what is the 5 best Main Battle Tanks in the world
What
is the best main battle tank in the world? What is the greatest modern MBT and
why. Our Top 5 analysis is based on the combined score of protection,
firepower, accuracy and mobility. None of the tanks listed here have seen
combat against each other during military operations yet. And even though some
things, such as armor composition, are kept in high secrecy, we know a lot
about these machines. Data on their protection, firing range, accuracy,
capabilities of their fire control systems, and so on are widely available. So
we know capabilities of each of these tanks. This analysis is based on
specifications and available data.
Number 5: Armata (Russia)
The
Armata might be one of the most protected tanks in the world. It has
newly-developed base armor, made of steel, ceramics and composite materials.
Also
Armata has a new Malakhit add-on explosive reactive armor.
The
tank has a new countermeasures system that reduces the chance of being hit by
enemy ATGW with semi-automatic guidance.
This tank is operated by a crew of 3 men, all
crewmembers are seated side-by-side in a well-protected armored cell, located
at the front of the hull, and it is the first production MBT with such crew
layout.
The tank can operate even with penetrated armor, as
far as the crew cell is intact.
The
Armata is also a world's first production MBT with completely unmanned turret.
It is
armed with a new 125 mm smoothbore gun that is more accurate than the previous
Russian tank guns, this tank can launch anti-tank guided missiles in the same
manner as ordinary projectiles.
The
gun is completed with an autoloader. This tank has a hunter-killer capability.
This
tank is fitted with a diesel engine, developing 1 200 hp.
Introduction
of this new Russian MBT created a stir in the West. Now a number of countries,
such as Germany and UK are looking to upgrade their tanks, or develop new
designs in order to counter the threat posed by this new Russian tank.
Number 4:
Merkava Mk.4 (Israel)
The Merkava Mk.4 is the latest Israeli main battle tank, It is one of
the most protected tanks in the world, this MBT has an unusual design with a
front-mounted engine which gives the crew additional protection and chance to
survive if the tank is knocked-out.
Improved Merkava Mk.4 Meil Ruach tanks are fitted with a combat-proven
Trophy active protection system, which destroys incoming anti-tank missiles and
rockets.
This tank is also well protected against air-launched guided missiles
and advanced top attack anti-tank weapons.
This tank is armed with indigenous 120 mm smoothbore gun. The Merkava
Mk.4 is equipped with new fire control system, which includes some very
advanced features. One of them is a high hit probability firing against
low-flying helicopters using conventional munitions.
Mobility of the Merkava Mk.4 is rather average due to excessive weight,
even though it is fitted with a powerful engine.
All Merkava series tanks have a rear compartment which can be used to
carry troops and cargo under armor. It can carry up to 10 troops when
ammunition is unloaded.
Number 3:
M1A2 SEP (USA)
The M1A2 SEP is a successor to the M1A2 Abrams, this tank has incredible
technology and armor, It is one of the most feared MBTs.
The M1A2 SEP offers significant protection against all well-known
anti-tank weapons, this main battle tank uses advanced armor, reinforced with
depleted uranium layers.
Its firepower and accuracy are slightly inferior to that of the Leopard
2A7 or the South Korean K2 Black Panther due to a shorter 120 mm/L44 smoothbore
gun.
Its complex gas turbine engine offers good performance, but requires
tremendous amount of maintenance, logistical support and is thirsty on fuel.
Number 2:
Black Panther (South Korea)
The Black Panther is one of the most advanced main battle tank in the
world, outclassing anything North Korea or China have. Furthermore it is the
most expensive main battle tank to date.
This tank uses composite armor of undisclosed type and explosive
reactive armor modules, It is claimed that front armor withstands direct hits
from 120 mm tank rounds, fired from L55 guns, Its protection level is broadly
similar to that of the M1A2 Abrams, considering that the K2 is much lighter.
This new South Korean tank is armed with the latest German 120 mm/L55
gun, similar to that used on the German Leopard 2A6 and 2A7.
This tank has a very advanced fire control system with can spot, track
and fire automatically at visible vehicle-size targets, and even low-flying
helicopters, without needing any input from a human operator. The K2 also uses
advanced munitions.
The Black Panther is fitted with a powerful diesel engine. It is fast
and has a state-of-the-art hydropneumatic suspension.
Number 1:
Leopard 2A7 (Germany)
It is a recent version of the proven and successful Leopard 2 design. It
has additional armor and updated electronics.
The Leopard 2A7 is well protected against conventional and urban warfare
threats, such as RPG rounds and IEDs.
This tank has better accuracy and longer range of fire comparing with
other tanks due to its powerful gun and advanced fire control system. During
numerous international tank challenge competitions the Leopard 2 series tanks
outperformed American M1A2 SEP, British Challenger 2, French Leclerc and some
other tanks in terms of overall performance.
This MBT is powered by a proven multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 1
500 hp. Despite increase in weight vehicle has increased mobility due to
improved suspension components. Cross-country performance is similar to other
Leopard 2 series tanks.
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