How much do modern tanks weigh, and why are they so heavy? [ANALYSIS]

In this article we will look at the mass of today's basic tanks. We will start with machines operated by NATO countries and, by the way, we will besides effort to overthrow any myths related to this parameter of this class of combat vehicles, which are mainly due to mixing different units of measurement. In part one, we will focus on modern tanks serving in NATO armies. Western tanks are usually characterized by a importantly larger mass, which results from larger dimensions and larger interior cubature. Although not conducive to low mass behaviour, they are beneficial in terms of crew ergonomics and endurance of the vehicle and its crew.