The most powerful tanks in the world. The most modern and powerful tanks in the world Game world of tanks what are the best tanks
A modern tank is a combat vehicle, without which it is difficult to imagine at least one more or less serious military company. Despite the fact that times of massive tank battles who remember the fields of the Second World War have passed, all the leading countries of the world continue to develop their technology.
In this article we will look at all the most modern tank combat units and find out which vehicle represents the most best tank in the world.
First place - M1A1 Abrams (USA)
Despite the fact that this vehicle was produced back in the eighties, it is still the most formidable force in tank battles. Naturally, over thirty years the tank has gone through several serious modifications, which made it not only competitive, but also brought it to first place among all tanks in the world.
The tank has an English M86A1 rifled gun (105 mm) or a German M256 smoothbore gun (120 mm, which is paired with a 7.62 mm M240 machine gun. A 7.62 mm machine gun is located at the hatch, and a 12.7 mm machine gun and a pair of six-barreled grenade launchers loaded with smoke are located at the commander's turret New grenades ).
Abrams is not only the best tank in the world. He has the most experience in practical application. It performed very well during the war in Iraq, where American tanks easily destroyed the T-72s in service with Saddam Hussein’s army.
Second place - Leopard (Germany)
The first generation of this combat vehicle was created in the sixties of the last century with the aim of opposing the powerful tanks of the Warsaw Pact countries. Even then it was a formidable force, but immediately after its release the Porshe company began developing new generation. Already in 1979 it entered service. Few other tanks from the late 70s can compete with modern models.
The vehicle has complex multi-layer composite armor, which is made from a mixture of steel and tungsten. At the same time, its cavities are filled with plastic and ceramics. The Leopard has a 120mm cannon and two machine guns, one of which is paired with a turret-mounted cannon.
The tank serves in the armies of 18 countries around the world.
Third place - T-90 (Russian Federation)
The best tank in the Russian Federation, not counting the Armata-based T-14 tank shown this year at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Victory, which has not yet entered combat service, and therefore is not taken into account in this rating. It is equipped with a 125 mm cannon, which is capable of firing armor-piercing, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells and anti-tank missiles. The roof is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun that fires at a rate of 700-800 rounds per minute. It is designed for firing at both ground and air targets. The cannon is paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun, which can fire at a distance of two kilometers.
The T-90 is not only widely used in the Russian army, but is also very well purchased by many countries. It is the best-selling tank from 2001 to 2010. The car has many different modifications.
Fourth place - Merkava IV (Israel)
Israeli army because of its geographical location I had to fight a lot in the 20th century, proving the viability of my state. That is why this country pays a lot of attention to military equipment. The Merkava car has a very good level crew protection, resembling a fortress on tracks. The installed 120-mm gun allows you to fire anti-tank missiles. In addition, two 7.62 mm machine guns are installed.
However, the Merkava also has disadvantages, the main one being that it can only be used effectively on hard ground in the absence of precipitation.
Fifth place - Challenger-2 (United Kingdom)
2nd generation of British combat vehicles, production of which began in 1994. Despite the fact that they are more than 20 years old, they still show their effectiveness. The security of the Challenger crew is not much inferior to its Israeli counterparts. Among the military weapons, there is a 120-mm rifled gun capable of hitting targets at distances of up to two kilometers with high accuracy. There is also a coaxial machine gun (7.62 mm), which is installed near the turret. He is capable of firing at the enemy in the air. In addition, there is a 40 mm mortar.
Sixth place - AMX-56 Leclerc (France)
The French combat vehicle has the title of the fastest and most maneuverable tank. Its speed can reach 76 kilometers per hour. The armor consists of an alloy of titanium, tungsten and ceramic. There are also good weapons: a 120-mm gun with 22 shells in a clip. In addition, the Leclerc is equipped with two machine guns aimed at firing at ground and air targets. The tank is not only the fastest, but also the most expensive. The production of one unit costs six million euros.
Seventh place - Type 99 (China)
The Chinese People's Army also boasts a fairly powerful tank. This is the Type 99. It is based on the Soviet T-72, but differs significantly from it. The main difference is more advanced armor, which ensures its safety during a missile attack. In addition, the Type 99 has a system for blinding enemy laser tanks, which makes it possible to disrupt enemy aiming.
The weapons include a 120mm gun, which can fire volleys of projectiles containing unenriched uranium, as well as controlled missiles. In addition, there is a machine gun and a pair of grenade launchers equipped with grenades.
Eighth place - 1A1 (Republic of Korea)
The powerful tank in service with the South Korean army has a high level of crew protection, thanks to the separation of the crew compartment from the ammunition. The vehicle is an improved version of the first Abrams, which is more adapted for use in Asian conditions. There are 7.62 and 12.7 mm machine guns and a 120 mm cannon.
Ninth place - T-84 (Ukraine)
The T-84, which was produced in Ukraine, was reputed to be a fairly fast tank. According to calculations, per 1 ton of vehicle weight there are 24 horsepower, thanks to which the T-84 can accelerate to 70 kilometers per hour. The tank is a highly modified version of the Soviet T-80. Weapons include machine guns and a smoothbore gun. The tower has an anti-aircraft gun aimed at combating the air threat. Among other things, the T-84 can be equipped with a weapon that meets the standards of the armies of NATO countries.
Some experts even believe that the T-84s are the best tanks in the world. post-Soviet space.
Tenth place - Zulfiqar (Iran)
Iranian military technology is a very impressive force in the Middle East. It is not for nothing that Israel considers this country its strategic enemy. This model is the result of a major modification carried out on the Soviet T-72. The tank has a 125 mm cannon, twin machine guns and an anti-aircraft gun. Zulfiqar (meaning “sword” in Iranian) is capable of firing 20-kilogram projectiles at a speed of 800 meters per second, which is an impressive result.
Weight: 62.3 tons; Length: 9.97 m
Width: 3.75 m; Height: 3.0 m
Crew: 4 people
The Leopard 2A7+ is a next-generation main battle tank (MBT, meaning "main battle tank"), which was introduced by manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in 2010. The new version uses Leopard 2 technology and was developed and adopted by the Bundeswehr (German Army) for urban warfare as well as traditional military missions. The 2A7+ is currently deployed in Afghanistan by Canada under NATO command.
The Leopard 2A7+ is armed with a 120mm L55 cannon capable of firing standard NATO ammunition and the new programmable 120mm rounds. The tank also has a FLW 200 remote-controlled machine gun, 7.62 mm/12.7 mm or a 40 mm grenade launcher.
Passive modules attached to the armor provide comprehensive protection against anti-tank missiles, mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and RPG fire. Smoke grenade launchers on both sides of the turret conceal the tank from enemy observation. The MBT can be equipped with additional accessories such as a mine plow or dozer blade for clearing mines and obstacles. This highly mobile tank has a maximum speed of 72 km. per hour and a power reserve of 450 km.
2. Abrams M1A2, United States of America
Weight: 63 tons; Length: 9.83 m
Width: 3.66 m; Height: 2.44 m
Crew: 4 people
The Abrams M1A2 is a US main battle tank developed by General Dynamics Land Systems primarily for the US Army. The tank was developed based on the experience gained from the M1A1 and incorporates new technologies to provide superior firepower and mobility, making it one of the best battle tanks in the world.
The main armament of the tank is the 120 mm XM256 cannon, which can fire NATO ammunition at armored vehicles, infantry and low-flying aircraft. The tank is also armed with two 7.62 mm M240 machine guns. The tank has a cruising range of 426 km. and can travel at a maximum speed of 67.5 km/h.
Weight: 46.5 tons; Length: 9.53 m
Width: 3.78 m; Height: 2.22 m
Crew: 3 people
T-90MS, an upgraded version of the main one battle tank The T-90, built by Uralvagonzavod, was first presented at the Russian Expo Arms exhibition in September 2011. The T-90MS has been significantly modernized to increase combat effectiveness in modern local conflicts.
The tank's 125mm 2A46M-5 gun fires with high accuracy various types ammunition. The tank is also armed with a 6P7K 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun, which is located on a remote-controlled weapons station.
The hull and turret can be equipped with Relikt active armor for protection against anti-tank missiles. The T-90MC is also equipped with an optoelectronic shielding system and an electromagnetic protection system. Engine V-92S2F with a rated power of 1,130 hp. provides a maximum speed of up to 60 km/h.
Weight: 54.5 tons; Length: 9.71 m
Width: 3.60 m; Height: 2.25 m
Crew: 4 people
In the mid-1990s, the South Korean government decided to begin developing a domestic tank. The result was the Black Panther Hyundai K2. At first glance, the K2 looks like a Western tank with a large rectangular chassis and a turret reminiscent of the Leopard 2 and Leclerc turret. It uses a licensed version of the 120 mm Leopard 2 smoothbore gun, as well as a German diesel engine producing 1,500 hp. The autoloader is very similar in design and performance to the Leclerc tank's autoloader and can fire about 10 rounds per minute. Additional weapons include 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns.
The K2 Black Panther (Korean New Main Battle Tank) is a modern MBT developed by Hyundai Rotem for the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA). Black Panther is currently in production and is slated to go into production in 2016.
Maximum speed 70 km/h, and a range of 450 km. makes K2 highly mobile on the battlefield. The tank's protection includes active armor and (ERA) for comprehensive protection against direct fire. The ammo rack also uses vent panels for explosion protection.
5. Challenger 2, UK
Weight: 62.5 tons; Length: 8.30 m
Width: 3.50 m; Height: 2.50 m
Crew: 4 people
The Challenger 2 (CR2) is the main battle tank of the British Army and the Royal Army of Oman. The MBT was designed and manufactured by British Vickers Defense Systems (now BAE Systems) based on the Challenger 1 tank.
The Challenger 2's 120mm L30 CHARM (CHallenger main ARMament) gun provides primary firepower, while a 7.62mm axial-mounted machine gun and a 7.62mm turret roof-mounted machine gun serve as secondary armament. The tank can carry 50 armor-piercing shells or high explosives (HESH), as well as 4,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
Second generation armor Chobham Challenger 2 offers high level protection. The Perkins-Condor CV12 engine provides a maximum road speed of 59 km/h.
Weight: 65 tons; Length: 9.04 m
Width: 3.72 m; Height: 2.66 m
Crew: 4 people
The Merkava Mark IV is the latest version of the production Merkava battle tanks built by MANTAK. The tank entered service with the Israeli Defense Forces in 2004 and is considered one of the most protected tanks in the world.
The Mk.4 is armed with a 120mm MG253 gun capable of firing anti-tank (HEAT) rounds as well as LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles. 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm rotary machine guns and a 60 mm grenade launcher complement the tank's firepower.
The Type 10 (TK-X) is an advanced fourth-generation main battle tank built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The tank entered service with the JGSDF in 2012 and claims exceptional mobility.
The firepower of the Type 10 MBT is complemented by a 120 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a Type 74 7.62 mm cannon. The advanced C4I system provides interoperability with infantry forces during complex combat missions.
The tank body is equipped with modular ceramic composite armor, providing protection against rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) rounds, HEAT rounds and anti-tank missiles. Additional modules can be easily removed and installed to change protection levels. Engine 1200 hp Water-cooled provides a top speed of 70 km/h.
Weight: 54.5 tons; Length: 9.87 m
Width: 3.71 m; Height: 2.53 m
Crew: 3 persons
The Leclerc is a French main battle tank developed by GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) for the French Army and is also currently in service with the UAE Army. The first Leclerc tank was delivered to the DGA (French Procurement Agency) in January 1992.
The Leclerc is a third generation tank, armed with a standard CN 1206 gun, 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns on the roof. The tank can carry 40 rounds of 120mm ammunition and more than 950 rounds of 12.7mm machine gun ammunition.
Modern modular armor made of steel, ceramic and Kevlar offers comprehensive crew protection that can be raised to protect against IEDs, mines and RPGs. The Galix self-protection system installed on the tank further increases its survivability. The tank has a maximum speed of 72 km/h and can hit targets at a speed of 50 km/h on any terrain.
After the breakup Soviet Union Ukraine was left with a tank factory in Kharkov, which produced the T-80UD main battle tank (MBT). In an effort to develop their own tanks, it was decided to take the T-80 design and modify its design to suit the needs of the Ukrainian military. The result was the T-84, which eventually evolved into the T-84 Oplot-M.
Oplot-M (modernized) is an improved version of the T-84 main battle tank produced by the Kharkov Morozov Machine-Building Plant. This tank is in service with the armies of Ukraine and Thailand, but the contract for the supply of this tank to Thailand has not yet been fulfilled due to the impossibility of increasing production in Kharkov.
The main weapon of the tank is a 125 mm KBA-3 cannon with a automatic download, which can launch HE-FRAG (high explosive), APFSDS and HEAT rounds, as well as guided missiles. Additional weapons include a KT-7.62 (PKT) 7.62 mm machine gun and a machine gun with remote control KT-12.7.
The multi-layer armor on the Oplot-M can withstand impacts from HEAT and APFSDS projectiles. D-2 engine with 1200 hp power. provides a maximum speed of 70 km/h.
Weight: 54 tons; Length: 11.0 m
Width: 3.4 m; Height: 2.2 m
Crew: 3 persons
The Type 99 (ZTZ-99) is a third generation main battle tank built by China Northern Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The tank was put into service by the PLA in 2001.
The fully stabilized 125mm ZPT98 autoloader gun provides superior firepower to the ZTZ99, capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FRAG rounds, as well as laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The tank is also armed with a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun.
Diesel engine with 1500 hp power. provides a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
Western journalists, like politicians, are haunted by the idea that Russia was able to create tanks that are superior in quality to their Western counterparts. Thus, Forbes magazine, in a rather lengthy article, made a comparison between the main mass-produced tanks of Russia, Germany, the USA, China and France, respectively The following samples were subject to critical evaluation: T-90, Leopard-2, M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams, MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc. To be fair, let's add a British tank to this list. Challenger 2 and compare these six samples to determine the true leader. Let us reduce the assessment principle to the simplest: we compare the technical characteristics of vehicles, defense systems and weapons, the cost of their production, the effectiveness of combat use, demand on the world arms market, from the totality of these data we can determine best car. It’s probably also worth adding to this list Israeli Merkava tank.
The Russian “flying” tank T-90 is considered a global bestseller.
Of course, one could consider other excellent examples of tank construction, such as the Japanese Type-10 main tank or the South Korean K2 Black Panther main tank, but given their relatively low production and lack of examples combat use, for now we will refuse to consider these candidates in the ranking for the title of the best tank in the world. There is no point in considering the Russian T14 Armata tank yet, since this model has not yet been adopted for service.
Abrams and T-90
The Western media almost in unison praise the merits of the American M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams tank, calling it the pinnacle of technical excellence in world tank building, well, let these praises remain on their conscience, let’s move on to the facts. First of all, it is worth noting that this tank is an old development (serial production began on February 28, 1980), which has been modernized many times. But overall the car has proven itself well.
It is equipped with a 1,500-horsepower AVCO Lycoming AGT-1500 gas turbine engine; with a combat weight of 64 tons, this vehicle can reach a maximum speed along a prepared path of up to 67 km per hour, over rough terrain up to 30 km/h with a cruising range of 426 km. Specific power – 23.8 hp. per ton. The tank is well protected, its frontal armor is 650 mm thick, in addition to its own composite armor, it is protected by additional panels and has active and dynamic protection.
The vehicle is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, a global positioning, control and communication system, liquid crystal color displays (which display all the necessary information in digital and graphic forms) high resolution allow the commander to see the picture of the battle. The rangefinder is capable of determining the distance to the target to be hit, up to almost 5 km; the main sight is equipped with a stabilizer.
M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams tank
The tank is armed with a 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun (licensed version of the Rheinmetall Rh-120 made in Germany), and one 12.7 mm M2HB and two M240 7.62 mm machine guns. The tank's 120 mm gun ammunition, in addition to other ammunition, includes an M829A3 sub-caliber projectile with a depleted uranium core; its maximum effective range is 4.4 thousand m; at a distance of 2 km it penetrates 720 mm armor.
The gun is loaded manually; the tank has a crew of four people. Western experts clearly overpraised this tank. In Iraq, in the current war, jihadists managed to knock out Abrams with , and this is already ridiculous. Poorly armed Yemeni guerrillas, the Houthis, managed to destroy about 20 Abrams tanks.
How can all of the above be answered? Russian main tank T-90, consider its modifications and the T90-AM. The vehicle is equipped with a V-shaped 12-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel tank engine with turbocharging V-92S2F with a power of 1130 hp. With a combat weight of 48 tons, the tank is capable of speeds of 65–70 km/h on a prepared road and up to 45–50 km/h over rough terrain. The ratio of tank weight to engine power is 24 hp. per ton i.e. better than the M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams. The track pressure per unit surface area of the T-90AM is 10% lower than that of an American tank, and accordingly the cross-country ability of the Russian vehicle is higher.
The tank is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, modern control systems, navigation, internal and external communications, and surveillance. At the disposal of the crew commander of the Kalina control system with an integrated combat information and control system of the tactical level, a high-resolution liquid crystal color display (all the information necessary for the commander is displayed on it) allows him to monitor the combat situation. The target firing range of OFZ shells is up to 10 km. Guided ammunition allows you to hit targets at a distance of up to 5 km, ATGMs reliably hit the enemy at a distance of up to 3 km.
Russian tank T-90MS
This combat vehicle is superbly protected. The thickness of the composite armor in the frontal part of the hull is 750 mm, the turret is 950 mm. The tank's ammunition is located in a separate module, which significantly increases the survivability of the crew if it is hit by a shell and detonates all of the ammunition. In addition to its own armor, the tank has additional screens, active and dynamic protection systems. The modern modular third-generation dynamic protection system “Relikt” is too tough for the vaunted American projectile with a uranium core M829A3, so the Yankees are urgently looking for a new solution.
The armament of the T90-AM tank is also impressive: a smooth-bore 125 mm 2A46M-5 cannon with automatic loading and a coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, as well as a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft gun UDP T05BV-1. The tank has a crew of three people (no loader). The T-90 has demonstrated exceptional reliability in the current wars in Iraq and Syria.
American vs Russian
Since these tanks have not yet met on the battlefield, let's try to analytically assess the chances of victory for each. Undoubtedly, Abrams tanks have a rich track record and they performed well in the 1991 and 2003 US wars against Iraq. In both cases, Saddam Hussein’s tank forces were equipped with Soviet combat vehicles of the unmodernized T-55, T-64, T-72. In addition, Iraq at that time did not receive any consumables, spare parts, or ammunition from Russia, and the main factor of unreliability was the Iraqi crews, mainly because of this it was not difficult for the Americans to fight with Saddam Hussein’s tanks with virtually no losses. That is, this combat experience does not mean anything; the Yankees have never met Russian crews or modern Russian tanks in battle.
Moreover, we must take into account that the Abrams fought only in warm climates, on flat, very slightly rugged, flat terrain. Experts believe that in the climatic and relief conditions of Russia, especially in winter time, this “miracle machine” most likely will not be able to fight at all. The Germans already had to admire their tightly stationary vehicles on frosty days in the battle of Moscow in December 1941 - January 1942. Then, already technical specifications The T-90AM leaves no chance for the Abrams tank, both in the M1A2 SEP V2 modification and in the M1A2 SEP V3 modification. And the main victorious force in battle is the Russian soldier, Russian tank crews, who confidently demonstrate high combat skills.
A new Russian one is approaching, which in all respects leaves Abrams far behind. The Pentagon has already sounded the alarm and is firmly raising the question of financing a new tank project with the Senate. Even if they manage to persuade the senators, America will still be at least a corps behind in the tank race. The Pentagon lags behind the Russian military department in operational skills; it is worth noting that the Americans do not have historical combat experience in mass tank battles, or experience in waging “big” wars either.
You can also take into account the fact that these days Abrams tanks in Iraq and Yemen are not showing their worth. in the best possible way. But in in this case There are two nuances: firstly, these are old cars, and secondly, they are driven by “armless” Arab crews.
Leopard-2
The German masterpiece of modern tank building, Leopard 2, is a good, solid tank, but due to its heavy weight it will be very difficult to fight on Russian terrain, except perhaps only along roads. It seems that, mindful of their stunning defeat on the battlefields of World War II in the East, the Germans do not even dream of considering Russia as a possible theater of operations (theater of operations).
In the current Syrian war, Leopard 2 was used by Turkish troops during Operation Euphrates Shield; admittedly, it did not behave entirely successfully in a combat situation and generally received a negative assessment from experts. Again, a caveat must be made here; Turkish crews fought in Syria on these tanks; perhaps the Germans, under the same conditions, could have rehabilitated their Leopard 2.
In fact, Germany is an unrivaled leader in mechanical engineering. This project may be over 40 years old, but in its modernized form Leopard 2 looks very impressive. The weight of the vehicle in full combat gear reaches almost 70 tons, the armor is multi-component, additional protective screens are used, as well as dynamic protection systems. The tank is equipped with an automatic fire-fighting system. It has a 12-cylinder diesel V-twin engine MTU MB 873 Ka-501 with a power of 1,479 hp. or MTU MT883 with 1,650 hp. The maximum speed of this car on prepared roads is 68 km/h, and on rough terrain 30 km/h. The maximum range is 320 km. But in Russian off-road conditions, this monster can stand firm, especially in the bitter cold of Russian winters.
The Leopard 2 is armed with a smoothbore 120 mm Rheinmetall L55 cannon (manually loaded) and two 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine guns. The DM-53 anti-tank projectile with a warhead in the form of a tungsten core is capable of penetrating 750 mm of armor at a distance of 2 km, an Israeli-made LAHAT ATGM, which is included in the tank’s standard ammunition? hits targets at a range of up to 6 km. Leopard-2 is equipped with the German EMES 15 fire control system, panoramic sight, laser rangefinder, thermal imager and other equipment, including modern navigation and surveillance communication devices. The crew of the car is 4 people. For the Western European theater of operations, the tank is ideal.
Again, this tank clearly should not meet the T90AM on the battlefield; the Leopard has little chance of emerging victorious from this battle, and its vaunted defense is powerless against modern Russian anti-tank weapons.
MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc
Basic Chinese tank The MBT-2000 is rightfully considered a satisfactory example in the comparative table of world tank building. Its technical capabilities, perhaps, should be compared with the T-72B, while the T90AM is inferior in all respects. Although the MBT-2000 is the most popular tank in the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), it was originally created to capture the global tank market. This example is produced under license by Pakistan under the name Al-Khalid. The vehicle does not yet have a widely known combat history, just as the Chinese army does not have historical experience in conducting massive tank battles. It is unknown how these machines will behave in Siberian frost conditions.
Chinese tank MBT-2000
Currently, new MBT-3000 (VT-4) tanks are entering service with the PLA, however, this model is also aimed at the international market in the future. According to the stated technical characteristics, it is comparable to the T90AM, but one can only guess what this vehicle will be able to demonstrate on the battlefield. There is no complete certainty that the PLA command does not at all consider tanks as an effective force for modern and future wars. Unlike Russian and German tank builders, who produce all the components themselves, the Chinese supply many parts of their combat vehicles from abroad; the main components are purchased in France.
The AMX-56 Leclerc tank is another proof of the ambition of the French. They could well get by, like other countries of continental Western Europe, with the German monsters Leopard 2 or American Abrams. But no, Paris goes its own way in everything, despite the financial costs. This vehicle was mass-produced for 15 years starting in 1992, currently 406 tanks are owned by the French army, and 388 are in service with the UAE military.
The weight of the machine reaches 54.6 tons. Its 8-cylinder V-shaped diesel engine produces 1500 hp. allows the tank to accelerate to 71 km/h on a prepared road and up to 40 km/h on slightly rough terrain and provides a cruising range of 550 km. I’ll note right away that this tank has not been tested in Russian conditions and, I dare say, it will not prove itself here, just like other foreign models.
French tank AMX-56 Leclerc
The AMX-56 is protected by modular-type composite multi-layer armor; the tank is designed so that the sloping frontal armor will meet a 700 mm thick anti-tank projectile in a direct hit. This Leclerc does not have dynamic protection; the French rely on the design of their armor. Communication, control, surveillance and targeting systems are integrated into unified system, the tank is literally crammed with electronics, here is a full set of them, including a central computer, Tank control system integrated into the IMS. This car is comfortable for the crew.
The AMX-56 is armed with a CN-120-26 smoothbore gun, which has two stabilizers, and the crew has at its disposal a thermal imager, a rangefinder, a combined gunner's sight and a panoramic commander's sight. The AMX-56 tank's gun is equipped with an automatic loader. The performance characteristics of this gun are comparable to the characteristics of the German Rh 120 smoothbore tank gun; the ammunition of the guns of the Abrams and Leopard tanks is suitable for the French CN-120-26 tank gun. The Leclerc's additional weapons are machine guns: M2HB-QBC 12.7 mm caliber and F1 7.62 mm caliber. The crew of the AMX-56 Leclerc is three people. The tank is not bad, it has proven itself well in combat operations in Yemen, but again it is hardly suitable for a war in the Russian climate and landscape.
Merkava and Challenger 2
The Israeli Merkava tank ten years ago was considered almost one of the best in the world, but now it is rated much more modestly. Despite the fact that the tank is very heavy, its weight reaches 70 tons, the armor of the Merkava, whose thickness is equivalent to 750 mm, is not effective; it will not withstand modern armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles. KAZ Meil Ruach (“Air Cloak”) is used as active protection. In battle, these vehicles do not perform at their best; this is also due to the poor training of Israeli tank crews, but this is mainly due to the technical shortcomings of the tanks themselves. It is known that Russian ATGM"Cornet" terrifies Israeli tank crews.
Israeli tank "Merkava-4"
"Merkava" is produced according to the principle from the world one by one: 28% of components are foreign-made. The Merkava-4 modification has a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, which allows it to accelerate to 60 km/h on a prepared highway, up to 30 km/h on slightly rough terrain, and a range of up to 500 km. The tank is armed with a 120 mm MG253 smoothbore cannon and two 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns, some models are armed with a 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun and a mortar.
The crew of the car is 4 people. The tank's ammunition includes the LAHAT ATGM. The control system practically copies this one Abrams tank, the gunner has a sight with a thermal imager and automatic target tracking at his disposal, the commander has a panoramic sight with the same functions, in addition there are backup optical and IR sights.
Tank Challenger 2
The British Challenger 2 tank has long and reliably earned itself a bad reputation. But still, according to Western experts, it remains one of the best armored vehicles in the world. The vehicle is heavy, its combat weight is 62.5 tons. The armor is combined against projectiles and has dynamic protection. The digital fire control system includes a 32-bit processor and a Mil Std 1553 data bus. The combined stabilized gunner's sight was developed by Barr and Strood in cooperation with the French SAGEM, and the NANOQUEST L30 telescopic sight is also used. The commander has a stabilized panoramic periscope sight SFIM thermal imager TOGS-2.
The weapon control system is built around the on-board computer of the Canadian company CDC, which is a modernized computer of the M1A1 Abrams tank. The vehicle is equipped with a 12-cylinder V-shaped turbocharged diesel engine with a power of 1200 hp, has a speed of 56 km/h on a prepared highway, 25–30 km/h on slightly rough terrain, and a range of 400 km. 120 mm rifled gun L30E4 (L11A5); two 7.62 mm machine guns. The tank crew is 4 people. A total of 400 Challenger 2 tanks were produced. Even during the 1991 Iraq War, these tanks showed their unreliability in battle.
World tank market
Many military experts believe that tanks will go out of combat use in the near future, they will be destroyed by high-precision weapons, modern and promising PTS, just as machine guns and tanks themselves destroyed cavalry in their time. However, not one army in the world is yet to write off tanks. On the contrary, the sale of tanks on the world arms market turns out to be profitable for some countries.
According to Forbes magazine, the undisputed commercial leader of the first two decades of the 21st century is the Russian T-90MS tank, which, by the way, occupies an important niche in Russian arms exports.
Now the manufacturer of these tanks has two new contracts for supplies abroad: the first batch of 73 vehicles will be received by Iraq, and another 64 units of this type of equipment will be put into service by Vietnam. In the near future, it is planned to sign a contract for the supply of 146 T-90MS tanks to Kuwait, as well as to establish assembly production in Egypt. In total, taking into account the supply of ammunition, Supplies, spare parts and other sales will bring Russian tank builders at least $400–500 million in income. In total, more than 2,100 T-90 tanks of various modifications were produced, of which more than 1,500 were exported. Under existing contracts, more than 1 thousand new tanks will be sold abroad in the coming years. The order portfolio is expected to increase to 1,600 tanks or more.
Now the T-90 is in service with 38 armies different countries, This best result by sales in the world. Not only does this tank have a low cost, and therefore a final price (118 million rubles), but in almost all respects it outperforms its competitors in terms of quality.
The German tank Leopard 2 is considered by many to be the best in the world, but as we see, this statement is far from the truth. This machine was supplied to 21 countries of the world, mainly to the North and Western Europe, as well as to Turkey. The latter used them very unsuccessfully in Syria during Operation Euphrates Shield.
Leopard 2A6 costs $6.79 million, and Leopard 2 A7+ more than $10 million. In total, more than 3,200 Leopard 2 of various modifications were produced, of which 300 units are in service with the Bundeswehr, the rest went abroad. The production of this tank has been stopped and its export too. In the sales list, the Chinese MBT-2000 main tank claims second place in the world ranking. At a cost of $4.7 million per unit, China sold its cars to Morocco (150 units), Myanmar (150 units), Sri Lanka (22 units), and Bangladesh (44 units). 415 tanks were delivered to Pakistan and an assembly plant was built there, where the same tank is produced under the name Al-Khalid.
The cost of one M1A2 SEP Abarms is also very high: it varies, but generally amounts to approximately $8.6 million, so buyers are not eager to purchase new tank in full technical package. Older models, which are simpler in equipment, are exported; they are taken from storage and undergo major repairs; mainly the engines, gun and fire control system are subject to replacement. For example, Egypt purchased more than 1,200 M1A1 Abrams tanks. This tank is in service with the armies of six countries (except the USA). In total, the American military industry sold 2,217 M1 tanks abroad, of which about 750 were in the improved M1A2 configuration. This tank has no prospects for developing the world market. In addition, only 12 cars of this type are currently produced in the United States per year.
France began mass production of the AMX-56 Leclerc in 1990. Since then, the French army received 406 tanks, but only 388 vehicles were exported; the same British Challenger 2 tanks, costing $8.6 million per unit, were sold abroad only 38 units. As for the Leclerc tanks, the only buyer of the miracle of French tank building was the United Arab Emirates. The cost of one French tank is considerable - 9.3 million euros. The Merkava is valued by the manufacturer at $6 million, but everything is simpler here; due to its technical shortcomings, no one except Singapore wants to buy this tank; the latter signed a contract for only 50 vehicles.
10 BM "Oplot"
BM "Oplot"(“Oplot-M” before being put into service) is a modern Ukrainian main battle tank.
Developed by the Kharkov Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau named after A. A. Morozov and produced by the ZTM plant named after. Malysheva. The chief designer of the machine is Dr. Tech. Sc., prof., lieutenant general. M. D. Borisyuk, general designer for the creation of armored vehicles and artillery systems, head of the KMDB KP.
As of 2016, Ukraine has 10 units in service, Thailand - 15.
9 T-90 "Vladimir"
T-90- Russian main battle tank. Created in the late 1980s - early 1990s as a deep modernization of the T-72B tank under the name “T-72B improved”, but in 1992 it was put into service under the designation T-90. After the death of Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, the main designer of the tank, by decision of the government of the Russian Federation the T-90 was given the name “Vladimir”.
The T-90 has a classic layout, with the control compartment located in the frontal part, the fighting compartment in the middle and the engine compartment in the rear. The T-90 crew consists of three people - a driver, located along the longitudinal axis of the tank in the control compartment, and a gunner with a commander, located in the turret to the left and right of the gun, respectively.
There is a certificate kept at Uralvagonzavod stating that one T-90 tank of the 1992 model was at the disposal of one of the units in the conflict zone in Chechnya in the 1990s. Syrian tanks T-90s were used in battles near the city of Aleppo.
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AMX-56 Leclerc- French modern main battle tank (MBT). Created by the GIAT concern (now Nexter) in the 1980s to replace the outdated AMX-30 tank.
Serial production started in 1992. As of 2010, further production“Leclerc” is not being carried out. As of 2011, 354 tanks of this type are in service with France, another 388 are in service with the United Army United Arab Emirates. Before the advent of the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the Japanese Type 10, it was considered the most expensive MBT.
15 Leclerc tanks are serving in the peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo.
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The newest Japanese main battle tank.
The prototype of the tank was first shown in 2008. In 2010, the Japan Self-Defense Forces ordered 13 tanks at a cost of about $6.5 million per unit. The Type 10 entered service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces on January 10, 2012. It is planned that over time the Type 10 will replace the outdated Type 74 and complement the Type 90 tank fleet.
The main armament of the tank is a 120-mm German Rheinmetall cannon, which has a barrel length of 44 calibers and is equipped with a conveyor-type automatic loader. The gun is equipped with a powder gas ejector, a thermal casing and is stabilized in two planes.
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In service since 2002, it was adopted in 2004. Many world military experts consider the Merkava-4 tank to be the best main battle tank in the world for 2010. 28% of the tank's parts are imported, including the engine and transmission. The tank has a spring suspension (practically not used in the world), although it has its advantages, it definitely reduces the accuracy of shooting while moving. At the rear there is a compartment for landing (evacuating the wounded), which sharply increases the effectiveness of the tank as a whole in low-intensity battles, in return reducing the tank's security due to the armor being smeared to a greater extent.
In 2012, the Ministry of Defense formed a group led by Reserve Brigadier General Didi Ben-Yoash, which was to be responsible for developing the “tank of the future” for the Israel Defense Forces. Heads of the defense industry and the command of the ground forces were invited to express their opinions on what this tank should look like. It was supposed to be lighter, smaller, with automatic charging and a crew of two, and to have at its disposal a modular weapon system that included various types, including missiles.
5 T-14 "Armata"
T-14- the latest Russian main tank with an uninhabited turret based on the Armata universal tracked platform.
The T-14 was presented to the general public at the Victory Parade in 2015 along with other products based on the Armata. Within state program weapons, a state order was placed for the production of 2,300 T-14 tanks by 2020. In 2015, a pilot batch of 20 tanks was manufactured. In 2016, mass production of tanks began, which is not planned to be reduced even in a crisis. At the same time, the procedure for military acceptance and elimination of deficiencies has begun.
The T-14 may be the world's first "stealth tank" not only with a radical reduction in visibility in the infrared, radio and magnetic range, but also with the use innovative technologies“signature distortion”, that is, distortion of its visual image in the specified ranges, making it difficult to find a Javelin, Spike or JAGM-class ATGM tank seeker among discarded infrared traps and clouds of dipoles.
Export of tanks based on Armata is possible after meeting the needs of the state defense order. Uralvagonzavod stated that in order to obtain permission to export the T-14, the classification of secrecy will be removed from it in the future. India, China, Egypt and the countries of Southeast Asia showed interest in the tank.
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Challenger 2- main battle tank ground forces Great Britain. Also in service Armed Forces Oman. It is expected that the operation of tanks of this model will last until 2035.
Challenger 2 tanks were used to conduct combat operations in Kosovo and Iraq (from 2003 to September 1, 2010).
"Challenger 2" is one of the heaviest Western tanks: both the turret and its hull are covered with second-generation Chobham armor, codenamed "Dorchester", all information about which is still classified. It is optional to install ROMOR dynamic protection modules on the sides of the hull and (in the Challenger Peacefighter version) turret in combination with lattice screens. The complex for protection against biological and chemical weapons is located inside the tower.
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M1 Abrams- US main battle tank. Serially produced since 1980. It is in service with the US Army and Marine Corps, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Australia. Named after General Creighton Abrams.
As of FY 2015, the US Army has ordered 530 M1A2 upgrades to the M1A2 SEP level. average cost$4.8 million per unit and 1611 M1/M1A1 to M1A2 SEP and M1A2 SEP V2 at an average cost of $5.6 million per unit. Cost includes deployment costs, Maintenance and training. Deliveries of the upgraded M1A2 were expected to be completed in early 2010. financial year and 1,590 upgraded M1/M1A1s were received by the army by the end of 2015.
2 K2 "Black Panther"
Modern South Korean main battle tank. Adopted into service in 2014. The vehicle was developed by the South Korean Defense Development Agency and Rotem (a division of Hyundai Motors). The K2 should replace the American M48 tanks in the army and complement the fleet of K1 tanks.
Very complex technologically, the Black Panther tank is estimated at this moment at $8.5 million per unit. Thus, the K2 is one of the most expensive tanks to date. The K2 is priced at nearly double the price of its predecessor, the K1, which costs $4.9 million per unit. However, it is expected that the current price will drop significantly once the tank is mass produced and it becomes more available for sale to other countries.
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This tank was first shown at the 2010 Eurosatory exhibition by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).
Leopard 2A7 is a modernization of the Leopard 2A6, armed with a 120 mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun with a barrel length of 55 calibers. There is also the possibility of upgrading the Leopard 2A4/Leopard 2A5 variant with a short 120mm gun (44 caliber barrel length) to the latest Leopard 2A7 standard.
One of the most important factors enhancing the security of the vehicle - the ROSY smoke screen system developed by Rheinmetall. It not only forms a multispectral smoke cloud in the detected direction of irradiation in less than 0.6 seconds, but also forms a dynamic smoke “wall”, allowing the tank to quickly evade destruction in the event of a massive approach of anti-tank missiles.
The digital turret concept actually helps the crew see through the armor. But it is precisely this property that is one of the most important when creating a new generation tank with an uninhabited turret and an armored capsule for the crew.
Today, not a single army in a developed country can do without tanks. The well-armored, but clumsy and slow heavy tanks disappeared, the mobile, but poorly protected medium tanks disappeared, and their best features were combined with MBTs.
However, different countries have different ideas about what a modern tank should be, and besides, it is impossible to create an ideal one, because there are restrictions beyond the control of the creators, for example, budget.
Modern equipment of the same class differs noticeably, but there are characteristics that are equally important for any tank, and we will build a rating based on them today. Here they are:
- protection, including passive and active;
- firepower, determined by the weapon and guidance systems, fire control, and so on;
- mobility and mobility, depending on dynamics, range and transportability.
Remember that it is not enough to make the most protected tank and put the most powerful gun on it. It still needs to be produced, used in real battles, maintained, and so on. Therefore, a great car on paper real world may turn out to be unsuccessful.
10th place – Ukrainian Oplot BM
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine continued development of the T-80UD. The latest modification of this tank was the Oplot BM.
The tank, with a layout familiar to the Soviet school, is protected by built-in dynamic protection “Duplet”. KOEP "Varta" and KAZ "Zaslon" were installed. The disadvantages of “Varta” are its inability to withstand modern ATGMs “Kornet”, ATGM “Kombat”, and “Zaslon” is distinguished by its high price, long reload time and short range threat detection.
The ammunition is stored in the loading mechanism; guided missiles can be fired. The fire control system is frankly outdated and inferior to modern competitors.
Mobility is at a high level.
Ratings of modern tanks, in which the Ukrainian one took first place, have repeatedly surfaced online; they were based on supposedly simulated battles. In fact, the “simulated battles” turned out to be the game ARMA 2, a video from which was recorded by a blogger on YouTube.
9th place – French Leclerc
An ultra-modern and ultra-expensive tank, which appeared in 1992. Equipped with innovative modular armor.
It differs from Western tanks in the presence of an automatic loader located in the turret behind the knockout panels. Can be called the main advantage of Leclerc. Powerful gun, modern fire control system.
Thanks to the 1500 hp engine. and active suspension provides excellent mobility.
At the time of its appearance, as already mentioned, it became ultra-modern and ultra-expensive. It has not yet demonstrated anything outstanding in armed conflicts, remaining a good weapon only on paper. But high price and potential unreliability due to an overabundance of electronics have not gone away.
8th place – Japanese Type 10
Entered service in 2012, today it is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world.
Armed with a 120 mm cannon similar to those used on the Leopard and Abrams, the modern fire control system makes it an even more formidable weapon.
The tank, weighing only 44 tons, is protected a little less than its competitors, however, it is equipped with modular armor, which allows you to quickly replace damaged modules or install additional ones.
Active suspension, a powerful engine and a continuously variable transmission provide the Japanese tank with excellent mobility and a travel speed of up to 70 km/h both forward and backward.
7th place – Israeli Merkava Mk.4M
Provides the world's best protection to its crew thanks to a front-engine design that serves as additional armor. Moreover, there are doors at the rear of the hull, thanks to which the tank can transport crews of damaged tanks or landing troops.
The Merkava is armed with a 120 mm cannon, capable of firing at low-flying helicopters thanks to modern system fire control.
In addition to the combined passive armor, it is protected by the unique Trophy active protection complex.
6th place – British Challenger 2
One of the most protected tanks from direct fire in the world.
The second generation Chobham armor is used; after combat experience in Iraq, the vehicle received removable dynamic protection "ROMOR", covering the most vulnerable spots.
There is a known case where 15 grenades from an anti-tank grenade launcher hit a tank, after which the Challenger 2, which was not too damaged, continued to carry out its task.
The weapon used is a 120 mm rifled cannon. Such an unusual weapon allows precise shooting at a distance of up to 5 km, which is a record among MBTs.
Among the shortcomings is poor protection of the lower frontal part, which has now been corrected with dynamic protection, and mediocre mobility.
5th place – Russian T-90AM
Massively produced in Russia. T-90 previous versions- the most commercial successful tank on the world market. Built on a base familiar from the times of the USSR, it is distinguished by its modest price, unpretentiousness and reliability.
Appeared as a result of a deep modernization of the T-72, which affected almost everything. In addition to passive armor, it is protected by active “Kontakt-5” and KOEP “Shtora-1”.
The ammunition is located in a carousel-type automatic loader, which can lead to instantaneous detonation of the entire ammunition load if the machine is hit and the complete destruction of the tank. Capable of firing guided missiles.
Small dimensions, weight and the ability to cross water obstacles up to 5 meters deep are a noticeable advantage of the Russian MBT. The downside is the outdated manual transmission, the reverse speed is 5 km/h.
The modification of the T-90AM allowed it to take a worthy place in the ranking. New tower, DZ "Relic", modern machine gun loading, part of the ammunition in the turret box and automatic transmission became a gulp fresh air for an aging car and placed it next to the best Western models.
4th place – American M1A2 SEP Abrams
A tank about which news constantly appears. They talk about him, compare him to him, but is he worthy of it?
Having appeared in the American army back in 1980, Abrams received several modifications, the last of which we will talk about.
It is protected by excellent armor with uranium, the ammunition is located behind ejector panels. Some samples have the AN/VLQ-6 active protection system.
The 120 mm gun has good accuracy thanks to a modern fire control system.
Gas turbine engine with a power of 1500 hp. provides excellent mobility, but consumes a lot of fuel and generates a huge amount of heat during operation, making camouflage difficult.
Disadvantages include large dimensions and weight, which make transportation difficult.
3rd place – South Korean K2 Black Panther
Composite armor together with modular reactive armor protect the tank from enemy fire. Additionally, there is an active protection system. The use of modern technologies and materials has made it possible to create a lightweight MBT that is protected at the level of its heavy counterparts.
The gun is similar to that installed on the Leopard; the fire control system is capable of hitting low-flying helicopters and operating in automatic mode, firing at specified targets without the participation of a gunner.
Diesel engine with 1500 hp power. and active hydropneumatic suspension, what else is needed for excellent mobility?
In some ways this combat vehicle is similar to the Leclerc. During its appearance, it became one of the most advanced and expensive in the world. But, if Leclerc did not show himself in anything, then the Black Panther has a lot of time ahead.
2nd place – German Leopard 2A7
The most modern version a German predator that has been a model for engineers in other countries for many years.
High protection, excellent firepower and excellent mobility continue from modification to modification. Leopard 2A7 received updated electronics and additional armor. The developers claim all-round protection against grenades fired from RPGs.
The gun and fire control system are the benchmark for today and provide the most accurate shooting.
The diesel engine develops a power of 1,500 hp, which allows the tank weighing 67.5 tons to be accelerated to 72 km/h.
1st place – Russian T-14 Armata
The layout with an uninhabited turret, in which the crew is positioned shoulder to shoulder in the fighting compartment, has been worked out for a long time, but it was brought to life in a production model by Russian engineers.
Passive armor is supplemented with dynamic "Malachite" and KAZ "Afganit". KAZ is capable of calculating the enemy’s position and responding with fire. Only our Afghanit and the Israeli Trophy are capable of this.
The 125 mm 2A82 gun is now superior in power to the gun mounted on the Leopard-2A7; later it is possible to install a 152 mm 2A83 gun, firing shells with an armor-piercing power of more than 1000 mm, which will make it possible to hit any Western tank from the frontal projection.
Active suspension and diesel engine with power from 1200 to 1800 hp. provide excellent mobility even over rough terrain.
It is important that Armata was initially created for network-centric warfare, that is, for action together with other combat units. For this purpose, the Russian tank is equipped with many electronic systems, simplifying the work of the crew and connecting various types of equipment into a single whole.
Finally
Even if you push all the listed tanks into real battle, then the outcome will not be able to unambiguously determine the location, because much depends on the training of the crews, conditions and accidents. Therefore, you should not take the rating as some kind of axiom or be indignant at the biased attitude towards your favorite car.
