Although tanks were the most recognizable armored vehicles during the Cold War, NATO and Warsaw Pact armies used a wide variety of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs). These included armored cars, personnel carriers (APCs), anti-aircraft defense vehicles, and self-propelled guns. During the Cold War years, nations advanced in developing series of AFVs and introduced completely new categories.
APCs, vital for all front lines, evolved from combat vehicles armed with machine guns, such as the American M113 and the Soviet BTR-60, into advanced infantry fighting vehicles. The Soviet BMP-1, American Bradley M2/M3, German Marder, and British Warrior and CVR were classic examples of this type, with many variations.
The Soviet BRDM-2 series was the most numerous armored car. The British army used the Saladin, Ferret, and Fox, while the German army introduced the eight-wheeled Luchs and SPZ11-2 Kurz.
Early anti-aircraft vehicles, like the American M42 with twin 40mm Bofors, were replaced by the powerful Soviet ZSU-23-4 Shilka and the German Gepard with radar-guided guns.
This reliable and excellently illustrated book covers the entire range of AFVs that were in service with NATO and Warsaw Pact armies during the four decades of the Cold War. It will be a valuable addition to the libraries of both specialists and the uninitiated.
Pages: 256, Dimensions: 17.2x17.2cm
