A tank should be understood as an armored fighting vehicle on a caterpillar track. As the main equipment, modern tanks have a gun.
What is a tank?
The first combat vehicles were equipped mainly with machine guns. And only after the Second World War, designers began to experiment. Accordingly, tanks appeared that had rocket weapons. There were also models that were equipped with flamethrowers. Modern tanks do not have a clear definition. Yes, and old models also did not lend themselves to a single description. This is due to the fact that their concept has changed regularly. In different armies, combat vehicles possessed their unique features. If we take the models that appeared during the First World War, then at the present stage they are unlikely to be called tanks. It is also worth noting that some cars were called small tanks or wedges. And there are those models that did not have a turret. Their experts defined as superheavy self-propelled guns.
Features
Modern tanks have one main distinguishing feature compared to other types of tracked combat vehicles equipped with cannons. We are talking about the possibility of rapid transfer of fire in a fairly wide range of both elevation angles and horizontal angles. In a huge number of models, the designers were able to realize this opportunity by installing the gun in a special rotating tower. However, there were exceptions.
There are also self-propelled artillery mounts, which in many ways are very similar to modern tanks. However, they are necessary for solving completely different tasks: the destruction of enemy combat vehicles. They cope with a similar task from an ambush or with the help of fire support of the troops, being in a closed position. In this regard, there are some differences from tanks. Basically, this concerns the balance between firepower and the degree of protection.
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 long periods of time, weapons improved. This mainly concerned such parameters as the caliber, the initial velocity of the projectile, the accuracy of firing. Even in the Soviet army they adopted a combat vehicle equipped with a 125-mm tank gun. Since then, such weapons, together with all their modifications, are considered mandatory and are 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. Improving the accuracy of fire. And the main distinguishing feature of modern guns from the first 125 mm 2A46 gun is an automatic loader. It is also possible to use anti-tank missiles of a controlled type, the launch of which occurs through the barrel of the gun.
Differences from foreign models
If we take American, English and German tanks for comparison, modern domestic vehicles differ from them in that when firing armor-piercing-projectile shells, penetration of the opponent’s guns is much higher. However, it should be noted that domestic models are equipped with guided missiles. And this allows you to successfully hit the enemy’s military assets located at a distance of up to 5 kilometers. The enemy at such moments, firepower is not particularly effective.
When evaluating combat vehicles, one should not forget about lightly armored and unarmored vehicles, which must be present on the battlefield. Domestic models have full-fledged high-explosive shells, the combat power of which is quite confidently ahead of the Western models. It should be clarified that even the most modern tank of foreign countries contains armament shells with buckshot.
What is the result?
Due to the presence of guided weapons in Russian-made combat vehicles, tanks have some advantage in combat that takes place over long 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 of those modern combat vehicles that are in service in other countries.
Promising Russian combat vehicle
Not so long ago, the Ural Design Bureau of Transport Engineering received a task to create a number of Armata tracked platforms. We are talking about an armored, repair and recovery vehicle, a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, an assault armored personnel carrier. Naturally, a tank should also be designed. There is a chance that the designers will develop a combat vehicle, which is necessary to support the tanks. Given the timing, it is likely that the existing Object 195 baggage will be used.
Speaking about modern Russian tanks, it should be noted that the Armata should be slightly smaller, cheaper, simpler and easier compared to the Object 195. The equipment of the latest combat vehicle is as follows: powerful enough armor, behind which there will be an isolated armored capsule with a crew, an automated fighting compartment equipped with an uninhabited tower at the top, the engine compartment. It is planned that the gun will be located quite high.
When discussing modern Russian tanks, it must be said that Armata should be equipped with a new generation of dynamic defense. In addition, it is planned to equip the combat vehicle with an active defense complex. The tank should be armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. This gun is planned to be placed on a new version of the T-90AM. The gun has all the necessary capabilities to defeat almost any NATO tank.
Presumably the most modern tank in the world, Armata, is classified. Naturally, there are speculations on his account, but how much they correspond to reality is not known. The real data on the combat vehicle should be announced in 2015.
Guns must match
It is clear that the most modern tank in the world should have the appropriate weapons. Firepower refers to the main properties of combat vehicles. Continuous improvement of the ability to defeat enemy forces is given key attention in the design of tanks.
As already described above, until recently, the main gun was the 2A46M model. The last modification 2A46M-5 is characterized by higher accuracy and lower total dispersion during fire. Due to improvements, it became possible to fire the latest armor-piercing-subcaliber projectiles of increased power.
The best modern tanks that are in service with foreign countries are equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun. The shells that are used are characterized by high parameters of armor penetration.
Development of a powerful gun for a new tank
Naturally, the designers, engaged in the production of the main combat vehicle, pay great attention to such a parameter as firepower. In the 2000s, the latest 125mm 2A82 gun was produced. It can fire both existing and perspective shells. The technical level of the gun is much higher than the already produced tank guns, including the 120-mm system described above.
Judging by the foregoing, even the best modern tanks of the world will be inferior to the Armata combat vehicle equipped with this type of weapon. And it is worth noting that today it is known about the production of an even more powerful domestic gun of 152 mm caliber.
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 has been constant debate 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 millions of dollars in their development. Below will be listed the best modern tanks in the world.
In tenth position is a miracle of Iranian production called Zulfikar. This is the Soviet T-72 tank, seriously modified by Iranian engineers. For its modification, the parts used in the American-made M-48 combat vehicle were taken. The Zulfikar tank is equipped with a 2A46 smoothbore gun, which is paired with two machine guns. They are necessary to destroy the enemy air forces. Fire on the go is 23 kg shells. The initial speed of their flight is 850 m / s.
Talking about modern tanks of the world, the Ukrainian T-84 should be highlighted. This combat vehicle is located at 9 positions. Due to the excellent ratio of power of the power unit and weight, it is called the “flying tank”. Due to the fact that one ton of mass accounts for about 24 liters. with., the fighting 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 is an anti-aircraft machine gun. There are also such models that are equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, focused on NATO shells. The Ukrainian tank is an improved model of domestic production of the T-80.
South Korea and China keep up with other countries
On the eighth position in the list of "Modern Tanks of the World" is a Korean-made K1A1 combat vehicle. It is characterized by composite armor, which reliably protects the crew. The machine is equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, supplemented by three machine guns. The tank is a modification of the M1A1 Abrams model , which has been adapted for use in Southeast Asia.
The Chinese-made Ture 99 fighting vehicle is on the list of “The Best Modern Tanks in the World”. It is an improved model of the T-72 tank. Active protection is available that is effective against missiles. The Chinese- made tank boasts an active system of counteraction to rangefinders, target indicators and enemy missiles due to laser blinding. The combat vehicle is equipped with a 125-mm cannon, which allows you to fire missiles with depleted uranium. It is also possible to fire shots with guided missiles. Among other things, the tank is equipped with machine guns and grenade launcher blocks.
French and English tanks took their places on the list
Considering new, modern tanks, the AMX-56 Leclerc model should be highlighted. At one time, this French-made combat vehicle was considered the best in the world. The speed reached 75 km / h. The tank was characterized by exceptional maneuverability, multilayer armor made of ceramics, tungsten and titanium. A 120 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loader was used. Ammunition 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 in the world. At the present stage, this combat vehicle occupies the sixth position in the ranking.
Talking about modern tanks, photos of which can be seen in this review, one cannot but single out the British model Challenger 2. This is the second generation of combat vehicles of the Challenger series, the production of which began back in 1994. Regardless of old age, the tank is able to provide good crew protection. It is equipped with a 120-mm rifled gun, which significantly distinguishes this combat vehicle from other models. The gun has a high accuracy firing produced over long distances. The tank is also equipped with several machine guns and a mortar.
Israel confidently takes fourth place in the ranking
An Israeli combat vehicle called Merkava IV is characterized by better crew protection. In its appearance, it resembles a pillbox 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, a mortar and 12 grenades. In connection with a specific design, a combat vehicle can only be used in an area that is distinguished by the presence of solid soil.
Third place on the list
In the third position, a new Russian-made T-90 tank was able to gain a foothold. It is equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun of the fifth modification, which allows you to fire armor-piercing, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation, subcaliber shells, as well as special missiles aimed at destroying tanks. A machine gun was fixed on the roof, which can produce about 800 rounds per minute. With this gun you can hit aerial targets. There is another machine gun that is paired with a cannon. Using it, you can produce about 250 rounds per minute, hitting targets at a distance of up to two kilometers.
The second position was taken by combat vehicles from Germany
There are also German tanks on the list. Modern combat vehicles of the Leopard 2 model 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 on the list
The leading position in the list was taken by one of the most famous tanks in the world - Abrams. This combat vehicle participated in three wars and survived several fairly significant modernizations. The tank is equipped with a 105 mm rifled gun. There is also an option that suggests that the 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 shoot smoke grenades.
Conclusion
In this review, we talked about the prospects in Russia in the field of tank building. This is not to say 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 in the world (2014). Naturally, this list will be updated more than once. This is due to the fact that all countries of the world are trying to become the best in this field. And it is possible that after a short period of time the rating of tanks will completely change. After all, every manufacturer wants to get a leading position. We hope that this review will help you figure out which tanks are considered the most modern today.