Tanks have become indispensable heavy ground equipment for the Army since the birth of World War I . Tanks have also evolved step by step from the most basic "mobile iron shell" to one that integrates protection, firepower, information and mobility. "The King of Land Warfare", and with the progress of the times, tanks are also being updated. What will happen to some retired tanks?
Some people will immediately think of treating it as scrap metal, re-melting it, and then making new ones, but in fact it is not that simple, because the tank is not a simple metal, but is composed of a variety of composite materials. Even if it is recycled, it is not that simple. It needs to be disassembled and disassembled bit by bit, but this requires labor and time, which is not proportional, and the cost will also increase. Therefore, tanks that are no longer needed after retirement are generally not recycled and sold for scrap metal.
So as the world’s three major powers, how do China, the United States and Russia deal with decommissioned tanks?
in:
The way we deal with decommissioned tanks is very wise. For some decommissioned tanks that are not seriously damaged, they can be renovated, repaired, or modernized, and then sold or assisted to some weak countries that lack tanks, such as Although the Middle East and Africa are all retired old-fashioned tanks and cannot compare with the current models, they are still very good for some small countries that cannot develop their own tanks.
Through this aspect, selling tanks is also a considerable amount of income, which can increase the economic construction of the army, and the aid will leave a good impression on others, and can also enhance the relationship between allies, so it kills two birds with one stone.
There is a second way, which is to keep retired tanks as training tools for new tank recruits, allowing more tank soldiers or trainees to better understand and learn tanks.
There are also some seriously damaged ones that can be put into the shooting range and used as training targets for helicopter pilots or tank crews, so that they can more directly understand anti-armor and anti-tank tactics.
The third way is to put a small number of decommissioned tanks into military museums, educational bases, or visiting parks, etc., open to the public for appreciation, and these can be used to educate future generations about national defense awareness and understand domestic tanks and military industry. Development, so that future generations can better learn this knowledge.
US:
The United States has a very rich and generous way of disposing of tanks. Regardless of whether the degree of damage is high or low, they are all thrown into the deep sea for "sea burial".
The metal of the tank itself is corrosive and may cause pollution to the marine environment. However, they are not so selfish and do not consider environmental protection. The metal of the retired tank will also be treated to prevent pollution before being thrown into the deep sea.
The "sea burial" tank is firstly to save space and quickly dispose of unnecessary tanks. Secondly, it can create an environment for more marine creatures and add some habitat for them. Thirdly, it also has a sense of ritual for Westerners. , the "sea burial" tank is also to let these "big guys" who have served them for several years rest in peace.
The United States rarely sells decommissioned tanks to the outside world. Even if it does, it is only for strategic areas. Under normal circumstances, even if it is thrown into the desert or deep sea and becomes scrap metal, it will not be sold to those who lack tanks. small country.
The way the United States handles decommissioned tanks is simply cruel and wealthy.
Russia:
Russia is very economical in dealing with decommissioned tanks. Some that can be repaired are sold as soon as possible. It is also targeted at some weak countries in Africa and the Middle East that lack tanks.
There are also some tanks whose main bodies cannot be repaired. They are dismantled if they can, keep the parts that can be used, sell the ones that cannot be used, and make steel for those that are really unusable. In short, the final value is used up.
Although it costs money to dismantle tanks, Russia has a special "tank cemetery". Some unnecessary retired tanks are piled there and will not be disassembled deliberately. If there are needed parts, they will be disassembled. There are also some Empty shells that are really no longer needed will be left there forever.
There are also some retired tanks used by civilians. Some have removed their turrets and weapon systems and converted them into agricultural machinery. Others have used the engines, parts and other bodies of different tanks to modify some heavy special vehicles, such as the fire tank. , crawler trailer, or engineering vehicle, etc.
Summary:
The above is how the three major powers, China, the United States, and Russia, deal with decommissioned tanks. Among them, our country's approach is the wisest. Although decommissioned tanks can no longer continue to serve, they can continue to use their value in another way. The United States is " "Wealthy", they just throw away useless things, even if they are thrown into the sea, they will not be used by others. Russia is very good at living, using only what can be used, and dismantling parts if it is really unusable.
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