Pike nose

[2] These concepts were later altered to feature a strange cast dome on the upper front hull, which came to stay for the single prototype produced.

[2] The first production tank to feature a conventional pike nose was the Soviet IS-3, which entered service in 1945 at the very end of WWII.

[2] The Soviet pike nose concept initially started with a revamped version of the IS-2 heavy tank from late 1944, known as the IS-2U, which eventually evolved into the IS-3.

[2] The IS-3 was arguably the most heavily protected tank of its time and came to popularize the concept of the pike nose to the rest of the world.

[2] The pike nose does however still remain relevant for lightly armoured vehicle, whom only need protection against small arms and the like.

Swedish EMIL heavy tank mockup, clearly depicting the pike nose profile.
Collar insignia of the Russian Tank Troops , depicting a pike nosed tank (akin to the IS-3 and T-10 ).
German A7V Sturmpanzerwagen of World War I, featuring a very "shallow" pike nose.
Soviet IS-3s at the Soviet Victory Parade on Red Square, 24 June 1945.
French AMX-50 Surbaissé heavy tank prototype at Musée des Blindés , featuring a cast pike nose.