What Is a Tank Turn and How This Revolutionary Move is Changing Off-Roading Forever

Turning a vehicle can sometimes feel like a daunting challenge, especially when you're trying to make a U-turn in a packed area. The chances of bumping into something are pretty high. But these days, some cars are equipped with a 360-degree turning capability, allowing them to rotate in place without moving forward or backward.

So, if we all need to turn our cars, why isn't this feature available in every vehicle? Well, the so-called "360-degree turn" is actually known as a "Tank Turn." It’s inspired by military tanks, which can rotate their upper turret completely to aim in any direction while the base stays still. However, in cars like the Mercedes G series, this concept has been adapted for practical use. By pressing a button, the car’s tires adjust to different angles, and with the engine’s power, the vehicle spins in place.

This feature, while extremely useful, is costly to implement, which is why it’s mostly found in high-end cars. Unfortunately, budget vehicles haven't yet caught up to this technology.

A "Tank Turn" is a groundbreaking maneuver in automotive technology, particularly suited for off-road vehicles. As the name suggests, it allows a vehicle to rotate in place, similar to how a military tank moves by pivoting on the spot. This maneuver is achieved by rotating the wheels on one side of the vehicle forward while spinning the wheels on the opposite side in reverse. The result is a seamless 360-degree turn, without the vehicle needing any forward or backward movement. In the context of off-roading, this feature promises to revolutionize how drivers navigate challenging terrains.

How the Tank Turn Works

The Tank Turn relies on advanced vehicle dynamics and control systems that allow for independent wheel movement. Most commonly, it is associated with electric vehicles (EVs), which have the ability to control each wheel independently. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles have limitations in this area, as their drivetrain systems do not easily allow for opposite rotational movement on different sides of the vehicle. In contrast, EVs, particularly those equipped with individual motors for each wheel, can execute the Tank Turn with precision.

When a driver activates the Tank Turn, the vehicle’s system directs the wheels on one side to move forward while simultaneously moving the wheels on the other side in reverse. This results in a pivot action that spins the vehicle in place. In some applications, the system uses sensors to detect when and where a Tank Turn is most appropriate, providing further control and ease for the driver.

Revolutionizing Off-Roading

The introduction of the Tank Turn has the potential to reshape off-roading by providing drivers with greater maneuverability in tight, challenging environments. Traditional off-road vehicles, despite their impressive suspension systems, ground clearance, and traction capabilities, often struggle with turning around in narrow or restricted spaces. When traversing a rocky landscape, narrow trail, or densely forested area, drivers may face difficulty in performing multi-point turns to change direction. This is where the Tank Turn’s ability to pivot in place becomes invaluable.

For example, if a driver encounters an obstacle on a narrow trail, such as a fallen tree or impassable terrain, they would typically need to reverse and execute multiple turns to adjust their direction. The Tank Turn eliminates this hassle by allowing the vehicle to simply spin in place, saving time, effort, and reducing the risk of getting stuck or damaging the vehicle.

In addition to saving time, the Tank Turn also enhances safety. Off-roading often involves precarious positions near cliffs, rocky ledges, or slippery slopes. The ability to turn in place reduces the need for back-and-forth maneuvering in potentially dangerous conditions, decreasing the chances of accidents or mishaps. It offers drivers more control in situations where space is at a premium.

A Step Forward in Vehicle Technology

Beyond off-roading, the Tank Turn could also inspire a new generation of vehicle designs, particularly in electric off-road vehicles. The precision control offered by EVs makes them ideal candidates for incorporating this technology. As electric drivetrains become more popular, manufacturers may increasingly invest in refining the Tank Turn to make it a standard feature, especially in vehicles aimed at adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts.

Moreover, the technology may find use in urban settings as well. Cities with congested streets and tight parking spaces could benefit from vehicles equipped with the ability to turn on the spot, offering greater flexibility in maneuvering through traffic or fitting into small parking spaces.