Throughout military history, tanks have played crucial roles on the battlefield. However, not every tank design turns out to be a success. Some have been retired for reasons that range from the peculiar to the downright baffling. Here, we explore seven tanks that were taken out of service for reasons you might not expect.
1. The Tank That Was Too Quiet
The Electro-Motive Division (EMD) M4A2E4 was a Sherman tank prototype designed during World War II. What made it unique was its electric drive, which made it exceptionally quiet. While this might sound advantageous, the lack of engine noise led to concerns about friendly fire.
It turns out that silence on the battlefield wasn’t golden. Troops were so accustomed to the roar of engines that they often mistook the silent tank for an enemy vehicle, leading to its retirement.
2. A Tank Rejected for Its Unusual Shape
The T18 Boarhound was a heavy armored car designed by the United States during World War II. Its unique shape, resembling a boat on wheels, was intended to provide extra protection. However, this odd design made it cumbersome and impractical for battlefield maneuvers.
The unwieldy nature of the T18 led to its quick retirement, as it was deemed unsuitable for the dynamic demands of warfare.
3. The One That Couldn’t Handle the Cold
The German Panther Tank was a formidable machine during World War II, but it struggled in harsh winter conditions. The tank’s complex design made it prone to mechanical failures in the cold, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge. The difficulty in maintaining its performance in freezing temperatures eventually led to it being phased out in favor of more reliable models.
4. A Tank with a Surprising Aversion to Water
The British Covenanter tank was developed during World War II but was quickly retired due to its poor cooling system. Designed with a flat radiator, it proved ineffective in keeping the engine from overheating, especially in the rain.
Ironically, the very element meant to cool it down became its Achilles’ heel, making the Covenanter unsuitable for wet weather conditions and leading to its eventual retirement.
5. The Model That Was Outpaced by Its Own Crew
The Soviet IS-7 Tank was a massive machine designed in the late 1940s. While it boasted impressive firepower and armor, its size and weight made it incredibly slow. In training exercises, the crew often found themselves running ahead of the tank during maneuvers.
This lack of speed meant it could not keep up with modern warfare demands, resulting in its retirement after only a few prototypes were made.
6. A Tank that Cost More Than It Was Worth
The American M247 Sergeant York was an anti-aircraft tank developed during the Cold War. Despite its advanced radar system, the tank struggled with targeting and firing accurately. Combine this with its exorbitant cost, and it became clear that the M247 was not a viable long-term solution.
The financial burden, coupled with its underwhelming performance, led to the project’s cancellation after only a few units were produced.
7. The Prototype That Was Too Futuristic for Its Time
The T-95, also known as the Black Eagle tank, was a Russian prototype developed in the late 1990s. Its advanced features, including a new turret design and enhanced armor, were considered too ambitious for the time. The technological capabilities needed to produce the T-95 effectively were not yet available, leading to its retirement before it could be mass-produced.
Today, it remains a fascinating example of military innovation ahead of its time.