Types of anti-tank obstacles: dragon’s teeth, hedgehogs

Anti-tank obstacles are engineering barriers that stop or channel the movement of armour, forcing it to slow down and move into areas under fire. Let’s look at the main types and which of them are made of reinforced concrete.

Obstacles and tetrahedrons (“dragon’s teeth”, PZ-1)

The most common concrete type. The PZ-1 barrier pyramid is a reinforced concrete tetrahedron (a concrete “dragon’s tooth”) of heavy concrete with a through lifting loop. It is placed in continuous lines — in one or several rows, without anchoring to the base. Effective against wheeled and tracked vehicles.

Anti-tank hedgehogs

These are structures welded from steel profile that jam a vehicle’s running gear. Convenient on hard surfaces and as a mobile barrier. This is a metal type of obstacle; PVC ARSENAL specialises in reinforced concrete barriers — tetrahedrons and obstacles.

Concrete blocks, walls and other barriers

Anti-tank barriers also include massive concrete blocks, ditches, escarps and embankments. Combined with tetrahedrons they form a layered line that is harder to overcome or clear.

How they are chosen and installed

The type and number of rows depend on the terrain, likely directions of vehicle movement and the task (to stop or to slow down). Reinforced concrete tetrahedrons are laid in continuous lines; factory production gives predictable geometry and strength, and crane installation means fast equipping of the line.

Our product is the PZ-1 tetrahedron (“dragon’s teeth”). More on how a concrete pyramid stops vehicles — in a separate article. On comprehensive equipping of a line — the platoon strongpoint.