Elenco Armored Car - Manual (Page 12)

10
Fun Facts
How The Tank Got Its Name
Da Vinci took his inspiration from the common turtle. His tortoise-shaped vehicle had
a domed top to deflect enemy projectiles.
Armored Car Design Borrowed From Nature
The name “tank” got its name from a diversionary tactic. The Allied forces built the
first tanks in secrecy because they wanted to catch the Germans off guard. In order
to conceal their plan, they told the workers building the weapons that the machines
would be used to transport water on the battlefield. They shipped the machines in
crates marked "tank," and the name stuck.
Glossary Words
Continuous Track – one or more steel sprockets rotated by the engine to move a track made up of hundreds
of metal links. Tracked vehicles have better mobility over rough terrain and smooth out bumps and glide
over small obstacles.
Hatch – a covered and armored entrance to a tank for the crew.
Hull – the bottom, armored body portion of a tank containing the engine and transmission. The hull's job
is to transport the turret, from place to place.
Main Gun (or Tank Gun) – Large caliber, high velocity guns that serves as the main armament of a tank.
The guns provide accuracy, and rapid fire and are as compact as possible, to allow mounting in the cramped
confines of an armored turret.
Periscope – optical instrument used to enable an observer to see his surroundings while remaining in the tank.
Turret – a rotating weapon platform that allows machineguns and cannons to be aimed and fired in
multiple directions.