A comprehensive and detailed illustrated examination of the development and combat performance of US battle tanks from World War I to the end of World War II.
In this, the first of two highly illustrated volumes examining the complete history of US Army and US Marine Corps battle tanks, Steven J. Zaloga focuses on the history of the tank in American service from the first experiments with armored vehicles in the early years of the 20th century through to the end of World War II.
Expanding on material published in Osprey series including New Vanguard, Campaign, and Duel,
US Battle Tanks 1917-1945 explores the concepts and practice of tank development from the Renault FT, through the M4 Sherman to the M26 Pershing. It describes the experiences of the crews who saw combat, the performance of each tank in battle, and how each American armored fighting vehicle compared with the enemy armor it faced, as well as the key lessons learned from combat that led to new concepts and technological breakthroughs.
Published in association with the AUSA Book Program, offering quality books about US Army heritage, military theory and policy, and security in the modern world.
A comprehensive and detailed illustrated examination of the development and combat performance of US battle tanks from World War I to the end of World War II.
This work forms the first of two volumes examining the development of US Army and USMC battle tanks. Focusing on the two 20th-century world wars, this first volume explores the concepts and practice of tank development, from the Renault FT, through the M4 Sherman to the M26 Pershing. It describes the experiences of the crews that saw combat, tank performance in battle, and how each American AFV compared with the enemy armor it faced, as well as the key lessons learned from combat that led to new concepts and technological breakthroughs.
Beginning with World War I, expert author Steven J. Zaloga explores the initial concepts that pushed the limits of mechanical technology to produce a functional vehicle, before examining the diverse developments of the interwar period. The extensive combat experiences and lessons of World War II form the core of this expert work, exploring crucial developments in armour, armament, mobility, and antitank capabilities.
Packed with dozens of intricate color profiles and isometric views, vivid battlescene artworks, technical illustrations, and superbly clear period photographs, this work provides a wide-ranging and essential reference work on the tanks and machines at the cutting edge of armored warfare.
