Chrysler Designed a Nuclear Powered Battle Tank For The US Army
A unique versatile design
The Cold War was big business. After the end of World War II, the American economy was so geared toward making weapons and heavy military equipment that it was loath to give it up. The enterprise of making war and preparing for war was so profitable that President Eisenhower warned that the military-industrial complex was a dangerous business. Perhaps nothing brings that warning more into focus than the Chrysler TV-8 main battle tank.
In the 1950s, popular automotive brand Chrysler attempted to break into the booming war business by pitching a tank of their own design. The weapon platform was innovative, unique, and promised a bright future in warfare. Chrysler even pitched a nuclear-powered variant to really capture the zeitgeist of the day. The tank was a monstrosity and it is an interesting chapter in the American arms industry.
The TV-8
Chrysler was looking to redesign the entire paradigm around the main battle tank. The TV-8 was unique from other tanks being produced at the time. First, it was far lighter than other similar tanks. The World…
