This article's factual accuracy is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help to ensure that disputed statements are reliably sourced.(October 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Not to be confused with Tank controls, a video game control scheme.
Tank steering systems allow a tank, or other continuous track vehicle, to turn. Because the tracks cannot be angled relative to the hull (in any operational design), steering must be accomplished by speeding one track up, slowing the other down (or reversing it), or a combination of both. Half-track vehicles avoid this by combining steerable wheels and fixed-speed tracks.
Early steering systems were adopted from tracked work vehicles, generally using a clutch to reduce power to one track, causing it to slow down. These designs have numerous problems, notably when climbing hills or running at high speed, as the reduction in power causes the overall speed to slow. Delivering power to both tracks while turning them at different speeds is a difficult design problem.
A series of more advanced designs were introduced, especially through World War II, that maintained power to both tracks during steering, a concept known as regenerative steering. Some also allowed one track to move forward while the other reversed, allowing the tank to spin in place, a concept known as neutral steering. The first really successful system was the British double differential design of 1924, which was copied by both the United States and Germany.
Most modern Western designs use a variation of the double differential, while Soviet designs preferred to use two separate transmissions in a single housing. Systems using electric motors with variable speed controls have been tried on a number of occasions, but have not entered widespread service.
and 26 Related for: Tank steering systems information
Tanksteeringsystems allow a tank, or other continuous track vehicle, to turn. Because the tracks cannot be angled relative to the hull (in any operational...
Differential steering is the means of steering a land vehicle by applying more drive torque to one side of the vehicle than the other. Differential steering is...
Power steering is a system for reducing a driver's effort to turn a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, by using a power source to assist steering. Hydraulic...
Steering is the control of the direction of motion or the components that enable its control. Steering is achieved through various arrangements, among...
combined Wilson transmission and steering, affecting production, the A13 "crash" gear box was used with epicyclic steering units. This necessitated a reduced...
lengthened tracks and rear steering wheels in place was 8.08 m (26 ft 6 in). The length of the main unit without the rear steering wheels installed is 5.87 m...
storage, fuel tank and propulsion systems. The use of tracks rather than wheels provides improved operational mobility which allows the tank to overcome...
Mark V tank was an upgraded version of the Mark IV tank. The tank was improved in several aspects over the Mark IV, chiefly the new steeringsystem, transmission...
wheels through a steering wheel and steering column, throttle, hydraulic brakes, brake pull handles and so on. In drive-by-wire systems, driver input is...
Panther tank, officially Panzerkampfwagen V Panther (abbreviated PzKpfw V) with ordnance inventory designation: Sd.Kfz. 171, is a German medium tank of World...
and, in theory, any vehicle with a single steering pivot point and a sufficient amount of freedom of the steered wheel, including that which exists on some...
For slight turns, the driver could use the steering tail: an enormous contraption dragged behind the tank consisting of two large wheels, each of which...
the Cold War) Cruiser tank Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles Future Combat Systems Future Force Unit of Action Heavy tank Improvised fighting...
Stabilizer bars and link Steering arm Steering box Steering pump Steering column assembly Steering rack (a form of steering gear; see also rack and pinion...
tank. Combining modular composite armour and tandem-charge defeating ERA, 125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM-capability, high mobility, digital systems and...
welded and rather flat designs. An aircraft style steering wheel (a yoke) replaced lever steering. The power pack consisted of the Continental AV-1790-5B...
camera. The term "tank controls" comes from the steering mechanisms of old tanks, which had to stop completely before turning. Tank controls were common...
Vickers Main Battle Tank Mark 7 was a main battle tank developed on the basis of a joint venture between Vickers Defence Systems in the United Kingdom...
better suspension systems and lighter composite armour allowed for the design of a tank that had the firepower of a super-heavy tank, the armour protection...
and fire control systems while simultaneously exploring the development of silicas glass composite armor and autoloader systems. The tank continued further...
tank, a steering wheel. The tiller was connected, with servo assistance, hydraulically to the steering brakes. The Churchill was also the first tank to utilise...
developing the hull and propulsion systems while Oto Melara was responsible for developing the turrets and weapon systems. Over the years, the Centauro platform...
6 in]) main gun. The tank also kept the unusual steeringsystem used in the Tetrarch design; this steering and mechanical system accomplished turns by...
as their precise steering is limited. In particular, neutral steering, where one track goes forward and one backward causing the tank to turn on the spot...
Crusader, in full "Tank, Cruiser Mk VI, Crusader", also known by its General Staff number A.15, was one of the primary British cruiser tanks during the early...
steering the front wheel. In 1869, Rankine published an article in The Engineer repeating von Drais' assertion that balance is maintained by steering...
Global Information