Armored Car

Armored Car 

a wheeled combat vehicle with armor and weapons, intended for reconnaissance, security, and communications. The first armored cars, equipped with cannon and machine guns, were built in England in 1900-02 and were used in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The Russian Army possessed approximately 160 armored cars by the end of World War I (1914-18). In 1918 the Red Army had 37 armored detachments with 148 vehicles. Armored cars were used by many other armies during World War II (1939-45). Special-purpose armored cars were developed during the postwar era, such as the Soviet Army’s armored reconnaissance patrol vehicle (the BRDM).

Light armored cars weigh up to 4 tons, whereas medium and heavy armored cars exceed 8 tons. Armored cars are mounted with cannon and machine guns, thus allowing combat with enemy personnel, means of fire, and light armored objectives. Armored cars have three or four crew members and a maximum speed of 90-100 km per hour; they are capable of going 500 to 750 km without refueling. Modern armored cars are either amphibious or are capable of negotiating deep fords (up to 1.4 m in depth). Each vehicle has a centralized tire air pressure control system that provides high cross-country maneuverability. Armored cars are equipped with auxiliary equipment, such as optical sighting instruments, night-vision instrumentation, radio sets, and heaters.