turretless tank

armored vehicle

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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A turretless tank, often referred to as a tank destroyer or assault gun, is a lightly armored, tracked vehicle designed for combat. During World War II, these vehicles were developed to counter enemy tanks. They typically featured a casemate-style mounting for their main gun, which offered limited traverse but allowed for a lower profile and easier manufacturing compared to traditional tanks with turrets.1

These vehicles compensated for their thinner side and rear armor with thick frontal protection and powerful, long-barreled guns capable of outranging enemy tanks. While resembling assault guns, tank destroyers were generally more mobile. Notable examples include American M10 and M36 tank destroyers, and German vehicles like the Jagdtiger and ISU.12

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tank
World War II
…ISU, which in effect were turretless tanks. In addition, all armies developed lightly armoured self-propelled antitank guns. The U.S. Army developed a specialized category of tank destroyers that resembled self-propelled guns in being relatively lightly armoured but that, like tanks, had rotating turrets.
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…ISU, which in effect were turretless tanks. In addition, all armies developed lightly armoured self-propelled antitank guns. The U.S. Army developed a specialized category of tank destroyers that resembled self-propelled guns in being relatively lightly armoured but that, like tanks, had rotating turrets.
Read More