A Really Fast Tank

With the Cold War arms-race well into its second decade, Soviet military technology achieved a number of unparalleled successes. Their efficient battle tanks, self-propelled guns, artillery, aircraft, and continually evolving air defense systems had forged a path to near technological parity with, or perhaps even superiority over, the United States. Furthermore, the Soviet Union had imminent plans to introduce a new upgraded successor to their feared T-62 and T-55/54 battle tanks.

These plans posed a threat to the American and West German militaries positioned on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Both countries needed a revolutionary tank design to compete with the latest Soviet anti-tank technology, so they joined forces to build the MBT-70 Main Battle Tank.

This footage shows a speed test of the tank, a military vehicle considered ahead of its time. It could reach incredibly fast cross-country speeds, both forwards and backward, despite its immense weight.

However, the promising tank never went further than a prototype. The West Germans and Americans were in disagreement over the design from the beginning, which eventually led to both countries pulling out from the project..