What is the GTA Tank in Real Life?

The Rhino tank in the Grand Theft Auto games is primarily based on modern main battle tanks like the German Leopard 2, the Japanese Type 90, and the South African TTD prototype. With its heavy armor, substantial firepower, and reasonable speed, the Rhino evokes the feel of operating real-world tanks like the M1 Abrams or Leopard 2 while offering GTA fans futuristic design flairs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Rhino’s real-world inspirations, compare its capabilities to actual tanks, and overview the state of civilian tank ownership. Let’s get rolling!

The Rhino‘s Real-World Tanks Influences

GTA developers Rockstar North clearly took inspiration from contemporary tank designs when conceiving the Rhino. Let‘s take a closer look at some of the specific real-world armored fighting vehicles that seem to have shaped the Rhino tank we know and love:

The German Leopard 2

The most obvious design influence is the German Leopard 2, considered one of the best main battle tanks in the world today. Entering service in 1979, the Leopard 2 has served as the backbone of armored forces in Germany and over a dozen European nations.

With its boxy turret shape, thick wedge-shaped hull, and placement of various hatches and sights, the Rhino strongly resembles the Leopard 2 to many tank enthusiasts. The angular look contrasts with the more rounded turrets of older tanks like the Leopard 1 or the American M60 Patton. Specifically, elements like the Rhino‘s commander‘s cupola and driver‘s hatch mirror the Leopard 2‘s configuration.

However, the Rhino diverges from the Leopard 2 in its more futuristic styling, lacking the Leopard‘s signature spaced composite armor. It also sports a hull-mounted machine gun not present on the Leopard 2.

The Japanese Type 90

Japan‘s Type 90 tank, in service since 1990, also seems to have influenced the Rhino. The Rhino‘s distinctive driver‘s hatch, mounted in front of the turret, closely resembles the Type 90. The Type 90 possesses excellent mobility thanks to its 1500 hp diesel engine, able to achieve speeds of up to 56 mph even with its 50-ton weight.

The Type 90 is Japan‘s first indigenously designed main battle tank not based on foreign designs. It represents a key part of Japan‘s modern armored forces.

The South African TTD

Finally, design cues likely come from the South African TTD prototype of the 1980s. The TTD (Tank Technology Demonstrator) was a testbed tank featuring innovative composite armor and a low-profile turret. This turret shape, shorter and more angular than previous designs, bears a resemblance to the Rhino tank‘s heavily-sloped turret.

The TTD never entered full production, making it an obscure choice. However, it shows how Rockstar selectively incorporated less mainstream real-world tanks when designing the Rhino.

In summary, the Rhino tank combines design elements from over a dozen modern tanks into a unique and futuristic armored fighting vehicle. Rockstar‘s artists mixed and matched various aspects to produce a distinctive look that fits the GTA universe.

Rhino vs. Real Tanks – How Do They Compare?

The Rhino tank succeeds in capturing the feeling of controlling a real-life heavy tank in many regards. But how do its capabilities compare when put side-by-side with real-world counterparts? Let‘s break it down:

Speed

With a top speed around 60 mph (96 km/h), the Rhino can haul at a pretty good clip despite its heavy armor. This exceeds the top speed of many actual main battle tanks:

The Rhino‘s speed is certainly impressive compared to 50-ton tanks like the M1 Abrams. Of course, being a video game vehicle, it‘s not limited by real-world drivetrain engineering! Still, in the context of gameplay its speed mirrors real-world counterparts.

Armor

Tanks survive enemy fire through heavy armor plating. In GTA, the Rhino can withstand 6-8 RPG shots before finally being destroyed. By comparison, today‘s tanks rely on composite armor and reactive plates to absorb RPG hits and other anti-tank weapons.

For example, the M1 Abrams and Challenger 2 tanks proved nearly impenetrable to RPGs during the Iraq War thanks to their advanced armor technologies. The Rhino compares favorably being able to take multiple missiles before succumbing. Of course, we can‘t directly compare armor materials between a video game and real life.

Suffice to say, the Rhino captures the resilient durability of main battle tanks, designed to shrug off most frontal attacks. Like a bull rhino, it‘s not easy to take down!

Main Gun

The Rhino‘s primary turret-mounted armament appears modeled after modern tank guns in the 105-125mm range. Its effects in-game reflect this substantial firepower, capable of destroying vehicles and buildings with ease.

By comparison, contemporary tanks like the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2, and T-90 all carry guns in the 120-125mm range. The Challenger 2‘s gun is even larger at 130mm. So the Rhino‘s gun falls well within the norms for actual MBT main armament.

Of course, we don‘t know the exact gun details like muzzle velocity, reload rate, or ammunition specifics. But based on appearances and damage output, the Rhino‘s cannon fits right into real-world expectations.

Summary

While not designed as an accurate engineering simulation, the GTA developers clearly put thought into having the Rhino‘s capabilities reflect those of real-world tanks.

It captures the feeling of driving a heavily-armored beast equipped with a massive cannon. The Rhino‘s blend of speed, protection, and firepower immerses the player in the experience of controlling a deadly armored vehicle. That‘s what really matters for enjoyable gameplay.

Civilian Ownership of Tanks and Legalities

A natural question that arises is whether regular civilians can legally own tanks just like our GTA characters. Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is yes! Tank ownership by civilians is generally legal in the United States, though with some important caveats.

First, buying a tank requires having ample financial resources. Prices for private civilian tanks vary considerably:

• Older decommissioned Cold War-era tanks like the British Centurion, Soviet T-55, or American M60 Patton generally cost between $20,000 and $250,000.

• More modern tanks like the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2, or Challenger 2 cost millions of dollars just for the initial purchase.

In addition, shipping, taxes, and registration costs can add tens or hundreds of thousands more depending on the tank. Refurbishing and modifying the tank also isn‘t cheap – often $50,000 and beyond.

So buying a tank is within reach of some dedicated enthusiasts, but far from cheap! Even the Rhino‘s in-game pricing of $1.5 – 3 million doesn‘t seem outlandish compared to real-world pricing.

As far as legality, possessing a tank is allowed nationwide under the Second Amendment since it‘s considered "not an arm" like an automatic firearm. But firing the main cannon is where laws get more restrictive:

• In most states, owning a tank with a live main gun requires special permits or is outright banned. The gun must be disabled or require refurbishing to fire.
• Rules for ammo possession also apply. Explosive shells require proper licenses and storage by the BATFE.

So while buying a tank hull itself is legal, activating its primary armament can be tougher depending on the state. Still, civilians have owned working tanks at times. But both the purchase price and complex paperwork deter most tank dreams.

Final Thoughts

After this in-depth exploration, I hope you have a better appreciation for the real-world tanks and ownership facts related to GTA‘s iconic Rhino tank. It‘s a uniquely designed combat vehicle that succeeds in replicating the speed, armor, and firepower that make tanks such formidable ground weapons. Whether cruising the streets of Los Santos or stationed in a real-world motor pool, the Rhino and its inspirations represent the pinnacle of armored might. For now, I‘ll continue enjoying wreaking virtual havoc in my Rhino – while perhaps dreaming of taking a real M1 Abrams for a spin someday!