12 Best Tank in the World
12 Best Tank in the World
Monday, 01 December 2008 01:37 administrator
12.... PT-91
The PT-91 Twardy is a Polish main battle tank. It is an extensive modernization of the T-72M1 and first entered service in 1995. The PT-91 was designed at the Research and Development Centre of Mechanical Systems OBRUM and is produced by the Bumar Łabędy company. Changes from the T-72 include a new dual-axis stabilized fire-control system, reactive armour, a slightly more powerful 850hp S12U engine, and hydraulic transmission with seven forward gears and one reverse. In 1995 the PT-91 underwent a second modernization, to PT-91A standard, including a 1000hp engine, more advanced fire-control system, and new automatic loader.
PT-91
Weight 46.5 tonnes
Length 6.67 m
Width 3.4 m
Height 2.19 m
Crew 3
Armor composite armour; front and side armor laminated; front, side and top armor behind Erawa-1/Erawa-2 ERA, steel side anti-cumulative screens
Primary
armament 1 x 125mm 2A46MS gun
Secondary
armament 1 x 7.62mm FN MAG coaxial general purpose machine gun,
1 x 12.7mm FN M2 HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun
Engine PZL-Wola S-1000 diesel
1000 HP (735 kW)
Power/weight 16 kW/t
Suspension torsion-bar
Operational
range 500 km
Speed 70 km/h
11.... AL-Khalid
The Al-Khalid or MBT 2000 (Type 90-IIM) is a modern main battle tank co-developed by China and Pakistan. It is produced in Pakistan, and in service with the Pakistan Army. It is operated by a crew of three, and armed with 125mm smoothbore gun with mechanical autoloader, capable of firing anti-tank missiles, with modern fire-control and night-fighting equipment. The MBT 2000 is named after the legendary Muslim general Khalid ibn al-Walid.
Based on its Chinese and Soviet design ancestry, the MBT2000/Al-Khalid is considerably smaller and lighter than most western main battle tanks. The design is based on the Chinese model Type 90 main battle tank project, which combines technologies from several Soviet and western tanks, and is ultimately a descendant of the widely-produced Soviet T-54A. The MBT 2000 is unusual in that it is adaptable for manufacture with any of a variety engines and transmissions of foreign origin.
The Al-Khalid is a version of this tank produced in Pakistan, with a compact diesel engine supplied by Ukraine's KMDB design bureau. The first tanks were completed and entered Pakistan Army service in 2001, and Pakistan had planned to induct 600 of these by 2007.
Alkhalid
Weight 48 tonnes
Length 10.07 m
Width 3.50 m
Height 2.40 m
Crew 3
Armour 600 mm est.
Primary
armament 125 mm smoothbore gun
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm antiaircraft, 7.62 mm coaxial machine guns
Engine 12-cylinder diesel model 6TD-2
1,200 hp (895 kW)
Power/weight 26 hp/tonne
Transmission torsion-bar
Operational
range 500 km
Speed 72 km/h
10.... T-90
T-90 is a Russian main battle tank (MBT) derived from the T-72, and is currently the most modern tank in the Russian Ground Forces and is also in service with various other foreign military operators. The successor to T-72BM, the T-90 uses the gun and 1G46 gunner sights from the T-80U, a new engine, and thermal sights. Protective measures include Kontakt-5 ERA, laser warning receivers, the EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse creator for the destruction of magnetic mines and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system.
Weight 46.5 tonnes
Length 9.53 m (31.27 ft)
Width 3.78 m (9.12 ft)
Height 2.22 m (7.28 ft)
Crew 3
Armor Classified steel-composite-reactive blend
Primary
armament 125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM capability; mainly 9M119 Svir
Secondary
armament 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun
Engine Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel[1]
V-92 12-cyl. diesel
V-96 12-cyl. diesel
840 hp (626 kW) for Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine
950 hp (708 kW) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine
1,100 hp (820 kW) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
Power/weight 18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne) for Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine
20.4 hp/tonne (15.2 kW/tonne) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine
23.7 hp/tonne (17.6 kW/tonne) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
Suspension torsion bar
Operational
range 650 km
Speed 65 km/h
Unit cost $1,371,000 USD
9.... Type 99
The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, developed from the Type 98G (in turn, a development of the Type 98), is a 3rd generation main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. It is made to compete with modern western tanks. Although not expected to be acquired in large numbers due to its high cost compared to the more economical Type 96, it is currently the most advanced MBT fielded by China.
Weight ~54 tonnes
Length 11.0 m
Width 3.4 m
Height 2.2 m
Crew 3 (4 originally based on the Type 98 prototypes without autoloader)
Armor Composite with ERA
Primary
armament 125 mm smoothbore tank gun, compatible with Chinese 140mm guns[2][3]
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm commander's machine gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
Engine liquid-cooled diesel
1,500 hp (1,100 kW)
Power/weight 27.8 hp/tonne
Suspension torsion bar
Operational
range 600 km
Speed 80 km/h (50 mph)
Unit cost approx 2,500,000 USD
8.... K1a1
The K1 is a main battle tank in use with the South Korean ground forces. The vehicle was designed by General Dynamics, while the production is handled domestically by Hyundai Precision.
The K1A1 was accepted into Korean service on October 13, 2001 after the first one was produced on April 3, 1996. It is similar to its predecessor, with the exception of a larger 120 mm main gun with vastly improved penetration power. The new version also includes an improved fire-control system featuring thermal image KGPS (Korean Gunner's Primary Sight), KCPS (Korean Commander's Panoramic Sight), along with improved survivability for the engine. The FCS gives the tank a 90% or greater chance of hitting its target while on the move, while the highest score it achieved topped off at 98%. The improved armor is roughly equivalent to that of an M1A1 without depleted uranium plating inserts. The laser rangefinder is CO2-based.
Weight K1 -- 51.1 tons
K1A1 -- 54.5 tons
Length K1 -- 9.67 m
K1A1 -- 9.71m
Width 3.60 m
Height 2.25 m
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader and driver)
Armor Composite
Primary
armament K1 -- KM68A1 105 mm (47 rounds)
K1A1 -- KM256 120mm (32 rounds)
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm K6 HMG on right pintle mount for commander
7.62 mm M60 on left pintle mount for loader
7.62 mm M60 on coaxial mount
Engine 10-cyl. water-cooled diesel MTU 871 Ka-501
1200 hp (890 kW) at 2600 rpm
Power/weight K1 -- 23.4 hp / ton
K1A1 -- 22.0 hp / ton
Transmission ZF LSG 3000 (Four forward, two reverse)
Suspension Hydropneumatic at front, torsion bar at rear of the chassis
Operational
range 500 km
Speed 65 km/h
Unit cost $ 4,066,00.00 USD
7.... Type 90
The Type 90 is the current main battle tank (MBT) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It is built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was designed as a replacement for all deployed Type 61s and a portion of their Type 74 tanks, and entered service in 1990. It is slated to be complemented by the Type 10.
Weight 50.2 tonnes
Length 9.755 m
Width 3.33 m
Height 2.33 m
Crew 3
Armor Modular ceramic/steel composite armour
Primary
armament 120 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loader
35 rounds
Secondary
armament M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun
1,500 rounds
7.62mm machine gun Type 74 2,000 rounds
Engine Mitsubishi 10ZG 10 cylinder, Two stroke cycle
Diesel 21500cc
1500ps/2400rpm (1,120 kW), 15min output rating: 4410Nm 450kgfm)
Power/weight 30 hp/tonne
Suspension hydropneumatic
Operational
range 350 km (fuel 1100 L)
Speed 70 km/h (acceleration: 0-200 m in 20 s)
Unit cost $ 3,644,00.00 USD
6.... Leclerc
The Leclerc is a main battle tank (MBT) built by Nexter of France. It was named in honour of General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque who led the drive towards Paris while in command of the Free French 2nd Armoured Division in World War II.
The Leclerc is in service with the French Army and the army of the United Arab Emirates. In production since 1991,the Leclerc entered French service in 1992, replacing the venerable AMX 30 as the country's main armoured platform. With production now complete, the French Army has a total of 406 Leclercs and the United Arab Emirates Army has 388.
Weight 54.5 tonnes
Length 9.87 m (6.88 without gun
Width 3.71 m
Height 2.53 m
Crew 3[1] (Commander, gunner, driver)
Armour Steel, titanium, NERA
Primary
armament 120mm tank gun
40 rounds (1 round ready to fire in the chamber, 22 rounds inside autoloader magazine with additional 18 rounds in the chassis)
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm coaxial M2HB machine gun
1,100 rounds
7.62mm machine gun
3,000 rounds
Engine 8-cylinder diesel Wärtsilä
1,500 hp[1] (1,100 kW)
Power/weight 27.52 hp/tonne
Suspension hydropneumatic
Operational
range 550 km
Speed 71 km/h
Unit cost ₣ 29.000.000 in 1993
5.... K2 Black Panther
K2 Black Panther is an advanced main battle tank which will replace the aging M48A5K Patton tanks and complement the K1 series of main battle tanks currently fielded by the Republic of Korea. Full-scale mass-production is expected to start in 2009. The ROK Army plans to field approximately 680 Black Panthers.
Weight 55 tonnes (60.63 tons)
Length 10 m including gun (32.81 ft)
7.5 m chassis only (24.61 ft)
Width 3.1 m (10.17 ft)
Height 2.2 m (7.23 ft)
Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Armor Layers consisting of soft- and hard-kill anti-missile defense systems, ERA, NERA, modular & new unknown type of composite armor
Primary
armament 120 mm (4.72 in.), 55 caliber smoothbore gun (40 rounds)
Secondary
armament 1× 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) K6 heavy machine gun (3,200 rounds)
1x 7.62 mm (.30 caliber) coaxial machine gun (12,000 rounds)
Engine 4-cycle, 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel
1,500 hp
Power/weight 27.2 hp/tonne
Suspension In-arm Suspension Unit
Operational
range 450 km
Speed 70 km/h (43.5 mph) (acceleration of 0–32 km/h [0–19.9 mph] within 7 seconds)
Unit $ 7,800,000.00 USD
4.... Merkava
The Merkava is the main battle tank of the Israel Defense Forces. Since the early 1980s, four main versions have been deployed. The "Merkava" name was derived from the IDF's development program name.
This platform is optimized for crew survival and rapid battle damage repair. With the use of spaced-armor techniques and quick-replacement modular designs, the design team was able to incorporate the composite armor, a derivative of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) and Chobham armor. Additionally, the space between the inner and outer hulls is filled with diesel fuel an economical storage method and effective means of defeating HEAT rounds.
Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located nearer the rear than in most main battle tanks. This gives the crew additional protection against a frontal attack by putting the engine between them and the front of the tank. This arrangement also creates an otherwise unused space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity, as well as a rear entrance to the main crew cabinet allowing easy access even under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an armored personnel carrier. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.
It was reportedly decided shortly before the beginning of the 2006 Lebanon War that the Merkava line would be discontinued within four years.However, on 7 November 2006, Haaretz reported that an Israeli General Staff assessment had ruled of the Merkava Mark IV that "if properly deployed, the tank can provide its crew with better protection than in the past," and deferred the decision on discontinuing the line.
Weight 65 tonnes
Length 9.04 m (29.66 ft) - rear to muzzle
7.60 m (24.93 ft) - without gun
Width 3.72 m (12.2 ft) - without skirts
Height 2.66 m (8.73 ft) - turret roof
Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Armor Classified composite matrix of laminated ceramic-steel-nickel alloy. Sloped modular design.
Primary
armament 120 mm (4.7 in) MG253 smoothbore gun, capable of firing LAHAT ATGM
Secondary
armament 1 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) MG
2 × 7.62 mm (0.3 in) MG
1 × 60 mm (2.4 in) internal mortar
12 smoke grenades
Engine 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) turbocharged diesel engine
Power/weight 23 hp/ton
Payload capacity 48 rounds
Transmission Renk RK 325
Suspension Helical spring
Ground clearance 0.45 m (1.48 ft)
Fuel capacity 1400 litres
Operational
range 500 km (311 mi)
Speed 64 km/h (40 mph) on road
55 km/h (34 mph) off road
Unit cost $ 5,224,00.00 USD
3.... Challenger
FV4034 Challenger 2 is a main battle tank (MBT) currently in service with the armies of the United Kingdom and Oman. It is built by the British company Vickers Defence Systems (now part of BAE Systems Land and Armaments). The manufacturer advertises it as the world's most reliable main battle tank As of January 2008, two Challenger 2s have been damaged and one destroyed (by a friendly fire engagement with another Challenger 2) in combat.
Challenger 2 is an extensive redesign from Challenger 1, the MBT from which it was developed. It uses the basic hull and automotive parts of its predecessor but all else is new. Less than 5% of components are interchangeable. It is armoured with a second generation of Chobham armour called Dorchester, just as the Challenger I was armoured with the first generation of Chobham armour.
Challenger 2 has now replaced Challenger 1 in service with the British Army and is also used by the Royal Army of Oman. The UK placed orders for 127 Challenger 2 tanks in 1991 and an additional 259 in 1994. Oman ordered 18 of the tanks in 1993 and a further 20 in November 1997. Challenger 2 entered service with the British Army in 1998, with the last delivered in 2002. It is expected to remain in service until 2035. Deliveries for Oman were completed in 2001. Challenger 2 has seen operational service in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq (2003–present). During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, this was the only tank operating in the Gulf that did not suffer a single loss to enemy fire. In one engagement a Challenger took multiple hits from rocket propelled grenades and from one MILAN anti tank missile.
Weight 62.5 tonnes
Length 8.3 m (11.50 m with gun forward)
Width 3.5 m (4.2 m with appliqué armour)
Height 2.5 m
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader/operator, driver)
Armour Chobham/Dorchester Level 2 (classified)
Primary
armament L30A1 120 mm Rifled gun
with 52 rounds
Secondary
armament coaxial 7.62 mm L94A1 EX-34 (chain gun),
7.62 mm L37A2 Commander's cupola machine gun
Engine Perkins CV-12 Diesel
1,200 hp (895 kW)
Power/weight 19.2 hp/tonne
Suspension hydropneumatic
Operational
range 450 km (279 miles)
Speed 59 km/h (37 mph)
Unit cost $ 7,921,000.00 USD Approx
2.... Leopard 2
The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei in the early 1970s and first entering service in 1979. The Leopard 2 replaced the earlier Leopard 1 as the foremost MBT in the German Army. Various versions have served in the armed forces of Germany and ten other European countries, as well as non-European nations. More than 3,480 Leopard 2s have been manufactured.
There are two main development batches of the tank, the original models up to Leopard 2A4 which have vertically-faced turret armour, and the "improved" batch, namely the Leopard 2A5 and newer versions, which have angled arrow-shaped turret appliqué armour together with a number of other improvements. All models feature digital fire control systems with laser rangefinders, a fully stabilized main gun and coaxial machine gun and advanced night vision and sighting equipment (first vehicles used a low-light level TV system or LLLTV; thermal imaging was introduced later on). The tank has the ability to engage moving targets while moving over rough terrain. It can drive through water 4 meters (13 ft) deep using a snorkel or 1.2 meters (3.9 ft) without any preparation and climb vertical obstacles over one metre high. The tank is powered with a turbo-charged multi-fuel V12 diesel engine that produces 1,500 PS (1,479 hp, 1,103 kW).
Weight 62.3 tonnes
Length 9.97 m (393 in) (gun forward)
Width 3.75 m (148 in)
Height 3.0 m (120 in)
Crew 4 [1]
Armor 3rd Generation composite; including high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler with ceramic component.
Primary
armament 1 x 120 mm Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore gun.
42 rounds
Secondary
armament 2 x 7.62 mm MG3A1
4,750 rounds
Engine MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder diesel
1,500 PS (1,479 hp, 1,103 kW) at 2600 rpm
Power/weight 24.1 PS/t (17.7 kW/t)
Transmission Renk HSWL 354
Suspension Torsion-bar
Operational
range 550 km (340 mi) (internal fuel)
Speed 72 km/h (45 mph)
1.... M1a2 Abrams
The M1 Abrams is a main battle tank produced in the United States. The M1 is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. It is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for modern armored ground warfare.Notable features of the M1 Abrams include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. It is one of the heaviest tanks in service, weighing in at close to 70 tons.
The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the 105 mm gun full tracked combat tank M60, Main Battle Tank.It did, however, serve for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3, which had entered service in 1978. Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. It is the principal combat tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and as of 2007, Australia.
Weight 67.6 short tons (61.4 metric tons)
Length Gun forward: 32.04 ft (9.77 m)
Hull length: 26.02 ft (7.93 m)
Width 12 ft (3.66 m)
Height 8 ft (2.44 m)
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Armor Chobham, RHA, steel encased depleted uranium mesh plating
Primary
armament 105 mm M68 rifled cannon (M1)
120 mm M256 smoothbore cannon (M1A1, M1A2, M1A2SEP)
Secondary
armament 1 x .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun
2 x M240 7.62 mm machine guns (1 pintle-mounted, 1 coaxial)
Engine AGT-1500C multi-fuel turbine engine
1500 hp (1119 kW)
Power/weight 24.5 hp/metric ton
Transmission Allison DDA X-1100-3B
Suspension Torsion bar
Ground clearance 0.48 m (M1, M1A1)
0.43 m (M1A2)
Operational
range 465.29 km (289 mi)
With NBC system: 449.19 km (279 mi)
Speed Road: 67.72 km/h (42 mph)
Off-road: 48.3 km/h (30 mph)
Unit cost US$4.35 million
12 Best Tank in the World
Monday, 01 December 2008 01:37 administrator
12.... PT-91
The PT-91 Twardy is a Polish main battle tank. It is an extensive modernization of the T-72M1 and first entered service in 1995. The PT-91 was designed at the Research and Development Centre of Mechanical Systems OBRUM and is produced by the Bumar Łabędy company. Changes from the T-72 include a new dual-axis stabilized fire-control system, reactive armour, a slightly more powerful 850hp S12U engine, and hydraulic transmission with seven forward gears and one reverse. In 1995 the PT-91 underwent a second modernization, to PT-91A standard, including a 1000hp engine, more advanced fire-control system, and new automatic loader.
PT-91
Weight 46.5 tonnes
Length 6.67 m
Width 3.4 m
Height 2.19 m
Crew 3
Armor composite armour; front and side armor laminated; front, side and top armor behind Erawa-1/Erawa-2 ERA, steel side anti-cumulative screens
Primary
armament 1 x 125mm 2A46MS gun
Secondary
armament 1 x 7.62mm FN MAG coaxial general purpose machine gun,
1 x 12.7mm FN M2 HB anti-aircraft heavy machine gun
Engine PZL-Wola S-1000 diesel
1000 HP (735 kW)
Power/weight 16 kW/t
Suspension torsion-bar
Operational
range 500 km
Speed 70 km/h
11.... AL-Khalid
The Al-Khalid or MBT 2000 (Type 90-IIM) is a modern main battle tank co-developed by China and Pakistan. It is produced in Pakistan, and in service with the Pakistan Army. It is operated by a crew of three, and armed with 125mm smoothbore gun with mechanical autoloader, capable of firing anti-tank missiles, with modern fire-control and night-fighting equipment. The MBT 2000 is named after the legendary Muslim general Khalid ibn al-Walid.
Based on its Chinese and Soviet design ancestry, the MBT2000/Al-Khalid is considerably smaller and lighter than most western main battle tanks. The design is based on the Chinese model Type 90 main battle tank project, which combines technologies from several Soviet and western tanks, and is ultimately a descendant of the widely-produced Soviet T-54A. The MBT 2000 is unusual in that it is adaptable for manufacture with any of a variety engines and transmissions of foreign origin.
The Al-Khalid is a version of this tank produced in Pakistan, with a compact diesel engine supplied by Ukraine's KMDB design bureau. The first tanks were completed and entered Pakistan Army service in 2001, and Pakistan had planned to induct 600 of these by 2007.
Alkhalid
Weight 48 tonnes
Length 10.07 m
Width 3.50 m
Height 2.40 m
Crew 3
Armour 600 mm est.
Primary
armament 125 mm smoothbore gun
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm antiaircraft, 7.62 mm coaxial machine guns
Engine 12-cylinder diesel model 6TD-2
1,200 hp (895 kW)
Power/weight 26 hp/tonne
Transmission torsion-bar
Operational
range 500 km
Speed 72 km/h
10.... T-90
T-90 is a Russian main battle tank (MBT) derived from the T-72, and is currently the most modern tank in the Russian Ground Forces and is also in service with various other foreign military operators. The successor to T-72BM, the T-90 uses the gun and 1G46 gunner sights from the T-80U, a new engine, and thermal sights. Protective measures include Kontakt-5 ERA, laser warning receivers, the EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse creator for the destruction of magnetic mines and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system.
Weight 46.5 tonnes
Length 9.53 m (31.27 ft)
Width 3.78 m (9.12 ft)
Height 2.22 m (7.28 ft)
Crew 3
Armor Classified steel-composite-reactive blend
Primary
armament 125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM capability; mainly 9M119 Svir
Secondary
armament 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun
Engine Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel[1]
V-92 12-cyl. diesel
V-96 12-cyl. diesel
840 hp (626 kW) for Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine
950 hp (708 kW) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine
1,100 hp (820 kW) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
Power/weight 18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne) for Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine
20.4 hp/tonne (15.2 kW/tonne) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine
23.7 hp/tonne (17.6 kW/tonne) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
Suspension torsion bar
Operational
range 650 km
Speed 65 km/h
Unit cost $1,371,000 USD
9.... Type 99
The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, developed from the Type 98G (in turn, a development of the Type 98), is a 3rd generation main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. It is made to compete with modern western tanks. Although not expected to be acquired in large numbers due to its high cost compared to the more economical Type 96, it is currently the most advanced MBT fielded by China.
Weight ~54 tonnes
Length 11.0 m
Width 3.4 m
Height 2.2 m
Crew 3 (4 originally based on the Type 98 prototypes without autoloader)
Armor Composite with ERA
Primary
armament 125 mm smoothbore tank gun, compatible with Chinese 140mm guns[2][3]
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm commander's machine gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
Engine liquid-cooled diesel
1,500 hp (1,100 kW)
Power/weight 27.8 hp/tonne
Suspension torsion bar
Operational
range 600 km
Speed 80 km/h (50 mph)
Unit cost approx 2,500,000 USD
8.... K1a1
The K1 is a main battle tank in use with the South Korean ground forces. The vehicle was designed by General Dynamics, while the production is handled domestically by Hyundai Precision.
The K1A1 was accepted into Korean service on October 13, 2001 after the first one was produced on April 3, 1996. It is similar to its predecessor, with the exception of a larger 120 mm main gun with vastly improved penetration power. The new version also includes an improved fire-control system featuring thermal image KGPS (Korean Gunner's Primary Sight), KCPS (Korean Commander's Panoramic Sight), along with improved survivability for the engine. The FCS gives the tank a 90% or greater chance of hitting its target while on the move, while the highest score it achieved topped off at 98%. The improved armor is roughly equivalent to that of an M1A1 without depleted uranium plating inserts. The laser rangefinder is CO2-based.
Weight K1 -- 51.1 tons
K1A1 -- 54.5 tons
Length K1 -- 9.67 m
K1A1 -- 9.71m
Width 3.60 m
Height 2.25 m
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader and driver)
Armor Composite
Primary
armament K1 -- KM68A1 105 mm (47 rounds)
K1A1 -- KM256 120mm (32 rounds)
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm K6 HMG on right pintle mount for commander
7.62 mm M60 on left pintle mount for loader
7.62 mm M60 on coaxial mount
Engine 10-cyl. water-cooled diesel MTU 871 Ka-501
1200 hp (890 kW) at 2600 rpm
Power/weight K1 -- 23.4 hp / ton
K1A1 -- 22.0 hp / ton
Transmission ZF LSG 3000 (Four forward, two reverse)
Suspension Hydropneumatic at front, torsion bar at rear of the chassis
Operational
range 500 km
Speed 65 km/h
Unit cost $ 4,066,00.00 USD
7.... Type 90
The Type 90 is the current main battle tank (MBT) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It is built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was designed as a replacement for all deployed Type 61s and a portion of their Type 74 tanks, and entered service in 1990. It is slated to be complemented by the Type 10.
Weight 50.2 tonnes
Length 9.755 m
Width 3.33 m
Height 2.33 m
Crew 3
Armor Modular ceramic/steel composite armour
Primary
armament 120 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loader
35 rounds
Secondary
armament M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun
1,500 rounds
7.62mm machine gun Type 74 2,000 rounds
Engine Mitsubishi 10ZG 10 cylinder, Two stroke cycle
Diesel 21500cc
1500ps/2400rpm (1,120 kW), 15min output rating: 4410Nm 450kgfm)
Power/weight 30 hp/tonne
Suspension hydropneumatic
Operational
range 350 km (fuel 1100 L)
Speed 70 km/h (acceleration: 0-200 m in 20 s)
Unit cost $ 3,644,00.00 USD
6.... Leclerc
The Leclerc is a main battle tank (MBT) built by Nexter of France. It was named in honour of General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque who led the drive towards Paris while in command of the Free French 2nd Armoured Division in World War II.
The Leclerc is in service with the French Army and the army of the United Arab Emirates. In production since 1991,the Leclerc entered French service in 1992, replacing the venerable AMX 30 as the country's main armoured platform. With production now complete, the French Army has a total of 406 Leclercs and the United Arab Emirates Army has 388.
Weight 54.5 tonnes
Length 9.87 m (6.88 without gun
Width 3.71 m
Height 2.53 m
Crew 3[1] (Commander, gunner, driver)
Armour Steel, titanium, NERA
Primary
armament 120mm tank gun
40 rounds (1 round ready to fire in the chamber, 22 rounds inside autoloader magazine with additional 18 rounds in the chassis)
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm coaxial M2HB machine gun
1,100 rounds
7.62mm machine gun
3,000 rounds
Engine 8-cylinder diesel Wärtsilä
1,500 hp[1] (1,100 kW)
Power/weight 27.52 hp/tonne
Suspension hydropneumatic
Operational
range 550 km
Speed 71 km/h
Unit cost ₣ 29.000.000 in 1993
5.... K2 Black Panther
K2 Black Panther is an advanced main battle tank which will replace the aging M48A5K Patton tanks and complement the K1 series of main battle tanks currently fielded by the Republic of Korea. Full-scale mass-production is expected to start in 2009. The ROK Army plans to field approximately 680 Black Panthers.
Weight 55 tonnes (60.63 tons)
Length 10 m including gun (32.81 ft)
7.5 m chassis only (24.61 ft)
Width 3.1 m (10.17 ft)
Height 2.2 m (7.23 ft)
Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Armor Layers consisting of soft- and hard-kill anti-missile defense systems, ERA, NERA, modular & new unknown type of composite armor
Primary
armament 120 mm (4.72 in.), 55 caliber smoothbore gun (40 rounds)
Secondary
armament 1× 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) K6 heavy machine gun (3,200 rounds)
1x 7.62 mm (.30 caliber) coaxial machine gun (12,000 rounds)
Engine 4-cycle, 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel
1,500 hp
Power/weight 27.2 hp/tonne
Suspension In-arm Suspension Unit
Operational
range 450 km
Speed 70 km/h (43.5 mph) (acceleration of 0–32 km/h [0–19.9 mph] within 7 seconds)
Unit $ 7,800,000.00 USD
4.... Merkava
The Merkava is the main battle tank of the Israel Defense Forces. Since the early 1980s, four main versions have been deployed. The "Merkava" name was derived from the IDF's development program name.
This platform is optimized for crew survival and rapid battle damage repair. With the use of spaced-armor techniques and quick-replacement modular designs, the design team was able to incorporate the composite armor, a derivative of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) and Chobham armor. Additionally, the space between the inner and outer hulls is filled with diesel fuel an economical storage method and effective means of defeating HEAT rounds.
Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located nearer the rear than in most main battle tanks. This gives the crew additional protection against a frontal attack by putting the engine between them and the front of the tank. This arrangement also creates an otherwise unused space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity, as well as a rear entrance to the main crew cabinet allowing easy access even under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an armored personnel carrier. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.
It was reportedly decided shortly before the beginning of the 2006 Lebanon War that the Merkava line would be discontinued within four years.However, on 7 November 2006, Haaretz reported that an Israeli General Staff assessment had ruled of the Merkava Mark IV that "if properly deployed, the tank can provide its crew with better protection than in the past," and deferred the decision on discontinuing the line.
Weight 65 tonnes
Length 9.04 m (29.66 ft) - rear to muzzle
7.60 m (24.93 ft) - without gun
Width 3.72 m (12.2 ft) - without skirts
Height 2.66 m (8.73 ft) - turret roof
Crew 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Armor Classified composite matrix of laminated ceramic-steel-nickel alloy. Sloped modular design.
Primary
armament 120 mm (4.7 in) MG253 smoothbore gun, capable of firing LAHAT ATGM
Secondary
armament 1 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) MG
2 × 7.62 mm (0.3 in) MG
1 × 60 mm (2.4 in) internal mortar
12 smoke grenades
Engine 1,500 hp (1,119 kW) turbocharged diesel engine
Power/weight 23 hp/ton
Payload capacity 48 rounds
Transmission Renk RK 325
Suspension Helical spring
Ground clearance 0.45 m (1.48 ft)
Fuel capacity 1400 litres
Operational
range 500 km (311 mi)
Speed 64 km/h (40 mph) on road
55 km/h (34 mph) off road
Unit cost $ 5,224,00.00 USD
3.... Challenger
FV4034 Challenger 2 is a main battle tank (MBT) currently in service with the armies of the United Kingdom and Oman. It is built by the British company Vickers Defence Systems (now part of BAE Systems Land and Armaments). The manufacturer advertises it as the world's most reliable main battle tank As of January 2008, two Challenger 2s have been damaged and one destroyed (by a friendly fire engagement with another Challenger 2) in combat.
Challenger 2 is an extensive redesign from Challenger 1, the MBT from which it was developed. It uses the basic hull and automotive parts of its predecessor but all else is new. Less than 5% of components are interchangeable. It is armoured with a second generation of Chobham armour called Dorchester, just as the Challenger I was armoured with the first generation of Chobham armour.
Challenger 2 has now replaced Challenger 1 in service with the British Army and is also used by the Royal Army of Oman. The UK placed orders for 127 Challenger 2 tanks in 1991 and an additional 259 in 1994. Oman ordered 18 of the tanks in 1993 and a further 20 in November 1997. Challenger 2 entered service with the British Army in 1998, with the last delivered in 2002. It is expected to remain in service until 2035. Deliveries for Oman were completed in 2001. Challenger 2 has seen operational service in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq (2003–present). During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, this was the only tank operating in the Gulf that did not suffer a single loss to enemy fire. In one engagement a Challenger took multiple hits from rocket propelled grenades and from one MILAN anti tank missile.
Weight 62.5 tonnes
Length 8.3 m (11.50 m with gun forward)
Width 3.5 m (4.2 m with appliqué armour)
Height 2.5 m
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader/operator, driver)
Armour Chobham/Dorchester Level 2 (classified)
Primary
armament L30A1 120 mm Rifled gun
with 52 rounds
Secondary
armament coaxial 7.62 mm L94A1 EX-34 (chain gun),
7.62 mm L37A2 Commander's cupola machine gun
Engine Perkins CV-12 Diesel
1,200 hp (895 kW)
Power/weight 19.2 hp/tonne
Suspension hydropneumatic
Operational
range 450 km (279 miles)
Speed 59 km/h (37 mph)
Unit cost $ 7,921,000.00 USD Approx
2.... Leopard 2
The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei in the early 1970s and first entering service in 1979. The Leopard 2 replaced the earlier Leopard 1 as the foremost MBT in the German Army. Various versions have served in the armed forces of Germany and ten other European countries, as well as non-European nations. More than 3,480 Leopard 2s have been manufactured.
There are two main development batches of the tank, the original models up to Leopard 2A4 which have vertically-faced turret armour, and the "improved" batch, namely the Leopard 2A5 and newer versions, which have angled arrow-shaped turret appliqué armour together with a number of other improvements. All models feature digital fire control systems with laser rangefinders, a fully stabilized main gun and coaxial machine gun and advanced night vision and sighting equipment (first vehicles used a low-light level TV system or LLLTV; thermal imaging was introduced later on). The tank has the ability to engage moving targets while moving over rough terrain. It can drive through water 4 meters (13 ft) deep using a snorkel or 1.2 meters (3.9 ft) without any preparation and climb vertical obstacles over one metre high. The tank is powered with a turbo-charged multi-fuel V12 diesel engine that produces 1,500 PS (1,479 hp, 1,103 kW).
Weight 62.3 tonnes
Length 9.97 m (393 in) (gun forward)
Width 3.75 m (148 in)
Height 3.0 m (120 in)
Crew 4 [1]
Armor 3rd Generation composite; including high-hardness steel, tungsten and plastic filler with ceramic component.
Primary
armament 1 x 120 mm Rheinmetall L55 smoothbore gun.
42 rounds
Secondary
armament 2 x 7.62 mm MG3A1
4,750 rounds
Engine MTU MB 873 Ka-501 12-cylinder diesel
1,500 PS (1,479 hp, 1,103 kW) at 2600 rpm
Power/weight 24.1 PS/t (17.7 kW/t)
Transmission Renk HSWL 354
Suspension Torsion-bar
Operational
range 550 km (340 mi) (internal fuel)
Speed 72 km/h (45 mph)
1.... M1a2 Abrams
The M1 Abrams is a main battle tank produced in the United States. The M1 is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. It is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for modern armored ground warfare.Notable features of the M1 Abrams include the use of a powerful gas turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. It is one of the heaviest tanks in service, weighing in at close to 70 tons.
The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the 105 mm gun full tracked combat tank M60, Main Battle Tank.It did, however, serve for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3, which had entered service in 1978. Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection and electronics. These improvements, as well as periodic upgrades to older tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. It is the principal combat tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and as of 2007, Australia.
Weight 67.6 short tons (61.4 metric tons)
Length Gun forward: 32.04 ft (9.77 m)
Hull length: 26.02 ft (7.93 m)
Width 12 ft (3.66 m)
Height 8 ft (2.44 m)
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Armor Chobham, RHA, steel encased depleted uranium mesh plating
Primary
armament 105 mm M68 rifled cannon (M1)
120 mm M256 smoothbore cannon (M1A1, M1A2, M1A2SEP)
Secondary
armament 1 x .50-caliber (12.7 mm) M2HB heavy machine gun
2 x M240 7.62 mm machine guns (1 pintle-mounted, 1 coaxial)
Engine AGT-1500C multi-fuel turbine engine
1500 hp (1119 kW)
Power/weight 24.5 hp/metric ton
Transmission Allison DDA X-1100-3B
Suspension Torsion bar
Ground clearance 0.48 m (M1, M1A1)
0.43 m (M1A2)
Operational
range 465.29 km (289 mi)
With NBC system: 449.19 km (279 mi)
Speed Road: 67.72 km/h (42 mph)
Off-road: 48.3 km/h (30 mph)
Unit cost US$4.35 million
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