BT tank

The BT tank ( Bystrokhodny tank, Russian: БТ, meaning "fast tank") was a series of Soviet light tanks produced in the 1930s. These tanks were known for their high speed, achieved through a combination of a powerful engine and a unique convertible drive system. The convertible drive allowed the BT tanks to run on either tracks for off-road mobility or on their road wheels for higher speeds on paved roads, similar to the Christie suspension system adopted from the United States.

The BT series included several variants, such as the BT-2, BT-5, and BT-7, each with incremental improvements in armor, armament, and engine performance. The BT tanks were primarily designed for cavalry support and rapid maneuvers, embodying the Soviet deep battle doctrine. Their speed and mobility were intended to exploit breakthroughs in enemy lines and disrupt rear areas.

While fast, the BT tanks suffered from relatively thin armor and unreliable engines, particularly in later models. They also consumed large amounts of fuel. Despite these shortcomings, the BT tanks played a significant role in the early years of World War II on the Eastern Front. Their speed made them formidable opponents in certain situations, but their vulnerability to anti-tank weapons became increasingly apparent as the war progressed. The design influenced later Soviet tank development, even as the BT series was phased out in favor of more heavily armored and versatile tanks like the T-34. The legacy of the BT tank lies in its emphasis on speed and mobility, features that would continue to be valued in Soviet tank design.