Born from a Soviet War Machine
The Big Wind firefighting tank started as a Soviet T-34 tank, originally used in World War II. In the 1990s, Hungarian engineers modified it by replacing its turret with twin jet engines from a MiG-21 fighter jet, transforming it into a high-powered firefighting machine.
Harnessing Jet Power Against Flames
The tank’s twin jet engines could blast water at extreme force, pushing out 220 gallons per second at speeds exceeding 770 mph. This allowed it to smother massive oil well fires, even those burning at temperatures over 1,000°F.
Taming the Kuwaiti Oil Fires
Big Wind was deployed to Kuwait in 1991 after the Gulf War, where retreating Iraqi forces had set over 600 oil wells on fire. Traditional firefighting methods failed, but Big Wind’s jet-powered water blasts proved effective, helping to extinguish some of the most stubborn fires.
A Unique Firefighting Beast
Few vehicles in history have matched Big Wind’s power in firefighting. With its jet propulsion and armored tank base, it remains one of the most extreme firefighting machines ever built, capable of handling massive industrial fires.
The Big Wind firefighting tank started as a Soviet T-34 tank, originally used in World War II. In the 1990s, Hungarian engineers modified it by replacing its turret with twin jet engines from a MiG-21 fighter jet, transforming it into a high-powered firefighting machine.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/LEONZiPZVp
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 8, 2025