Tools of War: Weapons and Equipment
By Kennedy Hickman, About.com Guide
Since the beginning of time, weapons have constantly been evolving from the earliest spears to today's laser-guided bombs. As technology has changed, militaries have kept pace ensuring that they always have the most advanced weapons, ships, and aircraft.
Arms & Equipment
Few things accelerate technological change like warfare, as the side with the most advanced weapons often triumphs in battle. In this section, examine the weapons and vehicles that had a major impact on the battlefield and ultimately changed history.
- Photo Tour: Stirling Castle
- Photo Tour: Edinburgh Castle
- Franco-Prussian War: Dreyse Needle Gun
- World War I & World War II: Lee-Enfield Rifle
- World War II: M1 Garand
- World War II: M4 Sherman Tank
- World War II: A22 Churchill Tank
- World War II: German Tiger I Tank
- World War II: German Panther Tank
- Cold War: AK-47 Assault Rifle
Aircraft
Land here to explore the wide variety of aircraft that have been used by the world's armed forces. From the Sopwith Camel to the F-14, this is your place for information about the planes that have dominated the skies.
- Photo Gallery: Fighters of World War I
- World War I: RAF S.E.5
- World War I: Fokker Dr.I
- World War II: Supermarine Spitfire
- World War II: Mitsubishi A6M Zero
- World War II: Lockheed P-38 Lightning
- Photo Gallery: World War II Bombers
- Photo Gallery: American Fighters of World War II
- World War II: Messerschmitt Me 262
- Korean War: F-86 Sabre
- Vietnam War: F-105 Thunderchief
- Cold War: F-14 Tomcat
- Current Conflicts: F-35 Lightning II
Warships
While navies have sailed the world's oceans since before ancient Greece, some ships stand out for their technological advances, notable records in combat, or ill-fated demises. Find out more about some of these unique vessels.