What are Military Track Vehicles?

Military track vehicles encompass a wide range of armoured and unarmoured vehicles used by armed forces, relying on tracks for propulsion. This category includes main battle tanks (MBTs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), armoured personnel carriers (APCs), self-propelled artillery, combat engineering vehicles, and various support vehicles. Their design prioritises cross-country mobility, survivability, and the ability to perform specific military tasks in demanding environments, including those relevant to the New Zealand Defence Force operations.

Key features of Military Track Vehicles

• Tracked Propulsion: Provides superior mobility over difficult terrain (mud, sand, snow, obstacles) compared to wheeled vehicles, along with lower ground pressure for heavy vehicles.
• Armour Protection: Many military tracked vehicles incorporate varying levels of armour to protect the crew and internal systems from ballistic threats, shell fragments, and mines.
• Armament (if applicable): Combat vehicles are typically equipped with weapons systems appropriate to their role, ranging from machine guns to large-calibre cannons.
• Specialised Roles: Designed for specific functions, such as direct fire engagement (tanks), troop transport and support (IFVs/APCs), indirect fire support (artillery), or obstacle breaching (engineering vehicles).
• Survivability Features: May include features like NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection, smoke dischargers, fire suppression systems, and advanced sensor suites.

Military Track Vehicle Considerations

Factors relevant to military track vehicles include:

• Mission Requirements: The specific role dictates the required combination of mobility, firepower, and protection.
• Logistical Footprint: Tracked vehicles generally require more maintenance and fuel than wheeled equivalents, impacting logistics and deployment.
• Strategic Mobility: Transporting heavy tracked vehicles over long distances (by air, sea, or heavy road transport) requires significant logistical support.
• Crew Training: Operating and maintaining complex military vehicles requires extensive and specialised training.
• Operational Environment: Suitability depends on the expected terrain, infrastructure (e.g., bridge weight limits), and threat environment.

‍