What is the best modern tank. The best tank in the world. Armament and protection of the Leopard

Weight: 62.3 tons; Length: 9.97 m

Width: 3.75 m; Height: 3.0 m

Crew: 4 people

The Leopard 2A7+ is the next generation main battle tank (MBT, which stands for "main battle tank"), which was shown by the 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. 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 new programmable 120mm projectiles. The tank also has an FLW 200 remote controlled machine gun, 7.62mm/12.7mm or a 40mm 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 hide the tank from enemy observation. The MBT can be equipped with additional attachments such as a mine plow or dozer blade for clearing mines and obstacles. This highly mobile tank has a top 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 has been developed from 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 a 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

The T-90MS, an upgraded version of the T-90 main battle tank built by Uralvagonzavod, was first displayed at the Russian Expo Arms exhibition in September 2011. The T-90MC has been significantly upgraded to improve combat effectiveness in modern local conflicts.

The tank's 125mm 2A46M-5 cannon fires various types of ammunition with high accuracy. The tank is also armed with a 6P7K 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun which is located on a remotely controlled weapon station.

The hull and turret can be equipped with Relic active armor to protect against anti-tank missiles. The T-90MC is also equipped with an optoelectronic shielding system and an electromagnetic protection system. V-92S2F engine with a rated power of 1,130 hp provides a top 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 start 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 that resembles that of the Leopard 2 and Leclerc. It uses a licensed version of the 120 mm Leopard 2 smoothbore gun, as well as a 1500 hp German diesel engine. The autoloader is very similar in design and performance to the autoloader of the Leclerc tank and can fire about 10 rounds per minute. Additional armament includes 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). The Black Panther is currently in production and scheduled to enter service in 2016.

The maximum speed is 70 km/h and the range is 450 km. makes the K2 highly mobile on the battlefield. Tank protection includes active armor and (ERA) for comprehensive protection against direct fire. The ammo rack also uses escape panels for blast protection.

5. Challenger 2, UK

Weight: 62.5 tons; Length: 8.30 m

Width: 3.50 m; Height: 2.50 m

Crew: 4 people

Challenger 2 (CR2) - main battle tank 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 120 mm L30 CHARM (CHallenger main ARMament) Challenger 2 gun provides the main firepower, while an axial 7.62 mm machine gun and a machine gun mounted on the roof of the 7.62 mm turret serve as additional weapons. The tank can carry 50 armor-piercing or high explosive (HESH) rounds, as well as 4,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Chobham Challenger 2 second generation armor offers a high level of protection. The Perkins-Condor CV12 engine provides a top road speed of 59 km/h.

Weight: 65 tons; Length: 9.04 m

Width: 3.72 m; Height: 2.66 m

Crew: 4 people

Merkava Mark IV is latest version serial Merkava battle tanks built by MANTAK. The tank entered service with the Israel 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. 7.62mm and 12.7mm swivel machine guns and a 60mm grenade launcher round out the tank's firepower.

Type 10 (TK-X) - advanced main battle tank fourth generation, 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 10 MBT type is complemented by a 120 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, and a 7.62 mm Type 74 cannon. The advanced C4I system provides interoperability with infantry troops during complex combat missions.

The tank body is fitted with modular ceramic composite armor that provides 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. 1200 hp engine 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 designed 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 handed over to the DGA (French Purchasing Agency) in January 1992.

The Leclerc is a third generation tank armed with the standard CN 1206 gun, 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns on the roof. The tank can carry 40 rounds of 120 mm ammunition and more than 950 rounds for a 12.7 mm machine gun.

Modern modular steel, ceramic and Kevlar armor offers comprehensive crew protection that can be raised to protect against IEDs, mines and RPGs. The Galix self-defense 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 collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was left with a tank plant in Kharkov, which produced the main battle tank T-80UD (MBT). In an effort to develop their own tanks, it was decided to take the design of the T-80 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 manufactured by the Kharkiv 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 inability to increase production in Kharkov.

The main weapon of the tank is a 125 mm KBA-3 cannon with an automatic loading system that can fire HE-FRAG (HE), APFSDS and HEAT rounds, as well as guided missiles. Additional armament is a KT-7.62 (PKT) 7.62 mm machine gun and a machine gun with remote control KT-12.7.

The multi-layered armor on the Oplot-M can withstand HEAT and APFSDS projectiles. 1200 hp D-2 engine provides a top 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 the China Northern Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) for the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). The tank was commissioned by the PLA in 2001.

The fully stabilized ZPT98 125mm autoloader gun provides superior firepower for the ZTZ99, capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FRAG projectiles 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.

1500 hp diesel engine provides a top speed of 80 km/h.

Many people wonder what is the best tank in the world. Let's try to figure it out now.

M1A2 Abrams is in service with many countries, such as the USA, Iraq, Australia, Israel, Great Britain. His homeland is the United States, where in 1980 he was put into mass production. The uranium armor gives this model an undoubted advantage over other tanks, as the M1A2 Abrams is able to withstand any anti-tank guns.

2nd place

Leopard 2A7 . This model was developed by German engineers, but is not yet mass-produced. But there are already many countries that want to buy this miracle. military equipment for your weapons. Leopard 2A7 has high aiming accuracy, can be used for military operations, both outside the city and directly inside the village.

3rd place

K2 Black Panther at the moment is not only one of the most expensive tanks in the world, but also one of the most efficient. This model was developed in North Korea and it is equipped with a powerful 120 mm gun. The Black Panther is able to develop very high speed and automatically hit objects based on the specified parameters.

English tank Challenger 2 recognized as the most protected model in the world. The unique cutting of the gun allows you to make high-precision hits over 5 km. Challenger may for a long time do without technical support and effectively resists direct-guided weapons.

5th place

Merkava Mk.4 - the creation of Israeli engineers, which has a high lethal force. Thanks to the unusual architecture, the tank crew is more likely to survive under direct hit, in case the Merkava Mk.4 rolls over. This model is not available in other countries and is used only by the Israeli army.

6th place

Japanese tank TK-X collected all the latest developments in the field of modern tank building. This combat unit It is highly maneuverable and allows you to effectively fire at small and moving targets. The TK-X is equipped with the latest in guidance, control and communications. In accordance with Japanese law, TK-X cannot be exported to other countries.

7th place

French tank model called Leclerc considered one of the most complex and technological in the world. Leclerc is equipped with a large number of state-of-the-art electronics, which significantly reduces the workload on the crew and increases its efficiency. This model can be used to destroy both stationary and moving objects.

8th place

T-90 - a tank model developed in Russia, which is one of the best-selling military technologies on the market. One of the reasons for this popularity is the relatively low price compared to other models. But this is not the only advantage of the T-90. This tank is very effective in combating anti-tank missiles, has a fairly high mobility, but is not suitable for hitting objects located at a great distance.

9th place

Oplot-M - a model developed by Ukrainian designers who managed to combine small size and lightness with impressive combat power and good protection. Thanks to the new Knife-2 defense system, Oplot-M effectively resists anti-tank rocket launchers. Due to the new panoramic system, the ability to observe the area has significantly improved, especially at night.

10th place

Type-99 - Chinese tank model, which is a so-called symbiosis of Russian and Western models. The only individual feature is the latest laser defense system, which can disable the optical instruments of enemy tanks and even helicopters.

Western journalists, following politicians, are haunted by the idea that Russia was able to create tanks that are superior in quality to their Western counterparts. So, Forbes magazine in a rather voluminous article made a comparison between the main mass tanks of Russia, Germany, the USA, China and France, respectively. The following samples were critically evaluated: T-90, Leopard-2, M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams, MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc. Let's add a British tank to this list for the sake of justice Challenger 2 and compare these six samples to determine the true leader. Let's reduce the evaluation principle to the simplest: let's compare the technical characteristics of vehicles, protection systems and weapons, the cost of their production, efficiency combat use, demand in the global arms market, the combination of these data can determine the best car. It is also worth adding to this list Israeli Merkava tank.

The Russian "flying" tank T-90 is considered a world bestseller.

Of course, other excellent examples of tank building could be considered, such as the Japanese Type-10 main tank or the South Korean K2 Black Panther main tank, but given their relatively small production and lack of examples combat use, while we refuse to consider these candidates in the ranking for the title of the best tank in the world. The Russian tank T14 "Armata" does not make sense to consider yet, since this model has not yet been adopted for service.

Abrams and T-90

The Western media almost in unison sing 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 in general, the car has proven itself well.

It is equipped with a 1500 horsepower AVCO Lycoming AGT-1500 gas turbine engine, with a combat weight of 64 tons, this machine can reach a maximum speed of up to 67 km per hour on a prepared path, up to 30 km/h on rough terrain 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 machine is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, a global positioning, control and communications system, high-resolution liquid crystal color displays (which display all the necessary information in digital and graphic forms) allow the commander to see the picture of the battle. The rangefinder is able to determine the distance to the target to be hit, up to almost 5 km, the main sight is equipped with a stabilizer.

Tank M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams

The tank is armed with a 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun (a licensed version of the Rheinmetall Rh-120 made in Germany), machine guns: one 12.7 mm M2HB and two M240 caliber 7.62 mm. The ammunition load of the 120 mm tank gun, in addition to other ammunition, includes the M829A3 sub-caliber projectile with a depleted uranium core, its maximum range effective use is 4.4 thousand m, at a distance of 2 km it penetrates 720 mm of armor.

The gun is loaded manually, the crew of the tank is four people. Western experts clearly over-praised this tank. In Iraq, in the current war, jihadists managed to knock out "Abrams" from, and this is already ridiculous. Poorly armed Yemeni guerrillas - the Houthis and they managed to destroy about 20 Abrams tanks.

What is the answer to all of the above? Russian main tank T-90, consider its modifications and T90-AM. The machine is equipped with a V-92S2F V-92S2F V-shaped 12-cylinder liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel tank engine with an HP 1130 power. With a combat weight of 48 tons, the tank is capable of speeds of 65–70 km/h on a prepared track and up to 45–50 km/h on rough terrain. The ratio of the weight of the tank to the engine power of 24 hp. per ton i.e. better than the M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams. The pressure of the tracks per unit surface of the T-90AM is 10% lower than that of the American tank, respectively, 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 tactical level LCD color display high resolution(it displays all the information necessary for the commander) allows you to monitor the combat situation. Sighting range of OFZ shells up to 10 km. Guided munitions allow 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 fighting machine 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 crew's survival rate when a projectile hits it and the entire ammunition is detonated. In addition to its own armor, the tank has additional screens, active and dynamic protection systems. The modern modular complex of the third generation dynamic protection "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 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun with automatic loading and a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun paired with it, as well as a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft gun UDP T05BV-1. The crew of the tank - three people (loader - no). 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 each one winning. Undoubtedly, Abrams tanks have a rich track record and they performed well in 1991 and 2003 in the US wars against Iraq. In both cases, Saddam Hussein's tank troops were also 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 Iraqi crews were the main factor of unreliability, mainly because of this, it was not difficult for the Americans to fight almost without loss with the tanks of Saddam Hussein. That is, this combat experience does not mean anything, the Yankees have never met in battle with Russian crews and modern Russian tanks.

Moreover, it must be taken into account that Abrams fought only in a warm climate, on a 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 had already had to admire their dead machines on frosty days in the battle near 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, which confidently demonstrate high combat skills.

A new Russian is on the way, which in all respects leaves Abrams far behind. The Pentagon has already sounded the alarm and is toughly raising the issue before the Senate about funding a new tank project. Even if they manage to persuade the senators, America will still fall behind in the tank race by at least a corps. The Pentagon also lags behind the Russian military department in operational art, it is worth noting that the Americans do not have historical combat experience in mass tank battles, and the experience of waging “big” wars too.

You can also take into account the fact that these days Abrams tanks in Iraq and Yemen do not show themselves in the best way. But 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 design, the Leopard 2, is a good, solid tank, but it will be very difficult to fight on it because of its heavy weight on the Russian terrain, except perhaps along the roads. It seems that, mindful of their stunning defeat on the battlefields in World War II in the East, the Germans do not even dream of considering Russia as a possible theater of operations (TVD).

In the current Syrian war, the Leopard 2 was used by Turkish troops during the Euphrates Shield operation, it must be admitted that it did not behave very well in a combat situation and generally received a negative assessment of experts. Again, a reservation must be made here, Turkish crews fought on these tanks in Syria, perhaps the Germans under the same conditions could rehabilitate their Leopard 2.

In fact, Germany is an unsurpassed leader in mechanical engineering. Let this project be over 40 years old, but in a 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 MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder V-twin turbocharged diesel engine with an output of 1,479 hp. or MTU MT883 with 1,650 hp. The maximum speed of this machine on prepared tracks is 68 km/h, on rough terrain 30 km/h. The maximum power reserve is 320 km. But in Russian off-road conditions, this monster can stand up tightly, especially in the severe cold of Russian winters.

The Leopard 2 is armed with a 120 mm Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore cannon (manually loaded) and two 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine guns. Anti-tank projectile DM-53 with a warhead in the form of a tungsten core is capable of penetrating 750 mm armor at a distance of 2 km, Israeli-made LAHAT ATGM, which is part of the tank's regular ammunition? hits targets at ranges up to 6 km. The Leopard-2 is equipped with the German EMES 15 fire control system, a panoramic sight, a laser rangefinder, a thermal imager and other equipment, including modern appliances navigation and surveillance communications. The crew of the car is 4 people. For the Western European theater of operations, the tank is ideal.

Again, this tank is clearly not worth meeting on the battlefield with the T90AM, the Leopard has little chance of emerging victorious from this fight, and its vaunted defense is powerless against modern Russian anti-tank weapons.

MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc

Basic Chinese tank MBT-2000 is deservedly considered a satisfactory model in the comparative table of world tank building. Its technical capabilities, perhaps, should be compared with the T-72B, and the T90AM, it is inferior in all respects. Although the MBT-2000 is the most massive tank in the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), it was originally created to capture the global tank market. This example is manufactured under license by Pakistan under the name Al-Khalid. The machine does not yet have a widely known combat history, as, indeed, Chinese army does not have historical experience conducting mass tank battles. It is not known how these machines will behave in the conditions of Siberian frosts.

Chinese tank MBT-2000

Currently, the PLA is receiving new tanks MBT-3000 (VT-4), however, this model is also oriented to the international market in the future. According to the declared technical characteristics, it is comparable to the T90AM, but one can only guess what this machine 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 combat vehicles from abroad, the main components are purchased in France.

The AMX-56 Leclerc tank is another proof of the French ambitions. They could well get by, like other countries of continental Western Europe, with German Leopard 2 monsters or American Abrams. But no, Paris goes its own way in everything, despite the financial costs. This machine has been mass-produced for 15 years since 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 with a capacity of 1500 hp. allows the tank to accelerate to 71 km/h on a prepared track and up to 40 km/h on rough terrain and provides a cruising range of 550 km. I will immediately note that this tank was not tested in Russian conditions either, and I presume that it will not prove itself here, just like other foreign models.

French tank AMX-56 Leclerc

AMX-56 protected by composite layered armor modular type, the design of the tank is made so that the inclined frontal armor will meet an anti-aircraft projectile with a direct hit with a thickness of 700 mm. This "Leclerc" does not have dynamic protection, the French rely on the design of their armor. The communication, control, surveillance and aiming system are combined into a single system, the tank is literally crammed with electronics, here its full set, including the central computer, the tank's control system is integrated into the IMS. This car is comfortable for the crew.

The armament of the AMX-56 is the CN-120-26 smoothbore gun, which has two stabilizers, a thermal imager, a range finder, a combined gunner's sight and a panoramic commander's sight. The gun of the AMX-56 tank is equipped with an automatic loader. The performance characteristics of this gun are comparable to the characteristics of the German smoothbore tank gun Rh 120, the ammunition of the guns of the Abrams and Leopard tanks is suitable for the French tank gun CN-120-26. Additional weapons "Leclerc" - machine guns: M2HB-QBC caliber 12.7 mm and F1 caliber 7.62 mm. The crew of the AMX-56 Leclerc is three people. The tank is not bad, it has proven itself well in the fighting in Yemen, but again, it is hardly suitable for war in the conditions of the Russian climate and landscape.

Merkava and Challenger 2

The Israeli tank "Merkava" ten years ago was considered almost one of the best in the world, now it is estimated 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 against modern armor-piercing sub-caliber shells, it will not withstand. KAZ Meil ​​Ruach (“Air Cloak”) is used as active protection. In battle, these machines show themselves not with better side, the poor training of Israeli tankers also affects here, but mainly the matter is in the technical shortcomings of the tanks themselves. It is known that the Russian ATGM "Kornet" terrifies Israeli tankers.

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 1500-horsepower diesel engine, which allows it to accelerate on a prepared track up to 60 km/h, on rough terrain up to 30 km/h, and a cruising range of up to 500 km. The tank is armed with a 120 mm MG253 smoothbore gun 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 SLA practically copies that of the Abrams tank, the gunner has a sight with a thermal imager and auto-tracking of the target, 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 machine is heavy, its combat weight is 62.5 tons. The armor is combined anti-ballistic, there is dynamic protection. The digital fire control system includes a 32-bit processor and a Mil Std 1553 data bus. The gunner's combined stabilized 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 machine is equipped with a 12-cylinder V-shaped turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of 1200 hp, develops a speed of 56 km/h on a prepared track, 25–30 km/h on slightly rugged terrain, and a cruising range of 400 km. 120 mm rifled gun L30E4 (L11A5); two 7.62 mm machine guns. The crew of the tank is 4 people. Total released 400 Challenger tanks 2. Even during the 1991 Iraq war, these tanks showed their unreliability in combat.

World tank market

Many military experts believe that tanks will be out of combat use in the near future, they will be destroyed precision weapons, modern and promising PTS, just as at one time machine guns and the tanks themselves destroyed the cavalry. However, for the time being, not one army in the world is going 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 the Russian arms exports.

Now the manufacturer of these tanks has two new contracts for delivery abroad: Iraq will receive the first batch of 73 vehicles, and Vietnam will put another 64 units of this type of equipment into service. 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 launch an assembly plant in Egypt. In total, taking into account the supply of ammunition, consumables, spare parts and other things, 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 1,000 new tanks will be sold abroad in the coming years. The order book is expected to increase to more than 1600 tanks and more.

Now the T-90 is in service with the armies of 38 different countries, this is the best sales result in the world. Not only does this tank have a low cost, and hence the final price (118 million rubles), it outperforms competitors in terms of quality in almost all respects.

The German tank Leopard 2 is considered by many to be the best in the world, as we can see, this statement is far from the truth. This machine was delivered to 21 countries of the world, mainly to Northern and Western Europe, as well as to Turkey. The latter used them very unsuccessfully in Syria during Operation Euphrates Shield.

The Leopard 2A6 costs $6.79 million, and the Leopard 2 A7+ is more than $10 million. In total, more than 3200 Leopard 2 different 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 list of sales, the Chinese main tank MBT-2000 claims the second place in the world ranking. At a cost of 4.7 million dollars per unit, China sold its cars to Morocco (150 units), Myanmar (150 units), Sri Lanka (22 units), 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 bite: it varies, but generally around $ 8.6 million, so buyers are not eager to purchase new tank in full technical equipment. Older models that are simpler in terms of equipment are exported, which are taken from storage, undergo major repairs, mainly engines, guns and FCS are subject to replacement. For example, Egypt has acquired more than 1,200 M1A1 Abrams tanks. This tank is in service with the armies of six countries (except the United States). In total, the American military industry sold 2217 M1 tanks abroad, of which about 750 were in the improved M1A2 configuration. This tank has no prospects for mastering the world market. In addition, only 12 machines of this type are currently produced in the United States per year.

France began serial production of the AMX-56 Leclerc in 1990. Since then, the French army has received 406 tanks, and only 388 vehicles have been exported, the same British Challenger 2 tanks at a cost of $ 8.6 million per unit, only 38 units have been sold abroad. As for the Leclerc tanks, the only buyer of the miracle of French tank building was the United United Arab Emirates. The cost of one French tank is considerable - 9.3 million euros. The Merkava is estimated by the manufacturer at $6 million, but everything is simpler here, because of its technical shortcomings, no one but Singapore wants to buy this tank, the latter has signed a contract for only 50 vehicles.

A tank is a tracked armored vehicle. Able to overcome impassability, break barriers, suppress the enemy with fire. Armor allows you to operate under enemy fire, modern protection systems keep the crew alive even in conditions of radiation damage. All military conflicts are associated with this technique, starting with the First World War. They covered the movement of the infantry, went on reconnaissance raids, held the defense, being dug up to the very tower, and destroyed the enemy's defenses. Countries do not get tired of arguing who created the best tank in the world.

modern warfare

The methods of destroying equipment and manpower in our time are very diverse - from conventional bullets and artillery shells to guided missiles, poisonous gases, damaging radiation, electromagnetic radiation. In war, the main thing is the fulfillment of the task. Whose tanks are the best in the world will decide the battlefield. And the technique is calculated to extend the life of the crew as much as possible to fulfill the order. Tanks have active armor that can protect against guided missiles, save from radiation and poisonous gases. Armor, due to its thickness and slope, will cover from most projectiles. But modern weapons have become difficult to manage, and an ordinary private will not always be able to cope, it takes time and money to spend on qualified personnel.

tank evolution

The first time tanks were used by the British in the First World War. It was a technique with armor capable of covering from a machine gun, nothing more. But with its unusualness, the tank terrified people and horses. For many years there has been a heated debate about whether the tank could replace the cavalry. Second World War gave a strong impetus to the development of tank building and showed all the pros and cons of this technique. Horses do not require such an amount of fuel (there is enough oats and pasture), expensive maintenance (life is measured not in hours, but in years), they have better cross-country ability, especially along narrow mountain paths and windbreaks. At the same time, the tank has a huge psychological impact, inspires its own troops and suppresses the enemy. Comparable in firepower to light artillery, the armor and destructive power draws enemy fire onto itself, allowing allied forces to advance.

Now the tank is one of the highest achievements of science and technology. From this article you will learn about the best modern tanks in the world. Their rating is ambiguous, however, judge for yourself.

The best tank in the world

Countries around the world are arguing whose tanks are better, everyone has their own arguments and arguments. American and British experts compiled their own table based on five points: the firepower of the tank, its armor, mobility, production complexity and psychological impact on the enemy (intimidation). Each tank was evaluated according to the conditions of its time. The top 10 tanks in the world are listed below.

Rating

• 10th place- The American Sherman is perhaps the easiest tank to manufacture.
• 9th place- Israeli Merkava, heavy and clumsy, but has impressive firepower and looks intimidating.
• 8th place- the Soviet T-54/55, a medium tank, not particularly outstanding, but easy to manufacture, thanks to which it was put on stream and could crush more technological models with its numbers.
• 7th place- English "Challenger", has earned its place for firepower and armor.
• 6th place- German Pz IV. The machine is difficult to manufacture, but has good protection and firepower, and even the psychological impact on the enemy was huge, in the early days of World War II it was the best tank.
• 5th place- English "Centurion". The tank has a simple appearance, received the highest scores for firepower and security.
• 4th place- English WWI. This tank has thin armor, weak weapons, but at one time it was the only armored vehicle on the battlefield.

• 3rd place- German "Tiger". The legendary car, like all German ones, is high-tech. Despite its mass, it has good speed, as well as armor and weapons. "Tiger" is known to anyone who watched films about the Second World War.
• 2nd place- American M-1 Abrams. Americans consider it the best tank of our time. Of the machines put into mass production, he has the highest scores for armor and weapons. The Abrams is difficult to manufacture, and experts also gave top marks for intimidation, although it is not entirely clear what these ratings are based on.

And the top 10 best tanks in the world are crowned by a well-known car.

• 1st place- Soviet T-34. The machine was released 75 years ago. Every Russian knows what kind of equipment it is. The T-34 has an excellent power reserve, maneuverable, with good armor and weapons. He had something to oppose to the German "Tigers". On the fields of the Second World War, he gained fame for himself. And the ease of production made it unattainable for the rest of the top 10 tanks in the world.

Tanks as a monument of the era

In most cities of Russia, tanks, such as IS, T-34 and others, proudly stand on pedestals. There is a version that these are not just monuments, but mothballed, ready for battle equipment in case of a nuclear war, when electromagnetic pulse burn out all the electronics, and modern tanks will stand up.

Each such monument is a kind of milestone in history, it bears the battle scars of battles, the memory of its crew, the fear of defeated opponents. And if we talk about material things, then military equipment is a concentrate of the technical achievements of the people who created it. It can be used to determine what people have achieved at one time or another, and which path of development they are following.

History and technical development

The first time the tank entered the battlefield during the First World War. The armor was thin, the guns were weak, but he had no competitors. For its time, it was the best tank in the world. There was a long debate about whether tracked vehicles could replace horses. Despite everything, tank building was gaining momentum. The Soviet Union at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War there were 16 thousand tanks different type. They were conditionally divided into light, medium and heavy, depending on the thickness of the armor and weight.

The Second World War gave a strong impetus to the development of military technology. If you look at the line of tanks in Germany, where production was given to private hands, you can only marvel at the imagination of people. Some machines were created in limited quantities. A prime example is the Pz VIII, or Maus, built by Porsche. Only two copies were built and none took part in the battles. It was super heavy tank weighing 188 tons.

Now the tanks are divided into main and light. The main one has a mass of 46-62 tons, a speed of up to 70 km / h and a crew of 3-4 people. Light, usually floating, are used for reconnaissance raids, sabotage, landings, bypassing the enemy and destroying artillery and command posts.

Tank biathlon

Everyone remembers the ancients Olympic Games. The victorious country could not worry that someone would risk attacking it in the next year. The athletes were professional warriors, and the main disciplines were weapon throwing, running in armor and other actions directly related to the physical and psychological state of the army.

The modern Olympic Games have changed, in fact, athletes and warriors are no longer the same, but in 2014 Sergei Shoigu proposed holding a tank biathlon between states. Biathlon has already been held twice. At the second, the forces of 12 states were measured, the NATO countries refused to take part, they only sent observers. In August, the attention of hundreds of thousands of people from different countries was concentrated at the tank training ground near Moscow.

All participants competed on the T-72B, except for the People's Republic of China, which competed on the T-96A. This fact eloquently says what is the best tank in the world. This is Russian, and it is not difficult to understand that our crews had only one task - to win, which they did with honor.

Fight simulation

To determine which tank is the best, very often they use not just a comparison of characteristics, but mathematical modeling of battles. No country will go to the expense of buying tanks of different types and pushing them into battle, and analysis with the help of modern computer technology allows you to get results, although relative, but cheap.

most famous model The battle was a battle between four T-90s and German Leopards. The very idea of ​​​​the battle appeared when the idea arose to replace the T-90, which are in service Russian army, on foreign equipment. The Leopard is technically sophisticated and more reliable, but in a frontal battle out of four tanks, only one of the four tanks reached the T-90. The combat range of the T-90 is up to 5 km, while that of the Leopard is half that. At the same time, German technology costs 4.5 times more.

Modern tanks of the world

Each country considers its tank to be the best, experts argue tirelessly. Some equipment is cheaper to manufacture, easier to manage, but the technical equipment is lagging behind, but more of them can be made, others amaze with their capabilities, and even more so with their price. The top 10 best tanks in the world exist, but there will always be those who disagree with it. Below are the best modern tanks in the world.

• 1st place - German "Leopard 2A7". Tanks perform well in the fields, in the open, but the Germans released a new modification adapted for fighting in the city. The Leopard is armored against HEAT rounds, has increased visibility, has thermal imagers, and is designed to fight 24 hours a day.

• 2nd place - American M1 Abrams. A fairly massive tank, more than 9,000 units have already been produced. It has good armor and fire guidance systems. Its feature is a 3500 hp turbine engine. s., although according to documents only 1500 liters. With. There is a power limiter in the tank, as the full operation of the engine tears the tracks.
• 3rd place- Challenger 2 UK. A fairly expensive tank, considered one of the most secure, produced for export and adapted to work at high temperatures.
• 4th place- Israeli Merkava Mark IV. A tank that has been worked out and honed in battles.
• 5th place- Russian "T-90MS Tagil". A modern, not yet mass-produced tank. Improved fire guidance system, increased protection for fighting in the city.
• 6th place- Russian Oplot-M. Works on everything that burns, is easily repaired in the field, slightly inferior to NATO tanks. The downside is the small number of tests.
• 7th place- Italian CI Ariete.
• 8th place- French Leclerc. In addition to France, it is in service with the UAE.

• 9th place- Korean K2 Black Panther. Many believe that this is the best tank in the world. Put into mass production at the end of 2014. Technical equipment provides great opportunities. The tank can shoot down low-flying aircraft, the surface scanner allows you to adjust the suspension and work of each roller separately. Got into the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive - 8.5 million dollars.
• 10th place- Japanese "Type 90". The tank is not shipped abroad and has never taken part in real combat operations.

The ten best tanks in the world are conditional, as they are compared theoretically, comparing them performance characteristics, mathematical modeling of battles does not give complete answers, and this dispute can be resolved only by repeated clashes on the battlefield.

"Armata"

For many years we have been waiting for the release of the T-95, or "object-195", but in 2010 its funding was frozen (for the official reason - "non-compliance with modern requirements"). And after a while they started talking about a new Russian tank, which should become the main one, the Armata.

There is no clear information on it, but since the direction of development of the T-95 is known, it can be assumed that it will be a tank with an internal capsule to protect the crew, a flat turret with a 125-mm cannon, sufficient to destroy NATO tanks. Already this year, "Armata" should be on the production line. Whether it will be the best tank in the world, as it should be for a Russian tank, we will soon find out.

Development prospects

The top of the best tanks in the world gives an idea of ​​the direction of development of each state. During the Second World War, the tank mass efficiency ceiling was reached, it makes no sense to increase it above 50-70 tons. A gun with a diameter of 125 mm, 150 mm will open any armor, the increase of which will only make the vehicle heavier and clumsy. Over the past few years, the development process has been on the path of building up electronic systems, but the cost of the tank increases several times and ceases to justify itself. The German Leopard is more reliable than the T-90, but it costs four times more and in a head-on collision it won’t even get within range of a shot. Pleased with the increase in crew survivability.

We can conclude: since armor, weapons, maneuverability, speed have practically exhausted themselves, they give a little progress electronic systems and crew survivability, a new stage in the development of military equipment awaits us.

Interactions with other troops

Modern tanks fire a wide variety of projectiles. They can launch rockets and shoot down aircraft, act as light artillery, crush the enemy in defense or, digging up to the very tower, hold back the offensive. Light amphibious tanks conduct reconnaissance of the territory, calculate command centers and missile silos.

However, without infantry support, air cover and artillery preparation, even the best tank in the world does not live long on the battlefield.

Good day, we want to present you the TOP 10 of the best tanks in the world in 2019

10 M1A2 Abrams

The M1A2 Abrams universal combat vehicle has been in service with the United States since 1994. It differs from other models in reinforced armor, heavy weight (67.6 tons), a width of 3.6 meters, a hull length of 9.82 meters, a laser rangefinder and an integrated combat video surveillance system with 8 periscopes. Equipped with a 120 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun and two additional machine guns. The turret body of the tank is capable of rotating 360 degrees. Abrams is the most high-tech combat vehicle in the world of military equipment.

9 K2 Black Panther

The armor power of the Black Panther is the same as that of the M1A2 Abrams, however, the mass of equipment is only 55 tons with a 10-meter muzzle and a height of 2.2 meters, a hull length of 7.5 meters, and a tank width of 3.1 meters.
They have a standard projectile that hits the enemy from above. Released Black Panther South Korea in 2009.

8 Type 99

The most reliable Type 99 tank in Asia, weighing 54 tons, has a 125 mm smoothbore machine gun, which is more powerful. Type 99 has reactive armor and a modern laser surveillance system that, when an enemy is detected in autonomous mode, opens fire to kill. Perhaps the Chinese tank is the most expensive in the world. According to experts, its cost is 2.5 million dollars.

7 T-90

The Russian T-90 tank is equipped not only with standard reactive armor and armor, but also active protection: smoke screening system and laser homing. Chrome-plated 125 mm smoothbore machine gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. The combat weight of the tank is 46.5 tons with a hull length of 6.8 meters. The T-90 meets all the requirements of modern combat.

6 RT-91

The Polish battle tank RT-91 is a modernized version of the Russian T-72 tank. It has a fairly powerful engine of 850 hp and a fast speed of 60 km/h. The mass of the tank is 47.3 tons. The main weapon is a modernized 125-mm cannon, which is equipped with an automatic loader. Additional armament includes a 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft gunner.

5 Challenger

The British Army Challenger tank has been in service since 2008. The weapon is an armor-piercing 120 mm sub-caliber projectile and two 7.62 mm machine guns. Ammunition of 4000 rounds. The diesel power of the tank is 1200 hp. Chassis reinforced with hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger is the most reliable tank in the world.

4 K1a1

Korean battle tank released with improved armor weighing 55 tons. Optimized for fighting in the mountains. The tank is armed with a powerful 120 mm rapid-fire cannon, an automated control system for engaging the enemy from the air.
Produced since 2001. Can pass water barriers.

3 Al Khalid

The tank has been in service with Pakistan since 2000. The main weapon is a 125 mm smoothbore gun, in an additional set of the tank there is a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun, there are also 12 installations for launching smoke grenades. Al-Khalid adapted to high temperatures, equipped with dynamic protection of the frontal projection of the hull. The mass of the combat vehicle is 45 tons.

2 Leclerc

The fast French tank Leclerc is distinguished by the most complex and technologically advanced design. Although the Leclerc consists of a standard 120 mm cannon with an additional 12.7 mm co-axial machine gun that holds up to 11,000 rounds and an ammunition load of 3,000 rounds of an additional 7.62 mm machine gun. Grenade launchers are installed on the sides of the tower.
The electronic systems of the tank allow you to receive data on fuel consumption, the distance traveled and the location of the tank.