HOW DO YOU DRIVE A TANK?
A tank is an armoured vehicle, designed for ground offensives in combat situations. They have heavy defences, that’s the armoured part, heavy firepower in the form of guns and cannon, and the ability to tackle harsh, uneven terrain. Not much like your standard hatchback then.
One of the biggest differences between a car and a tank is that tanks usually have segmented tracks, known as caterpillar tracks, in place of wheels. Located one on either side of the vehicle, they are controlled independently of one another. This means that a tank doesn’t have a steering wheel; changing the speed of one track relative to the other is what makes the tank turn. The system also allows tanks to turn on the spot.
Another difference is that a tank is driven and operated by a crew of several people. As well as driving, there are many jobs to do, including navigation, observation and operation of the guns. If you’re interested in a tank experience where you can choose whether to ride as a passenger or have a go at the controls yourself, we recommend a tank tour provider in Northumberland.
HOW DOES A TANK DRIVING EXPERIENCE WORK?
You might think that tanks are the exclusive playthings of the armed forces, and completely off-limits to members of the general public. Let us be the ones to tell you that, on the contrary, almost anyone who wants to drive a tank can do just that. There are numerous experience providers around the country who offer punters the chance to live out their battlefield fantasies.
These providers have genuine ex-military vehicles of all shapes and sizes, some of which may even have seen combat. Unsurprisingly, they’re found in remote, sparsely populated areas. You need a lot of space to keep these fleets, not to mention to enjoy ragging them around the countryside. We know of a tank operator in Northamptonshire where you can have 6 different tank-related experiences in a day, including the opportunity to crush a car under the formidable tracks of one of these behemoths.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MILITARY VEHICLE EXPERIENCE?
First things first, you don’t need to have a driving licence to get your hands on the controls of a tank! This is because your experience will take place on privately owned lands, far removed from the constraints of the highway code. What you should prepare carefully is your outfit. There’s no showing off on special ops - wear comfortable, practical clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and heavy duty footwear.
We recommend organising a tank driving experience with a group of friends. As we mentioned, there are jobs in the cabin for several people which you can have a go at in rotation. Activities like this are a perfect choice for stag and hen parties, birthday celebrations and other special occasions.
One thing to bear in mind - and you’ll know this if you’ve seen war films that feature tanks prominently such as Lebanon (2009) and Fury (2014) - is that the interior of a tank can be cramped and uncomfortable. If you’re prone to feeling claustrophobic, maybe this isn’t the activity for you. Finally, age. Military vehicles are designed to be operated by soldiers and tanks in particular usually aren’t suitable for children or teenagers. Don’t worry, other vehicles are an option for youngsters. At a tank centre in Kent, you can drive a Unimog or armoured jeep from the age of just 12 years old.
