Below are 10 military vehicles with unusual and even bizarre designs, yet the combat effectiveness of many of these machines has been proven by history.
1. Aerodynamic Tank T-55 Progrev-T
The Progrev-T is essentially the chassis of the T-54 tank equipped with a MiG-15 jet engine. It was created primarily for the purpose of clearing paths and detecting landmines. The tank’s jet engine sweeps away the top layer of soil and gravel, exposing the hidden mines beneath.
2. ZIL-2906 Tank
Developed in the 1970s by a group of Soviet scientists, the ZIL-2906 is a tank that operates without wheels, using a drill-like system for movement. This tank can traverse all terrains, from soil and sand to snow and marshlands, even moving across water.
On marshy terrain, the ZIL-2906 can travel at speeds of 30 miles per hour, but on asphalt or concrete roads, it can only manage 4 miles per hour. Its slow speed, along with the drill mechanism damaging road surfaces and generating loud noise, makes it easily detectable and vulnerable to enemy attacks.
3. Krupp Kugelpanzer
The Krupp Kugelpanzer is a one-man combat tank, often referred to as the “rolling tank.” Developed by Germany during World War II, it was primarily designed for reconnaissance and clearing paths for troops.
This bizarre vehicle has armor that is only 5mm thick and is powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke engine.
4. Vespa 150 TAP
The Vespa 150 TAP is a standard scooter from Vespa with high damage capability, developed in the 1950s during the Algerian War. It features a 150cc engine and a 75mm Mk 20 recoilless rifle mounted at the rear.
The 75mm Mk 20 recoilless rifle is extremely powerful, with a range of 6,400 meters and the ability to penetrate armor up to 100mm thick.
Due to its compact size, the Vespa 150 TAP has become an ideal guerrilla weapon, even in remote areas. It can be packed into transport containers and dropped behind enemy lines.
5. Standard Beaverette Armored Car
The Beaverette is an armored car manufactured by the Standard Motor Company, intended to protect aircraft manufacturing plants owned by Lord Beaverbrook.
A significant drawback of this armored vehicle is its difficulty in maneuverability due to severely limited visibility.
6. Bob Semple Tank
The Bob Semple tank was created by New Zealand’s Minister of Public Works, Bob Semple, aimed at infantry rather than engaging other tanks.
It is regarded as one of the worst military vehicles ever constructed in history.
7. 2B1 OKA Mortar
The Soviet 2B1 Oka self-propelled mortar is capable of firing nuclear shells weighing up to 750 kg, making it one of the most powerful artillery weapons.
This gigantic artillery piece is operated by a 750-horsepower engine, which is relatively weak compared to the 55-ton weight of the 2B1 Oka. However, its limitations include a narrow operational range (125 miles) and limited firing rate.
8. Simms Motor War Car
The Motor War Car was created in 1889 by Frederick Richard Simms. It was designed like a mobile fortress, representing a revolution at the time.
The Simms Motor War Car features 6mm thick armor and is powered by a 3.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with 16 horsepower, allowing it to move at speeds of about 9 miles per hour.
9. Kliment Voroshilov 2 (KV-2) Tank
The KV-2 tank is equipped with a massive M1938 howitzer and three DT machine guns mounted on its hull.
The KV-2 effectively withstands direct fire from almost all except high-velocity weapons at close range. In the early years of World War II, the Soviet Union deployed this tank model in large numbers.
10. Kettenkrad HK101
The Kettenkrad HK101, designed during the Nazi era, resembles a three-wheeled vehicle with multiple tracks on the rear wheel. In addition to the driver, it can carry two more soldiers. It can traverse challenging terrains such as soft soil and marshes. Due to its excellent off-road capability and ease of maintenance, it primarily served logistical purposes along the Soviet-German front.
