The best tanks in the world, according to foreign observers

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Only a few countries around the world produce their own tanks. Among them are Russia, USA, Germany, Israel, France, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea and China. The defense industry of some states is trying to improve the design of their own armored vehicles based on samples purchased from abroad, without making significant changes.

Armament is produced not only for defense needs, but also for export, while, according to all the laws of the market, there is a competitive struggle. The best tanks in the world compete in demonstration runs and shootings during international exhibitions, their advantages and disadvantages are assessed by experts. The most complete comparative analysis is also possible during military conflicts, but such an assessment is subjective, since the success of military operations significantly depends on the training of crews, the tactical advantages of the terrain, and many other factors that level the quality indicators of armored vehicles.

All the best tanks in the world have a number of common features that define the general line of modern design solutions. The most important parameters are the characteristicsweapons, degree of survivability, speed, maneuverability and ergonomics.

The main armament of a modern tank at the moment is a turret gun, its caliber has increased from 120 to 140 mm in the last two decades. In addition, the best tanks in the world can use their barrels to fire not only projectiles, but also guided missiles.

Vitality, that is, the ability to withstand modern weapons, is determined by the properties of the armor. To create modern protection, it is not enough just to increase its thickness, its structure is important, as well as the presence of reactive layers that can dissipate cumulative effects. Important indicators include the conditions created that allow the crew to quickly leave the car in the event of a hit.

Speed and maneuverability are determined by driving performance and the power of the power plant. The best tanks in the world are currently equipped with diesel engines. A promising direction for the development of engines is gas turbines.

The rationalization of all crew movements and maximum automation create time advantages for the combat unit, which can be a decisive factor in victory. Great attention is paid to issues of ergonomics of military equipment.

Based on all the criteria, most foreign experts believe that the German "Leopard-2A5" is the best tank in the world in 2013. Its main advantage is the ability to modify previously produced machines to the level of the latest model by installing new ones.guidance devices and engine.

The American M1A2 tank is equipped with a turbine, which, despite its obvious advantages, has shown its vulnerability in sand and dust storms. Engines too often have to be sent from the conflict zone to the United States for repairs. In all other respects, the tank is as good as the Leopard.

Third, fourth and fifth place, according to foreign military observers, went to the Japanese "Type-90", the French "Leclerc" and the English "Challenger-2". All three cars differ little from each other and from the Leopard, they are built in the "mainstream" of the design ideas of the 1990s, and are abundantly equipped with electronics and electric drives.

A very cautious approach is shown in assessing the combat qualities of the Russian Black Eagle. Data about him is published sparingly, but just in case, he was given the sixth place in the world tank rating. Its predecessor (T-80) was often criticized, but significant changes were made, and apparently, they concerned just the identified shortcomings.

The same considerations dictated the assignment of seventh place to the Russian T-90. Dynamo-reactive armor system "Kontakt-5", electronic protection "Shtora-1", a gun capable of firing laser-guided projectiles - everything could suggest that this is the best modern tank in the world, but let down insufficient by Western standards comfort level. The same claims to the Ukrainian T-84.

South Korean"Type-88" is similar to the Japanese "Type-90". Why he is in eighth place is unclear. Apparently, the little experience of the tank builders of the "Land of Morning Calm" affects.

Russian T-72 in honorable ninth place. Its export modifications are willingly bought by many countries, it is good, reliable, and inexpensive. Perhaps, in some characteristics, it is inferior to the Leopards and Abrams, but it is quite suitable for performing the usual tasks assigned to tanks.

The Israeli tank "Merkava III" should not have been included in this rating at all. This machine is very specific, it was created for the conditions of the Middle East. The tank has powerful weapons, reliable protection, and is adapted for evacuating the wounded from the battlefield, but it is slow moving. That's right, Israel is a small country, and no long-range offensives are expected, the main thing is to defend one's own.

Chinese cars are not in the top ten.

It is possible that this rating is not objective, it is compiled by Western observers taking into account their own preferences.

Russians and Ukrainians did not get prizes. Little is known about our tanks, but we are still respected and considered one of the best.