![]() The definition of "battle tank" is structured in order to make clear that the general definition provided in the first paragraph takes precedence over the second and third parts of the definition set forth in the second paragraph. The second sentence of the second paragraph of subparagraph (C) notes that any wheeled armored fighting vehicles entering into service which meet all the criteria stated in the first two parts of the definition shall also be deemed battle tanks. Third, a special provision is provided for wheeled battle tanks that might be developed in the future. The first sentence of the second paragraph of subparagraph (C) provides that battle tanks are tracked armored fighting vehicles which weigh at least 16.5 metric tons unladen weight and which are armed with a 360-degree traverse gun of at least 75 millimeters caliber. Second, specific characteristics of battle tanks are described in terms of certain technical parameters. This part of the definition adds that such armored vehicles serve as the principal weapon system of ground-force tank and other armored formations. Subparagraph (C) of paragraph 1 of Article II of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE) provides, in two paragraphs, a three-part, hierarchical definition of the term "battle tank." First, a general definition is provided in the first paragraph of subparagraph (C), in which a "battle tank" is defined as a self- propelled armored fighting vehicle, capable of heavy firepower, primarily of a high muzzle velocity direct fire main gun necessary to engage armored and other targets, with high cross-country mobility, with a high level of self-protection, and which is not designed and equipped primarily to transport combat troops. ![]() Other countries which have purchased this tank, however, use it as a reconnaissance tank (the Netherlands and Switzerland) or as a police vehicle (Venezuela). ![]() The well known French AMX-13 tank was designed as a tank destroyer and was considered such in France. Even under this condition, however, it is difficult to compare vehicles without an idea of the tactical concepts of a given country or several countries. Thus a large number of vehicles are excluded from comparison. Adopting a tank classification according to missions, one can make a comparison only within a single group, designated for performing specific missions. In a number of countries tanks are classified according to the old principle, and are subdivided into light, medium, and heavy (based on weight). Light or mechanised infantry, as the more likely enemy, may approach from any direction. Medium tanks are mostly used in defensive roles, rather than for direct attacks like MBTs. MBTs are designed for battle against equivalent vehicles, and have their main armor on the front, while some medium tanks have an equal level of protection around the entire vehicle. Medium tanks are no match for MBTs in face to face combat. The main reason for using lighter weapons on light tanks is that the high recoil forces associated with powerful tank guns need to be supported by a powerful, and hence heavier, chassis. Vehicles weighing from 20 to 25 tons can be called light tanks, while those weighing 30 tons to 50 tons can be called medium tanks, and over 50 tons are heavy tanks. If the weapon system is firing on a high trajectory (firing without seeing the target) rather than a flat trajectory, the vehicle would be a self-propelled howitzer rather than a tank. An armoured personnel carrier has no major caliber weapon, and a tank destroyer hunter has little or no armor. A non-track armored vehicle carrying heavy weaponry firing flat trajectory is a mobile gun system (MGS). They are a specific combination of tracks, armor, turret, and weapon without any one of these four components, the vehicle is no longer a tank. Tanks are tracked armored vehicles that have a rotating turret mounting a heavy weapon firing on a flat trajectory (firing with line of sight to the target).
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