Modern tanks of the world. The most modern tank in the world

Under the tank should be understood as an armored fighting vehicle on a caterpillar track. As a basic equipment, modern tanks have a cannon.

What is a tank?

The first combat vehicles were equipped mainly with machine guns. And only after the Second World War the designers began to experiment. Accordingly, tanks appeared that had missile armament. There were also such models, which were equipped with flamethrowers. Modern tanks do not have a clear definition. And the old models also did not yield to a single description. This is due to the fact that their concept has changed regularly. In different armies fighting vehicles had their own unique features. If you take the models that appeared during the First World War, then at the present stage they are hardly even called tanks by tanks. It is also worth noting that some cars were called small tanks or tankettes. And there are some models that did not have a swinging tower. Experts defined them as superheavy automatic control systems.

Features

Modern tanks have one main distinguishing feature compared to other types of caterpillar vehicles equipped with guns. We are talking about the possibility of rapid transfer of fire within a fairly wide range of elevation angles and horizontal angles. In a huge number of models, designers managed to realize this possibility by mounting a gun in a special rotating tower. However, there were exceptions.

There are also self-propelled artillery installations, which in many ways are very similar to modern tanks. However, they are necessary for solving absolutely other problems: the destruction of enemy combat vehicles. Cope with a similar task, they are from an ambush or with the help of fire support troops, located in a closed position. In this regard, there are some differences from the tanks. Basically, it concerns the balance between firepower and the degree of security.

Improvement of combat vehicles

Modern Russian tanks, as, in principle, and military vehicles from other countries, were obtained in the course of continuous improvement. Over the long periods of time, weapons have improved. Basically it concerned such parameters as the caliber, the initial speed of the projectile, the accuracy of the fire. Even in the Soviet Army, they adopted a combat vehicle equipped with a 125-mm tank gun. Since that time, such weapons, together with all their modifications are considered mandatory and used in all serial models.

For all those years in which the serial production took place, the weapon was subjected to several changes. They concerned the increase in operational parameters. Increase the accuracy of fire. And the main distinguishing feature of modern guns from the first 125-mm cannon 2A46 is the automatic loading device. It is also possible to use anti-tank guided missiles, the launch of which occurs through the barrel of the gun.

Differences from models of foreign production

If we take for comparison American, British and German tanks, modern domestic machines differ from them in that during the shooting by armor-piercing-podkalibernymi shells, the penetration of the rifle's guns is much higher. However, it should be noted that domestic models are equipped with guided missiles. And this makes it possible to successfully defeat the enemy's combat assets located at a distance of up to 5 kilometers. At such times enemy firepower is not particularly effective.

When evaluating combat vehicles, one should not forget about lightly armored and non-armored vehicles, which must necessarily be present on the battlefield. Domestic models have full-fledged high-explosive shells, the combat power of which is confidently ahead of the performance of Western models. It should be clarified that even the most modern tank of foreign countries contains shells with grapeshot.

What is the result?

Due to the presence in the combat vehicles of domestic production of guided weapons, tanks have some advantage in combat, which occurs at great distances. In addition, modern Russian tanks are equipped with an effective means of destroying lightly armored vehicles. However, domestic models are not able to provide a reliable defeat for those modern combat vehicles that are in service in other countries.

Perspective fighting machine of Russia

Not so long ago, the Ural Design Bureau of Transport Engineering received a task to create a number of crawler platforms "Armata". We are talking about an armored, repair-evacuation machine, a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, an attack vehicle. Naturally, the tank must also be designed. There is a chance that the designers will work on the development of a combat vehicle, which is necessary to support the tanks. Given the timing, it is likely that the already used luggage of the "Object 195" will be used.

Speaking about modern Russian tanks, it should be noted that Armata should be slightly smaller, cheaper, simpler and easier in comparison with Object 195. The equipment of the newest combat vehicle is the following: a sufficiently powerful armor, behind which will be an isolated armored capsule with a crew, an automated combat compartment equipped with a uninhabited tower at the top, a motor compartment. It is planned that the gun will be located high enough.

Discussing modern Russian tanks, it must be said that Armata should be equipped with a dynamic protection of the new generation. In addition, it is planned to equip the combat vehicle with an active defense system. The tank must be armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. This gun is planned to be placed on a new version of T-90AM. The gun has all the necessary capabilities to defeat almost any NATO tank.

Presumably the most modern tank in the world of "Armata" is classified. Naturally, there are guesses on his account, but how much they correspond to reality is unknown. The present data on the combat vehicle should be announced in 2015.

Guns must match

It is clear that the most modern tank in the world must have the appropriate weapons. Firepower refers to the basic properties of combat vehicles. The constant improvement of the capabilities of the enemy's defeat is given a key consideration in the design of tanks.

As already described above, until recently the main domestic gun was the 2А46М model. The latest modification of the 2A46M-5 is characterized by a higher firing precision and less total diffusion during the fire. Due to the improvements, it became possible to shoot with the newest armor-piercing-subcaliber projectiles of increased power.

The best modern tanks, which are in service with foreign countries, are equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun. The shells used are characterized by high armor penetration parameters.

Development of a powerful tool for a new tank

Naturally, designers, engaged in the production of the main combat vehicle, pay great attention to such a parameter as firepower. In the 2000s, the newest 125-mm 2A82 gun was manufactured. It can fire both existing and prospective projectiles. The technical level of the gun is much higher than that of the already produced tank guns, including the 120 mm system described above.

Apparently the aforesaid, even the best modern tanks of the world will be inferior to the Armata combat vehicle equipped with this type of gun. And it is worth noting that for today it is known about the production of an even more powerful domestic cannon of caliber 152 mm.

All this will allow the Armata tank to occupy a worthy position among the most modern combat vehicles in the world.

List of tanks that can be considered modern

For a long time there are constant disputes about which tank is more modern. Most likely, such discussions will never end. This is due to the fact that different countries do not spare money, investing in their development of millions of dollars. Below, the best modern tanks of the world will be listed.

On the tenth position, there is a miracle of Iranian production called Zulfikar. This is a Soviet T-72 tank, seriously refined by Iranian engineers. To modify it, the parts used in the American-made combat vehicle M-48 were taken. The Zulfikar tank is equipped with a smooth-bore gun 2A46, which is paired with two machine guns. They are necessary for the destruction of enemy air forces. Fire on the move is conducted by 23-kilogram shells. The initial speed of their flight is 850 m / s.

Telling about modern tanks of the world, it is necessary to allocate the Ukrainian T-84. This fighting vehicle is located on the 9th position. Due to the excellent power-to-weight ratio and weight, it was called the "flying tank". Due to the fact that one ton of mass is about 24 liters. With., The combat vehicle reaches 75 kilometers per hour. The tank is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, which is paired with a machine gun. On the tower there is an anti-aircraft machine gun. Also there are also such models, which are equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, aimed at NATO shells. The Ukrainian tank is an improved model of domestic production of the T-80.

South Korea and China are not lagging behind other countries

At the eighth position in the list of "Modern tanks of the world" is a Korean-made combat vehicle K1A1. It is characterized by a composite armor, which reliably protects the crew. Equipped with a machine 120-mm smoothbore gun, supplemented by three machine guns. The tank is a modification of the model M1A1 "Abrams", which was adapted to use in the territory of South-East Asia.

The Chinese fighting machine Ture 99 is included in the list of "The best modern tanks of the world". It is an improved model of the T-72 tank. There is active protection, which is effective against missiles. The Chinese- made tank boasts a system of active counteraction to range finders, targets and missiles of the enemy due to the laser glare. The fighting machine is equipped with a 125-mm cannon, which makes it possible to fire shells with depleted uranium. It is also possible to produce shots with rocket-type rockets. Among other things, the tank is equipped with machine guns and grenade launcher blocks.

French and English tanks took their places in the list

Considering new, modern tanks, it is necessary to distinguish the model AMX-56 "Leclerc". At one time this French-made combat vehicle was considered the best in the world. Speed of movement reached 75 km / hour. The tank was characterized by exceptional maneuverability, multi-layer armor made of ceramics, tungsten and titanium. A 120-mm smooth-bore cannon with automatic loading was used. Boevkladka could contain up to 18 shells. In addition, the Leclerc was equipped with two machine guns. The French tank, in addition to all of the above, has become the most expensive model of the world. At the present stage, this combat vehicle occupies the sixth position in the rating.

Talking about modern tanks, photos of which can be seen in this review, we can not help but highlight the British model Challenger 2. This is the second generation of the Challenger series combat vehicles, which began production in 1994. Regardless of old age, the tank is able to provide good protection for the crew. Equipped with a 120-mm rifled cannon, which distinguishes this combat vehicle from other models. The gun has a high accuracy of firing, produced over long distances. The tank is also equipped with several machine guns and mortar.

Israel confidently ranks fourth in the ranking

The Israeli combat vehicle called Merkava IV is characterized by better protection of the crew. In appearance, it resembles pillboxes on caterpillars. The tank is equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, which allows you to shoot LAHAT missiles. The tank is equipped with several machine guns, mortar and 12 grenades. In connection with a specific design, a combat vehicle can only be used on a terrain that is distinguished by the presence of a solid ground.

Third in the list

The third position was able to gain a new tank of Russian production T-90. It is equipped with a 125-mm smooth-bore cannon of the fifth modification, which allows firing armor-piercing, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation, sub-caliber projectiles, as well as special missiles aimed at destroying tanks. On the roof a machine gun is fixed, which can produce about 800 rounds per minute. With this tool, you can hit air targets. There is another machine gun, which is paired with a gun. With the help of it can produce about 250 rounds per minute, hitting targets at a distance of up to two kilometers.

The second position was occupied by combat vehicles from Germany

There are also German tanks on the list . Modern combat vehicles model Leopard 2 are characterized by the presence of a three-layer composite armor, which includes tungsten and steel. The tank is armed with a 120-mm cannon, which is considered one of the best. There are several machine guns, one of which is paired with a gun, and the second is fixed on the hatch. With it, you can hit air targets. At the present stage, a German-made tank was adopted in 18 countries.

First place in the list

The leading position in the list was taken by one of the most famous tanks of the world - "Abrams". This combat vehicle took part in three wars and survived several fairly significant upgrades. The tank is equipped with a 105-mm rifled cannon. There is also an option that suggests that a combat vehicle can be armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, paired with a machine gun. On the sides of the tank mounted grenade launchers, allowing to fire smoke grenades.

Conclusion

In this review, we talked about what prospects there are in Russia in the field of tank building. It can not be said that they are invisible or too small. On the contrary, there is every chance to make a leap forward and produce the best tank.

The review also listed the best modern tanks of the world (2014). Naturally, this list will not be renewed more than once. This is due to the fact that all countries in the world are trying to become the best in this area. And it is possible that in a short period of time the rating of tanks will completely change. After all, every manufacturer wants to get to the leading position. We hope that this review will help you to understand what tanks are considered the most modern for today.