Tank Armor Slope and Thickness Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key aspects of tank armor slope and thickness:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Principle | Sloped armor increases effective thickness without adding weight |
| Calculation Formula | Effective Thickness = Normal Thickness / cos(θ) |
| Where θ is the angle from vertical | |
| Example | 100mm at 60° = 200mm effective thickness |
| Optimal Angle | Generally between 55° and 65° from vertical |
| Benefits | 1. Increased chance of ricochets |
| 2. Greater effective thickness for same weight | |
| 3. Easier manufacturing of thinner plates | |
| Limitations | 1. Less effective against modern APFSDS rounds |
| 2. Reduced interior space in vehicle | |
| 3. Less effective with ceramic armor | |
| Compound Angles | Combining horizontal and vertical slopes can further increase protection |
| Terrain Effects | Hull angle changes on slopes, affecting effective thickness |
| Modern Trends | Less emphasis on extreme slopes due to advanced penetrators |
| Measurement | Typically measured from vertical (0° = vertical, 90° = horizontal) |
| Material Factors | Armor effectiveness also depends on material properties (e.g., hardness) |
This table provides a concise overview of the most important aspects of tank armor slope and thickness, covering the basic principles, calculations, benefits, limitations, and modern considerations.