A main battle tank (MBT), also known as a battle tank or is a tank that fills the armor-protected direct fire and maneuver role of many modern armies. Cold War-era development of more powerful engines, better suspension systems and lighter weight composite armor allowed a tank to have the firepower of a super-heavy tank, armor protection of a heavy tank, and mobility of a light tank all in a package with the weight of a medium tank. Main battle tanks are equipped with a main tank gun, and at least one machine gun. MBT move on continuous tracks, which allow a decent level of mobility over most terrain including sand and mud. They also allow tanks to climb over most obstacles. Battle tanks can be made water-tight, so they can even dive into shallow water. However, tracks are not as fast as wheels, the maximum speed of a tank is about 65 km/h (40 mph).
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