Modern Tanks Getting Real Ugly?

[seekaliao]

Do you think modern tanks are getting more and more ugly?

I feel modern tanks have slapped on so much modular armour that its getting really ugly. One example is the "Megatron" Challenger 2. It has so much armour on its sides that its totally out of proportion. Its tracks are so narrow compared to its whole hull/turret. Leopard 2 A7+ is another example. It looks like a big box on 2 tiny narrow tracks.

Width of tracks does affect how the tanks look. I feel Tiger 1/King Tiger are great looking tanks partially due to its wide tracks. Its protrudes out of the side which gives it a massive appearance, just like widebody cars. The E100 without the fander covers looks extremely cool and massive too.

So I don't understand what this tank designers have on their minds......

[RobW]

Apart from projecting firepower whilst keeping the crew safe?

[Ad Lav]

Cheaper to add chunks of metal to protect the crew and not design a new one.

Can't say I mind if the guys inside are safer.

[jarndice]

Something that has to be borne in mind with modern Tanks is cost,
In Wartime money is no object to achieve the best result but in peacetime the Government has to keep a very close watch on the purse strings,
And that is why a post war Tank is expected to remain in service for many years and hence the constant replacement and upgrade of armour, electronics and drivetrain and so lots of lumps and bumps whereas in war it would instead mean a fresh off the blocks shiny new example of the Tank designers art..
Shaun.

[RobW]

The other thing to consider is that training the crew now takes many months if not years - such that losing a tank isn't that expensive compared to the crew.