experts consider the Leopard 2 the best compromise of firepower, armor, and mobility. Until 2017, it had a reputation for being nearly indestructible. Not one Leopard 2 was lost in either Afghanistan or in the Kosovo War, thus contributing to the myth of the tank’s invulnerability. This has changed in the war in Syria, but the Leopard 2A7 is still one of the best tanks in the world.
Another legendary tank, although from another time: the armored fighting vehicle VI Tiger, known as the Tiger I. It was the most dreaded tank of World War II. In its day, the tank was so big and its gun so powerful that opponents barely had a chance. Nevertheless, the Tiger was its own worst enemy ….
The Merkava Mark IV’s unusual design makes it an exotic tank. But this is also what provides its crew with unmatched protection.
The T-54/55 is the Toyota Corolla of tanks. No other tank was built as frequently. What makes the Russian tank so successful?
The CV90 is the most modern and versatile infantry fighting vehicle in the world. Countless versions based on the same basic model have been built for various customers.
Massive, heavy, and very dangerous: combat vehicles are still the symbol of armed conflict. And since the military has always taken a leading role in technological development, the combat vehicles of today are all high-tech machines.
Combat vehicles come in countless variations: as battle tanks or troop transporters, with steel or rubber tracks, fast and agile or heavy and well-armored.
We examine the most extraordinary combat vehicles in the world.
Combat tank experts consider the Leopard 2 the best compromise of firepower, armor, and mobility. Until 2017, it had a reputation for being nearly indestructible. Not one Leopard 2 was lost in either Afghanistan or in the Kosovo War, thus contributing to the myth of the tank’s invulnerability. This has changed in the war in Syria, but the Leopard 2A7 is still one of the best tanks in the world.
Another legendary tank, although from another time: the armored fighting vehicle VI Tiger, known as the Tiger I. It was the most dreaded tank of World War II. In its day, the tank was so big and its gun so powerful that opponents barely had a chance. Nevertheless, the Tiger was its own worst enemy ….
The Merkava Mark IV’s unusual design makes it an exotic tank. But this is also what provides its crew with unmatched protection.
The T-54/55 is the Toyota Corolla of tanks. No other tank was built as frequently. What makes the Russian tank so successful?
The CV90 is the most modern and versatile infantry fighting vehicle in the world. Countless versions based on the same basic model have been built for various customers.
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TVTranscript
00:01They are the fastest, the largest and the most dangerous in the world.
00:08They conquer every terrain and they overcome borders.
00:13This is a very challenging thing to bring out a new ship like this.
00:18But it is much more than a challenge.
00:24It's absolutely a privilege to be here and do this.
00:27Their design goes beyond the scope of what is technologically possible, setting new standards.
00:34These vehicles are milestones of engineering.
00:39This is the father of air travel.
00:42On land, on water and in the air, all of them are ultimate vehicles.
00:57The Leopard 2. For many experts, the perfect compromise of armor, mobility and firepower.
01:07Also in this episode, the most dreaded tank of the Second World War.
01:11And the world's safest tank, the Israeli Merkava IV.
01:12No other model was produced more frequently. The T-54-55.
01:13And finally, one of the most popular, the T-54-55.
01:14The T-54-55.
01:15And finally, one of the most valuable, the T-54-55.
01:16The T-54-55.
01:17The T-54-55.
01:18mobility and firepower.
01:20Also in this episode, the most dreaded tank of the Second World War.
01:27And the world's safest tank, the Israeli Merkava IV.
01:33No other model was produced more frequently, the T-54-55.
01:40And finally, one of the most versatile military vehicles in the world, the CV-90.
01:49It is considered effective, precise, cutting-edge and nearly invincible.
01:56The Leopard II, the most legendary battle tank in the world.
02:04The Leopard II has been in production since 1979.
02:0818 countries around the world count on its strength.
02:12Its battle weight is about 63 tons.
02:14The primary weapon, a 120mm smoothbore gun.
02:20Germany, Augustdorf, home of the German Army's 21st Tank Brigade.
02:26The most recent version of the Leopard, the A7, has been used here since 2015.
02:3211 meters long, about 4 meters wide and 2.5 meters high.
02:41It has a 1500 horsepower engine and is equipped with the latest technology.
02:45Today is exam day in Augustdorf.
02:51At the live fire area, 20 tank gunner trainees must show what they have learnt in the past weeks.
02:57So far, the trainees have only shot in a simulator.
03:02Today, things get real for Lance Corporal Nicolas and Dirk.
03:07Only when both perform well will their training continue.
03:10You're nervous, but also excited.
03:11There's been a lot of talking, but now you can take it as it comes.
03:25It's all timed, and I'm a bit worried that I won't see the targets in time and then won't have enough time to engage.
03:32But it should actually be no problem.
03:38Captain Philip is company operations officer and is leading today's exercise.
03:44From his command tower, he radios the assignments to the trainees.
03:48In my view, the Leopard is one of the best battle tanks in the world.
03:53It's easy to use in all operational modes and phases.
03:57How easy it really is will emerge momentarily.
04:02The Leopard 2 has a four men crew. The driver sits in front on the right.
04:10The loader sits on the left side of the tower.
04:13This position is filled today by Lance Corporal Dirk.
04:17The gunner sits above the driver and mans the weapons.
04:21Today, it's Lance Corporal Nicolas. The commander sits above him.
04:25Now, the exercise begins.
04:32Thanks to its fluid-cooled, 12-cylinder engine with two turbochargers and an impressive 47.6-litre displacement, the Leopard 2 can reach speeds of up to 70 km per hour.
04:5160% gradients and 3m wide ditches are no problem for this German manufactured tank.
04:58The exam includes so-called hard targets in the form of old tank wrecks and moving discs.
05:10In the tower, Company Operations Officer Captain Philip and his team prepare for the exercise.
05:20He gives his orders over the radio.
05:23Bravo, attack. Alpha, surveillance. Position 1-2. Move forward. Over.
05:29The first target, the old tank wreck. They're shooting with practice ammunition. It does not explode upon impact, but emits a bright flash of light.
05:50Fire.
05:51Fire.
05:52Fire.
06:01Fire.
06:03Hit.
06:04Center.
06:057 seconds.
06:06Hit.
06:07Target.
06:08Center.
06:10A direct hit, with a very first shot.
06:11The trainers are satisfied.
06:14Very good.
06:15The next target, one of the moving discs.
06:20As opposed to older models, the 2A7 can also shoot so-called high-explosive ammunition.
06:26It does not explode automatically upon impact.
06:29Instead, the timing of the explosion can be programmed beforehand.
06:36This shot is also a hit.
06:39Bravo, now reverse, go.
06:42The next test, shooting while moving.
06:45While moving in reverse, that is, the Leopard can go 31 km an hour like this.
07:00Hit. Deep. Nine seconds.
07:03That even inexperienced gunners can hit a target while moving
07:07is thanks to the Leopard 2's electronic weapon slaving and stabilization system.
07:12The sights through which the gunner aims at the target are mounted on stabilizers
07:18that compensate for the tank's movements.
07:20Thus, he can keep the target in sight despite the rough terrain.
07:30The sights and the laser rangefinder are hooked up to the tank's ballistic computer.
07:35This computer combines the information about the sighted target
07:42with parameters like the vehicle's own speed and wind speed.
07:47Thus, calculating the weapon's optimal position and adjusting it automatically.
07:52Should parts of the system go offline, the Leopard 2 can still shoot.
08:02To keep everything functioning perfectly, the tanks must be regularly serviced.
08:07The Armored Corps training center in Munster.
08:11Here, soldiers learn how to operate the 63-ton steel colossus.
08:19This is also one of the 52 support locations of the Army logistics service provider.
08:24The Leopard 2's are regularly checked and serviced in these halls.
08:28Sergeant Major Michael Helmrich is the armed forces' shooting advisor.
08:39The basic idea behind the Leopard 2 was to significantly improve the performance of the Leopard 1.
08:47The Leopard 1 was the first German battle tank after World War II.
08:51It was much more agile and faster than the American tanks the armed forces had previously used.
08:58In addition, it had a more powerful gun and was the first tank with a weapon stabilization system,
09:04which made it possible to shoot while moving.
09:07There were two essential considerations.
09:10First, the existing armor had to be strengthened.
09:13Second, and more importantly, the fire control system had to be improved.
09:16The origin of the Leopard 2 is a joint tank project from the 1960s between Germany and the United States.
09:25Due to the long development time of about 15 years, including 16 prototypes,
09:31it was possible to resolve problems ahead of time that otherwise would have cropped up in normal use.
09:37Since then, the Leopard 2 has been regularly upgraded with new technology.
09:41The armor has been continually improved, the weapon system modernized,
09:47a stronger cannon added, and numerous new digital systems integrated.
09:52Thus, the hull of the current version, the A7, is even better protected against mines and IEDs.
10:00And the side armor can be strengthened with additional track skirts depending on the operational area.
10:05At the live fire area in Augustdorf, the exam is still in progress.
10:17Bravo, command here.
10:21Hard target, double bridge, left.
10:25The gunner trainee, Lance Corporal Nicholas, now has about 15 seconds to find and hit the target.
10:30Tactically, the exam was good. The hits will be evaluated soon.
10:41Today, the trainees shot at a real tank for the first time.
10:48It was really loud. Smelt strange, but was pretty good.
10:54From inside, the gunner doesn't really notice much.
11:00We still want to know whether the two trainees have passed their exam.
11:06Bravo crew, assemble.
11:09Today's upshot, everyone passed. It was great, indeed better. Good work. Dismissed.
11:16In the next months, the two soldiers will continue their training with the most legendary tank in the world.
11:21Later in this episode, the Israeli Malkova IV.
11:27It is an exotic tank, departing from the usual basic design.
11:32This heavyweight puts especially high value on protecting its crew.
11:36World War II was the age of grand tank battles.
11:42One of the most dreaded among them, the German Armored Fighting Vehicle VI, known as the Tiger I.
11:48It is one of the most legendary tanks of World War II.
11:55A steel beast.
11:57Dreaded by its enemies, it is unique for its myth of invincibility.
12:01The German Tiger I.
12:02The Nazis put the tank in the field in the autumn of 1942.
12:13Only 1500 were produced in total.
12:16It was dreaded by all on account of its 88mm gun.
12:20One specimen is in Great Britain.
12:23More precisely, in Bovington.
12:24This is home to the world's largest tank museum.
12:28The collection is unique.
12:30Over 300 Armored Combat Vehicles are here.
12:34Curator and tank expert David Willey has the overview.
12:40For him, it is clear that the Tiger had above all strategic significance for the Germans.
12:45Obviously, there was a fear factor because the tank was so big, so powerful, it could outrange pretty much any Allied tank when it first appears.
12:59The Steel Colossus is nearly 8.5 meters long, over 3.5 meters wide, and weighs 57 tons.
13:07That made it up to 20 tons heavier than all of its opponents on the battlefield.
13:12Up to 10 centimeters of steel made the tank nearly impenetrable to enemy fire.
13:17When introduced, it was the most powerful tank of its day.
13:25With a 700 horsepower V12 engine, the heavyweight could achieve a cross-country speed of 20 kilometers per hour.
13:33On paved roads, the Tiger could go twice as fast.
13:37But this was reflected in fuel consumption.
13:40Every 100 kilometers, the Tiger consumed about 540 liters of fuel.
13:44But its built-in weapons technology was also expensive.
13:48Many say too expensive.
13:50But it is precisely this technology that made the Tiger so special.
13:54So the sighting arrangements, that in combination with that 88 millimeter, tremendously powerful gun,
14:02you're firing an armor-piercing round which can pretty much go through any known tank when this comes into service late 42, early 43.
14:10The Tiger is a veritable sharpshooter.
14:14At a distance of up to 1500 meters, it could destroy every target.
14:19The tank's gun is especially noteworthy.
14:23At 4.93 meters, it was the longest of the time, and at 1.6 tons, also the heaviest.
14:28Its .88 caliber bore was also unmatched, and with 92 shells on board, the Tiger became a legend on the battlefield.
14:42Thanks as well to its 10 centimeter thick armor.
14:45On paper, the Tiger was superior to all other tanks.
14:50But too often, the Tiger remained immobile due to technical problems.
14:54And just quite simply, it was put together in a rush.
14:57So there was lots of teething troubles, lots of early mistakes, things breaking down.
15:03The gearbox was struggling, the engine to match that 56 tons.
15:10It was originally designed for 30 tons.
15:12So there's a series of issues they try and iron out during the production run.
15:17The Tiger was its own worst enemy.
15:19Technical problems accumulated, and many of the heavyweights simply got stuck in Russia's difficult terrain.
15:28One of the tanks survived the war.
15:31It is now here in this museum.
15:33After months of inactivity, today it is supposed to drive again.
15:40If anyone knows every screw, every one of even the smallest of this 70-year-old tank's parts, then it is Mike Hayton.
15:47We've got the only working one in the world.
15:50And it's a hard job to keep it in the condition that we like to keep it in.
15:54So it's always a challenge to me.
15:56All of these grey hairs on my head are due to the Tiger.
16:00Also here today, Mike's team of mechanics.
16:03In addition, a fan is here to fulfill a lifelong dream.
16:07To drive a real Tiger.
16:09But will it start?
16:12There is barely room inside the tank for the five members of the crew.
16:15But Eric Schneider, the tank fan, is overwhelmed.
16:19It's really nice. It feels a little claustrophobic. But it's nice.
16:29And sometimes, the crew had to persevere inside the tank for days and weeks.
16:34To get the tank started, Mike first has the two heavy battery cells reinstalled.
16:41Then, he attends to a special feature.
16:44This Tiger was deployed in Tunisia before being captured by British troops.
16:49To counter the hot and dusty conditions, this Tiger was equipped with a special filter.
16:53It has what they call a feeful air filtering system. So, the system behind me filters the air before it gets to the engine air filters.
17:03And every time we lift the deck, we have to dismantle it so that we can get access.
17:07Under the hood, a Maybach V12 is slumbering.
17:12But the 21-litre engine has its problems.
17:15Besides its tremendous fuel consumption, the engine's need for oil required the crew to make sure there were always enough reserves on board.
17:23This led to supply problems at the front.
17:26Mike checks the fuel level twice, just to make sure.
17:29So, we have this much fuel in the tank, so that's enough to run it today.
17:36Now, the preparations are complete.
17:39And the big moment approaches, the Tiger is going to drive.
17:43With every passing minute and every action of his crew, Mike Hayton's nervousness increases.
17:50We try to take every precaution we can, and it's still the unknown.
17:53For example, last year we tried to start it for Tankfest on the inertia starter, and it broke.
18:01So, we had to take the engine out during the winter and repair that.
18:06This could happen today too, of course.
18:09Under his direction, the mechanics pull the beast out of the hall.
18:13Now, ignition is only a few minutes away.
18:19So, next one, turn the engine over a couple of times.
18:21We need the fuel turned on first.
18:25Like an old propeller airplane, the Tiger can also be started mechanically.
18:35Try again.
18:43Only when there is enough oil pressure can the tank be started with a crank.
18:47Wait.
18:50Is that full choke? Should have gone by now.
18:52Yeah.
18:53Yeah, try again, Darren.
18:54Let's go.
18:55Let's go.
18:56Let's go.
18:57Let's go.
18:58Let's go.
18:59Let's go.
19:00Let's go.
19:01Let's go.
19:03Finally, after months of standing still, the Tiger once again moves under its own power.
19:08Admittedly, somewhat hesitantly, but the chains are clattering slowly across the museum grounds.
19:22Only a small observation slit lets the driver see anything.
19:25Let's go.
19:26Let's go.
19:34Change into fourth gear, Darren.
19:37The beast that spread fear and panic on the battlefields of World War II moves forward slowly but surely.
19:44The 57 tons of steel creep with every movement.
19:48But Mike's meticulous work pays off and the Tiger finally stands at its new location.
19:56For me it's always very stressful because we never want to break it.
20:00So we try and do as much as we can to make sure we don't blow up.
20:04The German Tiger I in Bovington is the only one that can still drive under its own power after more than 70 years.
20:11A true ultimate vehicle.
20:15Later in this episode, mass production instead of technical sophistication.
20:20The T5455 was the standard tank in the Eastern Bloc and became the most produced tank in the world.
20:29Since the Second World War, basic tank design has almost always been the same.
20:34There are only two exceptions and one of them is our next ultimate vehicle.
20:39This tank is considered the safest in the world.
20:45The Israeli army's Merkava Mark IV.
20:48Tested in numerous battles, experts rank it as one of the best tanks in the world.
20:53The Mark IV variant of the Merkava tank has been in production since 2003.
21:06Its combat weight is 65 tons.
21:09Its high speed is 64 kilometers an hour.
21:12Its primary weapon is a 120 millimeter smoothbore tank gun.
21:16Israel, the Golan Heights near the Syrian border.
21:21Today, the Israeli army will carry out a large scale tank combat exercise here.
21:26At about 8 meters long, 2.5 meters high and 3.7 meters wide, the Merkava is one of the largest tanks.
21:35And, due to its extremely strong armor, is also one of the heaviest.
21:40The rear door provides a safe exit in case of emergency.
21:44Its armament packs an extremely powerful punch.
21:47A total of 15 tanks are participating in today's exercise.
21:53Each Merkava IV has a four-man crew.
21:56The commander, the gunner, the loader-signaller and the driver.
22:00First Lieutenant, Menachem Klavan, is the commander of this tank.
22:07For him and his crew, this exercise is the last part of their training before they are stationed in the border zone.
22:22In this exercise in the Golan Heights, we're playing through various battle scenarios.
22:29We train for every possible situation and in every season.
22:35We don't know what awaits us when we're deployed.
22:38So, we have to train and be prepared for everything.
22:46The soldiers have been at combat readiness for one hour.
22:52Headquarters could give the command to begin the exercise at any moment.
22:59Inside the tank, the soldiers check the systems and electronics again.
23:06Each man has his own screen to control and monitor the functions relevant to his job.
23:12The Merkava Mark IV is the best tank in Israel right now, probably the best in the world.
23:23When I sit in it, it feels like I'm in my own car.
23:26All the safety features give you the feeling that the tank protects you once you're inside.
23:30For defense against guided missiles and armor-piercing shells, the Merkava IV also has a state-of-the-art electronic defense system, called Trophy.
23:44A radar with four antennas recognizes threats from all sides.
23:48Within milliseconds, the system calculates the trajectory, distance, speed and anticipated impact time of the incoming weapon.
23:59Right before the weapon would hit the Merkava, a neutralizing charge is fired that destroys the projectile while it is still in the air.
24:07The order has been given to start the exercise.
24:19The Merkava IV has a V12 diesel engine with 1500 horsepower.
24:24It drives on continuous track without pads.
24:27The track is extremely robust and can even handle rocky terrain without breaking easily.
24:32At the beginning of the exercise, the tanks take a position on a ridge.
24:43I don't know what's coming next or what the trainers have prepared.
24:48That's part of the exercise, just like on a real battlefield.
24:53We're here to practice what it's like not to know what's going to happen.
24:58Using the digital battlefield management system, the commander visualizes the target position on a screen.
25:08Now, it's up to the gunner.
25:10Seven types of ammunition can be fired from the 120mm tank gun.
25:29Its range, over 3000 meters.
25:33After attacking from a distance, the tanks advance, using the ridge as cover.
25:37Despite its heavy weight, the Merkava IV can drive up to 64 kilometers an hour.
25:46The tank crew's job is now to form the rear guard and provide support for the company.
26:03Tel Aviv, Tel Hashomir base, one of Israel's largest military bases.
26:14Home to a unit whose mission is to constantly improve tank and vehicle development.
26:20One of the engineers is Major R.
26:23For security reasons, his real name cannot be used.
26:27His task, to make the Merkava, which was developed in the 1970s, even safer and even better.
26:32Back then, it was difficult for Israel to buy tanks from other countries, so we decided to build our own tank in Israel.
26:43The basic idea was to build a tank tailor-made for our troops.
26:51First, we focus on the men and build a tank around them.
26:56The tank's capabilities are adapted to the needs of the troops.
27:00Planning for the Merkava began in the early 1970s.
27:08The goal? A tank perfectly designed for the Israeli army's tactics and areas of operation.
27:14The first tanks were delivered to units in 1979.
27:17In the 1970s, the biggest challenge was to build a tank with no prior experience.
27:29The decision was made to have the various parts made by several Israeli companies.
27:35Based on experience in the field, the Israelis continuously improved the tank.
27:42This also goes for the current model, the Mark IV.
27:49Ever since it was first designed seven years ago, the tank has been upgraded and improved.
27:56The idea is to adapt the tank to a system that changes daily.
28:02Studies and initial tests for an even more modern and effective version of the Merkava, the Mark V,
28:09have been underway since 2015.
28:13Meanwhile in the Golan Heights, the units have approached to within a half kilometer of their target.
28:18The tank crew's job is now to secure the flanks and to provide covering fire for the advancing foot soldiers.
28:30The Merkava IV is perfectly equipped for this too.
28:32In addition to its main gun, it has four machine guns for engaging short-range targets.
28:45To discover threats immediately, four cameras are mounted on the Merkava, providing the crew with a panoramic 360-degree view.
28:53After a good two and a half hours, the mission is complete. The target has been taken and surrounded.
29:05It has been completed.
29:14Commander Menachem Klavan is happy with how the exercise has gone.
29:19It went very well, although it was a challenge.
29:24But now, we're ready for every possible scenario.
29:29We're ready for our enemies and our enemies.
29:35Undoubtedly thanks in part to the knowledge that they are sitting in the safest tank in the world.
29:41Also in this episode, the CV-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
29:54It was already considered one of the most modern in the world.
29:57But it has now been improved once again for the Norwegian Army.
30:03The Merkava IV is used by precisely one country.
30:05The next ultimate vehicle was used around the world, from Siberia to southern Africa.
30:15For decades, they have been performing their task as the workhorse of armoured corps all over the world.
30:21Tanks from the T-54, T-55 series.
30:24Equipped with the most modern technology of their time, for over 30 years, they were the standard tank for the Soviet Union and their allies.
30:37And they are still used in some countries.
30:41In total, over 100,000 tanks of this kind were produced between 1946 and 1983.
30:47Its combat weight, 40 tons.
30:51Its armament, a 100 millimetre gun.
30:54Bennekenstein in the Harz Mountains.
30:58The T-55's theatre of operations in Germany.
31:02Today, only in a museum.
31:04The museum has numerous military vehicles and tanks that can be booked for private rides.
31:12The biggest star among them, a T-55 from Poland.
31:15In Mario Tense and Marcel Koenig's tank driving school, this T-55 has found its final calling.
31:23For 300 euros, enthusiasts can drive the tank for about half an hour.
31:28This once modern tank, however, is slowly showing its age.
31:31It was built in 1972 and needs a lot of maintenance.
31:43It's an old lady continually beset by malfunctions.
31:47When the T-55 was chiefly used in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a modern weapon system.
31:52In order to buy the tank, however, Mario Tense had to remove all its weapons technology.
32:03The engine, on the other hand, is still original.
32:06Before Mario Tense can start the tank, he must preheat it.
32:09In order to go easy on the powerful, but therefore sensitive engine, it had to be preheated, even when it was used in combat conditions.
32:23Of course, it's very special to drive, with its 40-litre engine and its enormous power. It's quite a big deal.
32:42Originally, the T-55 had a four-man crew.
32:45Except for the seats for the driver and commander, however, everything has been removed from this model.
32:58The T-55 is so robust that even today, 70 years later, it continues to be used in local conflicts, especially in Africa.
33:06Mario Tense, however, is not very happy with his tank at the moment.
33:17Did you see?
33:22It didn't turn.
33:29It turns poorly.
33:30There's oil everywhere.
33:43And it shifts poorly, too.
33:47With its unladen weight of 37 tons, the T-55 is a small and agile tank.
33:53This is what made it so beloved in its time.
33:55It is armed with a 100-millimeter cannon.
33:58Its rate of fire, up to seven shells per minute.
34:02Its maximum range, two and a half kilometers.
34:08The T-55 is as wide as other tanks of the time.
34:11But it is lower, and thus makes for a more difficult target.
34:16The round, cast tower averts shells better than in earlier tanks.
34:21In addition, the T-55 was prized for its simple and robust suspension.
34:27Unique for a tank, the distance between the first and the second wheel.
34:31The idea was to reduce the damage caused by mines and, at the same time, to improve maneuverability.
34:37The tank driving scores terrain is no challenge for the T-55.
34:45It has a maximum gradeability of 60% and can handle lateral slopes of 30%.
34:52In addition, it was the first tank to be able to cross waterways up to four and a half meters deep.
34:58After 15 minutes, Mario Tenzer and Marcel Koenig have completed their test drive.
35:06But they do not look at all pleased.
35:13During this short test drive, I got two blisters just from shifting, since the gears are so unsynchronized.
35:20And in one bend we simply went straight, which means that sometimes we have hydraulic pressure and sometimes we don't.
35:31Inspecting the engine for problems.
35:34Here it's all oily.
35:42A somewhat bigger repair job.
35:45Oil is shooting out of the side of the engine's fan propeller.
35:52You can see it really well here.
35:54This part is covered in oil, as you can see on my finger.
35:57Back in the workshop.
36:00Under the hood is a feat of engineering, exemplified by the sideways mounted engine.
36:08Extremely innovative for the time.
36:11It created more space for crew and cargo.
36:14A lot was packed into a small space here.
36:17It's very tight.
36:19You have to turn a thousand corners in order to get to a place where you need to make a repair.
36:24The tank's impressive age makes things more difficult.
36:29Most of the tanks were built here, at the Chelyabinsk tractor plant.
36:39Today, Ural Vagonsavod, one of the world's largest tank manufacturers.
36:46Nikolai Molodnyakov is one of the engineers who designed the T-55.
36:50Western countries didn't stop producing tanks after World War II.
37:03Hence, the great effort here to design a next generation tank that would set new standards in every way.
37:12The T-55 made its first public appearance in 1958, at the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow.
37:22In contrast to its predecessor, the T-54, the T-55 has better armour, a stronger engine, a wider range of fire, infrared aiming, and it was one of the first tanks ever to have an automatic nuclear weapon protection system.
37:38One of the requirements for this tank, and this was the mentality of the time, was that the crew had to be able to repair it right there on the battlefield.
37:52The engineers made this possible, and that's why the T-55 is so long-lived, and is still being used today.
38:09In the following decades, the T-55 has proven itself in several military conflicts all over the world, among others in Vietnam and Afghanistan.
38:18Thanks to its simple basic design, it was very easy to take apart and repair.
38:25Only one thing is necessary, strength. Some of the thickly armoured plates weigh several hundred kilograms.
38:35In Beneckenstein, Mario Tenzer and Marcel Koenig search for the problem in their malfunctioning T-55, originally built in 1972.
38:45Look there, it's dripping.
38:52A small leak in the hose can bring even the most produced tank in the world to its knees.
39:01It's not so bad. It's not the hydraulic reservoir like we initially thought, but rather the hose behind it.
39:07We can see it now that we've taken it apart. It's a piece of cake to repair.
39:14Ultimately, no tank was in use more frequently than the T-54-55.
39:22The next ultimate vehicle is also a commercial success.
39:25Thanks to its exceptional features, it is already being used in seven countries.
39:36Hardly any combat vehicle is as versatile as this one.
39:40The CV-90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
39:43Equipped with a superb chassis, state-of-the-art systems and powerful weapons, it is the most modern of its kind.
39:49Since series production began in 1993, a total of 1,280 vehicles in the CV-90 family have been built.
40:02To date, 15 different models of the CV-90 are in use in seven countries.
40:07Sittemann in northern Norway.
40:11Sittemann military camp, home of the 1st Battalion.
40:16In total, the Norwegian Army has 144 of these infantry fighting vehicles,
40:22which differ from CV-90s used in other countries above all with respect to weapons and drive systems.
40:27All models of the CV-90 family have the same basic platform, but their final design varies depending on the countries that use them and the locations where they are to be deployed.
40:46On today's programme in Settemann, a combat exercise for the CV-90 crews.
40:51Company commander, Peter Bakkejord, explains the assignment in the briefing.
41:00They have been ordered to do pre-combat checks on their vehicles and their personal equipment.
41:06And they will be handed out live ammunition and then they will head out to the live fire area.
41:11The mission, to drive five kilometres in tactical formation to the firing range in the mountains, and there to engage various targets.
41:23In addition to the main weapons and the machine gun, the Norwegian CV-90s have a remote-controlled weapon station on the roof,
41:30with a thermal camera and a target laser.
41:32They also differ from most other tanks in that they drive on rubber tracks.
41:41These cause less vibration and are thus gentler on the sensitive technology.
41:45Matthias Sorensen has commanded the CV-90 for two years.
41:50I like to compare the CV-90 to a multi-tool because it fits pretty much any mission.
42:00It has the armour, it has the mobility, it has the weapons, like the cannon, the machine gun, the remote weapon system,
42:10where you are able to mount different weapons.
42:15And you have the soldiers in the compartment who can fight along the vehicle.
42:22So together we are able to defeat any enemy.
42:26As an infantry fighting vehicle, the CV-90 offers space in the back for eight infantry soldiers.
42:33The middle contains seats for the commander and the gunner, as well as the weapon system.
42:39In front are the driver's seat and the engine.
42:43Once preparations have been finished, the driver starts the 810 horsepower V12 engine.
42:50As an infantry fighting vehicle, the CV-90 brings infantry soldiers to their field location and then supports them in combat.
43:08In addition, the 34-ton vehicle has excellent driving features.
43:14It can reach a high speed of 70 km an hour and climb slopes with a grade of up to 60%.
43:20In the 1990s, Norway became the second country after Sweden to decide to use the CV-90.
43:30In 2012, it increased its number of vehicles up to 144.
43:34Major Peer Rune Hansen is the technical project leader for the CV-90 in the Norwegian military.
43:48All the armed infantry fighting vehicles have more or less the same firepower or the protection.
43:54But it was the mobility that was really important for us.
43:57The CV-90 was designed in the 1980s for the Swedish military by the defence contractor Heglunds.
44:06Today, BAE Systems.
44:08The vehicle was supposed to feature high tactical and strategic mobility.
44:12To be able to engage a variety of targets and offer large potential for growth.
44:19Compared with the vehicles that we had in 90s, the vehicle looked quite the same.
44:22But it's a whole new, different vehicle.
44:24We got rubber tracks on it, which reduces the fatigue on the people in the combat compartment.
44:31We got a remote weapon station.
44:33And we have an integrated BMS system also, which allows it to be an easier situation for the commander.
44:41And the manufacturer continually develops new systems.
44:45One of them, an active suspension based on a Formula One car.
44:49An active suspension based on a helicopter of vehicles.
44:50An active suspension based on the current mobility.
44:52Sensors monitor the terrain as well as the vehicle's speed and acceleration.
44:59In milliseconds, the onboard computer uses that information to calculate the optimal counterforce to be provided by the shock absorbers and vibration absorbers, adjusting it automatically.
45:11adjusting it automatically.
45:16In this way, the vehicle's chassis is raised and kept level.
45:20This minimizes the stress on the technology and the crew.
45:26Initial test videos show how the system works.
45:29For the time being, the new suspension is still in the test phase,
45:33but it could be built into all existing models.
45:36Meanwhile, the soldiers have arrived at the live fire area.
45:46Before shooting, the crews must check all the weapon systems.
45:50It is part of the exercise.
45:52In order for everything to run smoothly in an emergency,
45:55they must consistently train all standard operations.
46:02If we are doing a good job here,
46:04we are also more precise when we drive
46:09and when we are going to shoot later.
46:14The most important element, the sight.
46:17It has an integrated daytime and thermal imaging system,
46:20as well as a laser rangefinder.
46:23Now we are making sure that the shooter is on the target.
46:29And with this, we can see.
46:32The so-called sight checker lets driver Kim Nordanger
46:35see whether the sight and the gun are properly synchronized.
46:42Today, they are using practice ammunition, called cold ammunition,
46:46which does not explode upon impact.
46:54Now, the exercise begins.
47:04So that everything can be monitored from the inside during a mission,
47:07the CV-90 has a digital battle management system.
47:12Color screens display all relevant information for the commander,
47:16such as a map showing the location of friendly and foreign troops.
47:24Since today's exercise is purely focused on target practice,
47:27orders are radioed in from the company commander.
47:44The CV-90 can fire from a 30mm gun, 7.62mm coax machine gun,
47:50or a variety of weapons from the remote weapon station.
47:56The crew's final exercise.
47:59Three targets at a distance of about 1,500 meters.
48:15All the rounds are dead on target, center-center.
48:17So they're doing the job right.
48:20They've done the small things very good.
48:23And that's very important.
48:24Do all the procedures correct and the rounds hit the target.
48:28It is not only the soldiers who have made a good impression
48:32during this training exercise.
48:34The CV-90 has also once again shown why it is an ultimate vehicle.
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