10 strangest military vehicles in world history

1. Aerodynamic tank T-55 Progrev-T

The Progrev-T is essentially a T-54 tank chassis powered by a MiG-15 jet engine. The Progrev-T was created primarily for road clearing and mine detection. The vehicle's jet engine would sweep away the top layer of dirt and gravel, exposing the mines embedded underneath.

2. ZIL-2906 tank

The ZIL-2906 was created in the 1970s by a group of Soviet scientists. This tank has no wheels and moves using a drill-like system. The ZIL-2906 is a tank that can conquer any terrain from land, sand, snow, wetlands to even water.

On muddy terrain, the ZIL-2906 can move at a speed of 30 miles per hour, but on asphalt or concrete roads it can only go at a speed of 4 miles per hour. In addition to its slow speed, this tank also has limitations: the drill bit in the undercarriage will damage the road surface, and the loud noise makes it easy for the enemy to detect and attack.

3. Krupp Kugelpanzer tank

The Krupp Kugelpanzer is a one-man battle tank, also known as a rolling tank. It was developed by Germany during World War II primarily for reconnaissance and reconnaissance, paving the way for the army.

This bizarre tank had armor only 5mm thick at most and was powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine.

4. Vespa 150 TAP

The Vespa 150 TAP is a highly lethal and highly maneuverable standard Vespa scooter that was introduced in the 1950s during the Algerian War. It was equipped with a 150cc engine and a 75mm Mk 20 recoilless rifle mounted at the rear.

The vehicle's 75mm Mk 20 recoilless rifle is extremely powerful with a range of 6,400 meters and the ability to penetrate up to 100 mm of armor.

Due to its compact size, the Vespa 150 TAP becomes an ideal anti-guerrilla weapon, even in remote areas. It can be loaded into shipping containers and dropped behind enemy lines.

5. Standard Beaverette armored vehicle

The Beaverette was an armored car built by the Standard Motor Company for the purpose of protecting Lord Beaverbrook's aircraft factories.

The downside of this armored vehicle is that it is very difficult to control because visibility is very limited.

6. Bob Semple Tank

The Bob Semple tank was built by New Zealand Minister of Works Bob Semple with the intention of targeting Japanese infantry rather than engaging other tanks.

It is considered the worst military vehicle ever built in world history.

7. 2B1 OKA Mortar

The Soviet 2B1 Oka self-propelled mortar is capable of firing nuclear shells weighing up to 750 kg, so it is considered one of the most powerful artillery weapons.

Powering this massive gun is a 750-horsepower engine, which is quite weak compared to the 55-ton mass of the 2B1 Oka. However, the limitations of this weapon are its narrow operating range (125 miles) plus its limited rate of fire.

8. Simms Motor War Car

The Motor War Car was created in 1889 by a man named Frederick Richard Simms. It was designed as a mobile bunker but was revolutionary at the time.

The Simms Motor War Car has 6mm thick armor and is powered by a 16 horsepower 3.3 liter 4-cylinder engine giving it the ability to travel at around 9 mph.

9. Kliment Voroshilov 2 (KV-2) tank

The KV-2 tank was armed with a giant M1938 howitzer and three DT machine guns mounted on the hull.

The KV-2 was extremely effective against direct fire from all but high-velocity weapons at close range. The Soviet Union continued to deploy this tank in large numbers during the early years of World War II.

10. Kettenkrad HK101 Car

The Kettenkrad HK101 was designed during the Nazi era and resembled a tricycle but had a large number of tracked wheels on the rear wheels. In addition to the driver, the vehicle could carry two more soldiers. It could travel on difficult terrain such as loose soil and swamps. Because of its excellent off-road capabilities and ease of maintenance, it was mainly used for logistics along the Soviet-German front.

David Pac

Update 31 August 2024