Few of the issues related to the armament of the Russian army do not cause such fierce disputes as the future of domestic armored forces. Experts, journalists, military professionals and just people who are interested in military affairs participate in a furious discussion. AT Russian media Articles on this topic appear regularly. Representatives of the top leadership of the Russian army do not get tired of adding fuel to the fire.

Disputes are ongoing about the potential of Russian combat vehicles, as well as their comparison with foreign counterparts. In 2011, the then Commander-in-Chief ground forces For Russia, Colonel General Postnikov spoke extremely unflatteringly about the characteristics of the T-90 tank, comparing them with those of the main German tank"Leopard-2". According to him, the T-90 is not a technical breakthrough, but just another upgrade of the T-72, in which there is nothing fundamentally new. He also mentioned that, in his opinion, the price of a Russian tank is too high - for 120 million rubles (this is the price of one T-90) you can buy several Leopard 2A7 tanks. On the other hand, many experts call the T-90 the bestto datethe main tank in the world. Where is the truth?

The T-90 tank is a continuation of the T-72 and T-80 family of vehicles. Its development and testing began in the late 80s of the last century, and it was put into service in 1992. The machine does not contain any revolutionary innovations, conceptually it continues the earlier machines. Of course, many changes were made to the design of the T-90: the fire control system was improved, protection was improved, the vehicle received more advanced multi-layer armor and built-in dynamic protection - but we can say that the T-90 is just the most modern upgrade of the T-72.

The history of the creation of the T-90:

In 1985 began mass production new T-72B tank - but already at that time the tank was obsolete in comparison with advanced foreign counterparts. This was especially true of the fire control system, in this regard, he lost not only to the Leopard and Abrams, but even to the new Soviet tanks. Therefore, immediately after the start of mass production of the T-72B, work began on its modernization.

A fire control complex (KUO) 1A45 "Irtysh" was installed on the vehicle; it was well developed on T-80 tanks), it was combined with an automatic tank loader. Also installed newest complex optoelectronic suppression (KOEP) "Shtora", which protected the car from anti-tank weapons, especially those using laser guidance. It cannot be said that new tank in terms of its technical characteristics, it turned out to be a breakthrough - but the protection and firepower of the vehicle were increased.

In 1989, state tests of the tank began at several test sites in different parts THE USSR. Particularly difficult were tests in Central Asia, in conditions of high temperature, sand and dust. In 1992, the tests were successfully completed, and the new machine was put into service. In the same year, mass production of the machine began, which received the designation T-90. After tragic death Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, the chief designer of this model, the T-90 was named "Vladimir" in his honor.

The T-90 of various modifications has become the most popular and best-selling Russian tank on the world market. Until 1998, 120 tanks of this type were manufactured for the Russian Ministry of Defense. In 2004, work began on the modernization of the T-90, as a result of which the T-90A and T-90AK vehicles appeared (they featured a more powerful engine, a new welded turret, an improved thermal imaging sight and a new gun stabilizer). The latest modification of the T-90 is the T-90AM tank, which has a new Kalina fire control system, an upgraded gun, a new automatic loader and a more powerful engine.

During the production of the T-90, several export modifications of the tank were created, which took into account the requirements of customers. Russian Ministry Defense has stopped purchasing vehicles since the end of 2011.

The device of the T-90 tank

The main battle tank T-90 has a classic layout: the control compartment is located in the bow, the fighting compartment is in the middle of the vehicle, and the engine and transmission are in the stern of the tank. The crew consists of three people: the driver is in the control compartment, and the commander and gunner are inside the tower, to the left and right of the gun.

The hull of the tank is made of welded armor, the frontal part of the vehicle consists of multilayer armor using composite materials and with built-in dynamic protection.

The main armament of the T-90 is smoothbore gun caliber 125 mm. The gun is equipped with a stabilizer, a chrome-plated barrel, has systems for accounting for barrel deformation and pumping out powder gases. The length of the gun is 48 calibers. The rate of fire of the gun reaches 8 shots in 56 seconds. The T-90 is also armed with a coaxial machine gun and an anti-aircraft gun (NSVT "Utes").

The tank's ammunition load is 43 rounds and includes different kinds ammunition: armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles 3BM42, armor-piercing cumulative projectiles 3BK29M, high-explosive fragmentation projectiles with electronic remote fuse(increases the effectiveness of the fight against enemy manpower located in shelters), as well as ATGM 9M119. The firing range of anti-tank missiles is from 100 to 5000 meters. Not a single tank in the world has ammunition with such a range.

The T-90 was equipped with a four-stroke 12-cylinder diesel engine; on later modifications of the machine, it was replaced with a more advanced engine with a turbocharger, which made it possible to increase its power from 840 hp. up to 1000 hp The engine provides greater mobility and maneuverability of the tank; it is not for nothing that the T-90 is called the “Russian flying tank”. Planetary type transmission, there are 7 gears forward and one reverse.

The fire control system makes shooting as easy as possible. All data (firing range, wind direction and speed, air temperature, tank position) for firing are taken into account automatically and the gunner just needs to point the sight at the target and press the fire button. The tank is equipped with the Buran-PA night sight, as well as the Agat-S tank commander's sighting system.

The T-90 is protected by multi-layer armor with built-in reactive armor "Contact-5". The Shtora-1 optoelectronic countermeasures complex protects the vehicle from anti-tank weapons with a semi-automatic guidance system or laser homing. Sensors laser radiation provide its reception within a radius of 360 °, the data is quickly processed, and an aerosol grenade is fired in the right direction, blocking the laser beam. The tank has a modern fire extinguishing system.

The fuel system of the T-90 tank is considered to be a vulnerable point of protection. The fuel tanks are partially moved to the combat compartment and are not separated from the crew in any way. Another problem with this machine is the placement of ammunition inside the fighting compartment, while it is also not isolated from the crew. Its detonation is guaranteed to lead to the destruction of the tank.

Used on T-90 chassis tank T-72. Combined with a new engine, reliable transmission and low machine weight, it provides high mobility and maneuverability. Because of its ability to effectively overcome obstacles, some Western experts call the T-90 a "flying tank".

The main performance characteristics of the T-90 tank

Main characteristics
Crew Composition	3 persons
Tank weight, t	46,5
Length, m	6,86
Tank hull width, m	3,78
Tower hatch height, m	2,23
Engine power, h.p.	800/1000 l. with. (diesel)
Number of cylinders	12
cooling	Liquid
Transmission
Type: mechanical	Two final drives, input gearbox and coaxial final drives
Number of gears (forward/reverse)	7/1
Resource tank with diesel fuel on the highway; capacity	550 km; 1200 l
With hanging tanks; capacity	700 km; 400 l
Fuel consumption, l/100 km	240-450
Chassis
Suspension	Torsion
Speed ​​on the highway, km/h	60
Speed ​​on arable land, km/h	50
Barrier elevation angle	30 degrees
barrier barrier, m	0,8
Ditch barrier, m	2,8
Ford barrier, m	1,2 (1,8)
Tank armament
gun type; caliber	smoothbore; 125 mm
guided missiles
firing range	5 km
Loading	Automatic, manual
Quantity of ammunition, pcs.	42 (22 rounds in autoloader)
rate of fire	8 shots per minute
Ammunition types	BPS, BCS, OFS, UR
Coaxial machine gun	PTKM 7.62 mm; 2000 rounds
Heavy machine gun	CORD 12.7 mm; 300 rounds
Protection
Multilayer armor combined, with dynamic protection "Contact-5". KOEP "SHTORA-1"

Advantages and disadvantages of the T-90

The T-90 tank is indeed a modern tank with characteristics that are not inferior to foreign counterparts. His strengths are good mobility and maneuverability, reliability of the engine and chassis, as well as a good level of security. The relatively small weight of the tank and its size make the vehicle less vulnerable to enemy fire.

The negative aspects of the T-90 include the location of ammunition and fuel tanks next to the crew. Dynamic protection ineffective against tandem ammunition (although the tank protection system is effective against most anti-tank weapons). The fire control system on early modifications is outdated, although the Kalina fire control system installed on latest models, is not inferior to foreign analogues. The disadvantage of the tank is also a low speed. reversing.

The undoubted advantage of the T-90 is the ability to fire guided missiles at a distance of up to 5000 meters.

Modifications of the T-90 tank:

• T-90S - a car made for export
• T-90SK - commander's version of the T-90S
• T-90K - command tank T-90, additional communications and navigation equipment are installed on the vehicle
• T-90A - a vehicle with a more powerful power plant, a welded turret, a new automatic loader and a new thermal imaging sight
• T-90AK - commander's T-90A
• T-90CA - export version of T-90A
• T-90SKA - commander's version of T-90SA
• T-90AM - the latest modification of the T-90A. Installed SLA "Kalina", a new automatic loader and a new DZ "Relikt" and power point V-92S2F (1130 hp)

Exist whole line machines developed on the basis of the T-90 - for sapper work, bridge layers, evacuation vehicles. The T-90 is in service with several countries around the world.

Video about T-90

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The T-90AM "Proryv" tank and its export version T-90SM is the latest modification of the T-90A. Work on its improvement started in 2004. For the first time, a prototype of the T-90AM tank was presented at the beginning of September 2011 in Nizhny Tagil at the Staratel military training ground. The display of new military equipment was held as part of the XIII international exhibition REA-2011.

Information about improvements

T-90AM, the characteristics of which are now available only in in general terms, was created on the basis of the T-90 tank. The developer of the novelty was Uralvagonzavod. The main object of modernization of the machine was the old tower, which was replaced with the latest combat module with an improved Kalina control system, which has a combat integrated information and control system of the tactical level. In addition, the T-90AM (photos are presented in the article) is equipped with an upgraded 2A46M-5 gun, a new automatic loader and a T05BV-1 UDP with remote control. Also replaced "Contact-V" with DZ "Relic".

The developers paid special attention to improving the commander's ability to control fire and search for targets equally effectively regardless of the time of day. For the first time, the Russian T-90AM tank was equipped with steering wheel-based control and an automatic gearshift system. It allows you to switch to manual mode as soon as the need arises.

The T-90AM has an ammunition load with two stacking groups - one on the outside and the other on the inside. At the same time, 22 shots are located in the lower part of the hull, in the AZ, and the rest, like the charges for them, are in a special armored box, which is located at the rear of the tower. Specialists took care of improving the maneuverability and mobility of the T-90AM (SM) tank. For this, the latest combined night vision devices were installed, as well as a TV camera for rear view of the area.

The new T-90AM "Proryv" tank weighs 48 tons, which is one and a half tons more than the base model, but at the same time significantly less than its German or American counterparts. This machine is equipped with a B-93 monoblock power plant with a capacity of 1130 hp. pp., developed on the basis of V-92S2F2. It was also decided to replace the anti-neutron trap with a more reliable anti-fragmentation fire-resistant material like kivlar and improve the fire extinguishing system.

Summing up the modernization, we can say that the mobility and security of the T-90AM tank has improved markedly, and the dimensions have remained virtually unchanged, so it still remains in the class of combat vehicles up to 50 tons.

Comparison of military equipment

It's no secret that many people are concerned about the effectiveness of the latest Russian tanks compared to foreign counterparts. For example, take the American M1 Abrams. But to compare two combat vehicles, you should know that situations when they converge one on one on the battlefield practically do not exist in our time.

In modern conditions of warfare, in order to survive, the tank crew will have to fight with a variety of enemies, ranging from infantry equipped with anti-tank missiles to aircraft and helicopters. But despite this, experts are constantly trying to compare one class with each other. At the same time, some of them believe that a theoretical comparison of tanks is impossible in principle, since even real military operations will not give a final answer to the question of who is better. Here it will be necessary to take into account a lot of other criteria, such as tactics of use, maintenance of the vehicle, the level of crew training, the interaction of various military units etc. All this can have much greater value than the technical characteristics of the tanks themselves.

Comparison of T-90 and Abrams

Before starting to compare the technical characteristics of these combat vehicles, it must be taken into account that the T-90 tank was developed 20 years ago, and since then it has been modernized several times. Naturally, each new pattern significantly differed from the previous one both constructively and in terms of combat effectiveness. The same thing happened with the Abrams tank, which entered service with the American army in 1980. Therefore, it makes sense to compare all their parameters too meticulously only for specific modifications that were released in the same period of time.

The technical characteristics and other parameters of the Russian T-90AM tank against the M1A2 Abrams are almost impossible to compare due to the highest level of secrecy around this military equipment. It is only known that the reservation of the towers in their front part is made in a similar way - in the pockets on the frontal armor, packages of so-called reflective sheets are installed.

The use of technology in combat conditions

The American tank "Abrams" has already been used in the Iraqi military operation"Desert Storm". What about Russian car, then her participation in hostilities has not yet been documented. Although some experts suggest that the T-90 tank has already been tested during the First and Second Chechen campaigns both in Chechnya and in Dagestan. Others claim that these cars were lit up in August 2008 in the territory South Ossetia during the Georgian-Ossetian conflict.

For example, some tools mass media then it was reported that the T-90 was seen during the withdrawal Russian troops from Gori (Georgia). But so far there is no direct evidence of this fact. In addition, the T-90 tank, the characteristics of which will be compared with the American Abrams below, looks similar to the T-72B, which has the Contact dynamic protection, which could have caused its identification error.

So far, it is impossible to determine exactly how the T-90AM tank will prove itself in a real battle, since it has not yet been used anywhere.

Design Comparison

It should be noted that the United States and the Soviet Union, and subsequently Russia, have always had a completely different approach to the design of military equipment. It is clearly seen that the American M1 tank is much larger than the T-90. It was possible to achieve a reduction in the dimensions of the vehicle due to the rejection of the loader, who needs approximately 1.7 m from the height of the fighting compartment to perform his duties. The result of this was the removal of the restriction on lowering the level of the tank. In addition, a denser layout made it possible to make a reliably protected machine with a relatively low weight and low silhouette, as well as with a small cross-sectional and longitudinal section.

The result of such transformations is the fact that the reserved volume of the Abrams is 19, and the T-90 is 11 cubic meters. But a denser layout has its downsides. They are some tightness of the tank crew and the difficulty of interchangeability with each other if necessary.

Protection Comparison

Many may think that if the Abrams is much heavier, then the armor on it is thicker, which means it is more reliable. This is not entirely true. Reducing the weight of the armor on the T-90 tank helped reduce the reserved internal volume, which provided the desired level of external protection. Due to the fact that the dimensions of the frontal projection of the Russian car are only 5 m², and that of the Abrams - 6, it becomes less vulnerable, since the probability of such a hit in this particular part of the equipment is very high.

The Russian tank is equipped with "reflective sheets" made of steel, and "Abrams", starting with a certain modification, - from This material has a high density (19.03 g / cm³), therefore, with a relatively small plate thickness, it provided a literally explosive nature of destruction cumulative jet.

The T-90 tank, in addition to the traditional one, also has a dynamic protection complex. This is not the case on most Abrams modifications. "Kontakt-5" is the dynamic protection of Russian tanks, which works both against armor-piercing sub-caliber charges and cumulative weapons. This complex delivers the strongest lateral impulse, which allows you to destroy or, at least, destabilize the BPO core before the impact on the main armor begins.

According to Russian manufacturers, the frontal armor of the T-90A tank easily withstands the hit of the most commonly used BOPS in the West. For this, a special experimental demonstration was carried out. The T-90 tank, the characteristics of which were tested back in 1995 at the Kubinka training ground, was fired upon by another vehicle. 6 Russian cumulative shells were fired at it from a distance of about 200 m. As a result of the shelling, it turned out that the frontal armor successfully passed the tests, and the tank was able to independently reach the observation deck.

In turn, American officials stated that the frontal armor of their M1A1 vehicle also successfully withstood the shelling that the Iraqi military fired at them from T-72 tanks. True, these were obsolete BOPS, decommissioned in the early 70s. last century.

Comparison of weapons and ammunition

As you know, the main armament of this military equipment is a cannon. The Russian vehicle has a 125 mm 2A46M/2A46M5 smoothbore tank gun. The Abrams is armed with the standard NATO 120mm M256 cannon. As you can see, there is some difference in caliber, but despite this, both guns have similar characteristics. However, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of tank fire directly depends on the ammunition used.

The Russian T-90 tank, Proryv, is also likely to be able to fire using four types of ammunition: high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative projectiles and guided missiles. "Abrams" also has a standard kit, consisting of only two types of ammunition: cumulative and armor-piercing sub-caliber.

To combat enemy equipment, mainly somewhat outdated BOPS ZBM-44 and ZBM-32 are used, which have cores made of tungsten and uranium alloys. More recently, more advanced projectiles have been developed that can withstand the frontal armor of the best western tanks. Among them - and ZBM-48 "Lead".

The main ammunition of the "Abrams" is considered to be the M829A3 shot with armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile, which was put into service in 2003.

Comparison of power plants

It must be said right away that they are fundamentally different for both machines. The T-90A and T-90CA tanks have a 1000-horsepower diesel engine, while the Abrams has a 1500-horsepower one made in one block with a hydromechanical automatic transmission. The specific engine power of the T-90 and Abrams is 21 and 24 hp, respectively. s./t. The Russian car has to a large extent large stock course (550 km) than the American (350 km). This was achieved due to the increased efficiency of a diesel compared to a more insatiable gas turbine.

The T-90 power plant has another very important advantage - it is high reliability and unpretentiousness. Take, for example, testing cars in the Indian Thar Desert, where not a single engine failure was recorded. Concerning American tanks M1A1, participating in the operation "Desert Storm", then in the three days that they moved along the sands, out of 58 units, 16 failed. And all this happened due to engine damage. If we compare the labor intensity Maintenance engines of these machines, then to replace it, teams of qualified technicians will need: Russian - 6, and American - only 2 hours.

The disadvantage of the transmission of Russian cars is the rather low reverse speed - only 4.8 km / h, while American technology it reaches 30 km / h due to the installation of a hydrostatic transmission on them. The fact is that the mass-produced T-90 tanks are equipped with a mechanical transmission based on the already outdated scheme of the turning mechanism, where its duties are assigned to the stepped onboard gearboxes. "Abrams" is equipped with a hydrostatic transmission, as well as turning mechanisms with a digital automatic control system.

Overall score

Based on the available data on the technical and other characteristics of the T-90 and Abrams tanks, it can be concluded that the main advantages of the Russian vehicle compared to the American one are:

• good protection including dynamic system"Contact", as well as KOEP "Shtora-1";
• the availability of target shooting with guided missiles at a distance of up to 5,000 m;
• a larger number of types of ammunition, which include HE shells (including those with ready-made submunitions and remote detonation);
• excellent rate of fire, which is maintained throughout the battle, provided by the use of A3;
• decent depth of overcoming water obstacles, good power reserve and excellent mobility;
• unpretentiousness and high reliability during operation.

"Abrams" also has its advantages. This is:

• strong protection;
• automation of combat control tools, which provides the influx of various data in real time;
• reliable isolation of the crew from the location of the ammunition;
• good maneuverability;
• high level of specific power.

Expert opinion

In 2012, the press published an article by V. Stepanov, who is a doctor technical sciences and General Director of OAO VNIItransmash. It talked about the analysis of methods of comparative evaluation specifications tanks. And, above all, here were estimates of the military-technical level indicator (VTU) of the best combat vehicles, including the Russian T-90A and T-90MS, as well as the M1A2 and M1A2 SEP.

WTU was calculated according to several indicators: security, operational capability, firepower and mobility. Then all of the above vehicles with a certain reference tank. He chose the T-90A, which means that his WTU = 1.0. The data of the American machines M1A2 and M1A2 SEP were estimated at 1.0 and 1.32, respectively. The WTU indicator of the new T-90MS "Tagil" tank was determined as 1.42. The calculations carried out may have an insignificant error of no more than 10%. From this we can conclude that there is a real proximity between the levels of the best foreign analogues with the Russian T-90A and its modernized model - the T-90AM tank.

Why?
Each tank was created by the manufacturer's country, taking into account the defense of this particular country. When creating tanks, climate, terrain, the level of crew training, the availability of electronic systems, satellite support, spare parts, and this is just a small list are taken into account.
For example, what will happen to the crew that spends in a tank in the desert in the heat, say 3 days, if this tank does not have air conditioning?

Such a crew will think about how to survive in a tank in general - not to lose consciousness.

For mountainous areas, the specific power of the engines is important, otherwise overheating is inevitable. Can a tank run on low-quality fuel? If yes, how long.
There are more questions than answers.

Engineers take into account all these data and problems due to technological capabilities, but here the cost of manufacturing a tank comes into force. The cost is not only how much it can be sold, but also the number of people and resources that are involved in production. But will the country's economy survive, or will it be able to produce 5-10 tanks a year, no more.
The rating published below is conditional, you should not absolutely take into account that the tank at number 5 is much better than the tank at number 7.

TOP10 most modern tanks:

In 2010, at the Eurosatory 2010 exhibition, the Germans showed a new modification of their main tank Leopard 2. The peculiarity of this tank is that. That he is positioned as a tank adapted for operations in the city. Modernization touched on almost everything: the tank hull, engine, transmission, mass alignment, weapons, fire control and crew life support systems.
When fighting in the city, additional protection against HEAT shells is hung on the tank.
The tank is designed to conduct combat for 24 hours a day. The driver received an all-round view of the area around the tank, like all crew members, and everything is visible at night due to thermal imagers.

Technical characteristics of the tank Leopard 2A7 +:

Armament:
120 mm L55 smoothbore gun
12.7 mm machine gun
40 mm grenade launcher
7.62 mm machine gun
Country of manufacture: Germany
Crew: 4 people
Tank weight: 67,500 kg
Power reserve: 450 km
Speed: 72 km/h
On the this moment no other data.

The tank entered service in 1980 when it was called the M1 and replaced the M60 main battle tank. Since 1994, a modification of the M1A2 has been produced - different from the previous guidance, surveillance and booking systems.
What makes this tank fundamentally different from the rest? It is first and foremost the most powerful engine in the world. A turbine engine with a power of 3500 hp is installed on the tank from the very beginning of production, although in all official documents indicated power 1500l.s. The tank even has a power and speed limiter, since the full power of the engine simply tears the tracks.
Since 1990, the tank has been equipped with an additional power plant to provide the tank with electricity in parking lots, so as not to start the main engine and not use batteries.
The tank also has disadvantages, since the loading of ammunition into the gun receiver is carried out manually.
Due to the large mass of the tank and the high engine power, the caterpillar resource is about 1100-1200 km.
At present, this is a fairly massive tank, so in 2012 more than 9,000 tanks were produced. Decommissioned tanks are not destroyed, but dismantled, and suitable parts of the hull are reused in new tanks.

Technical characteristics of the tank M1A2

Tank weight: 61.4 tons
Length with gun: 9.77 m
Hull length: 7.93 m
Width: 3.66 m
Height: 2.44 m
Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Armor Chobham, steel using depleted uranium
Armament:
105 mm rifled gun M68 (mounted on M1)
120 mm M256 smoothbore gun (mounted on M1A1, M1A2, M1A2SEP)
12.7 mm machine gun
2x 7.62mm M240 machine guns
Engine AGT-1500C multi-fuel gas turbine engine
1500 hp (according to other sources, engine power without power limiter 3500 hp)
Power ratio 24.5 hp / t
Ground clearance 0.48 m (M1, M1A1)
0.43 m (M1A2)
Power reserve: 465 km
Highway speed: 67.72 km/h
Ground speed: 48.3 km / h

This tank deserves an honorable 3rd place after combat trials in Iraq. Only 1 tank was destroyed during the war in Iraq by enemy fire. In June 1991, the British government ordered the first 127 tanks for the Royal Army.
A feature of the tank can be considered that at the moment it is produced mainly for export and is adapted for operation at high temperatures.
The tank is equipped with the most modern system aiming and visual observation, including at night.
In terms of armor protection and resistance to cumulative projectiles, the tank can be called the most protected tank in the world in this regard.
The tank is equipped with a 12-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 1200 Horse power.
The disadvantage of the tank is the high cost of production, so about 400 of these tanks were produced.

Specifications tank Challenger 2

Engine power: 1200 HP
Highway speed: 59 km/h
Tank weight: 62.5 tons
Crew: 4 people
Power reserve: 450 km
Armament:
120 mm L30 smoothbore gun
2 machine guns of 7.62 mm caliber
10 L8 grenade launchers

Merkava Mark IV - main battle tank Israeli army. The tank is quite modern, since it was put into service in 2004. Among the plans to modernize the tank is the installation of an active protection system against anti-tank grenade launchers on the tank. At the moment, Israel is looking for a financial partner to finalize this system.
The tank has a very original design, for example, the tank engine is located not at the back, but at the front, which creates additional protection crew from enemy frontal fire. Behind the tank there are hatches for the tank crew, which allows the crew to leave the tank under enemy fire, or replenish ammunition. In the back of the tank there is a place for landing or additional ammunition.
The tank is equipped with an American-made diesel engine with a capacity of 1500 hp.

Technical characteristics of the tank Merkava Mark IV:

Tank weight: 65 tons
Length: 9.04 m with cannon
Length: 7.60 m without gun
Width 3.72 m
Height: 2.66 m
Crew: 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Armament:
armament 120 mm MG253 smoothbore gun
1 x 12.7mm machine gun
2 × 7.62 mm machine guns
1 × 60 mm grenade launcher
12 smoke grenades
Engine 1500 hp turbocharged diesel engine
Specific power: 23 hp / t
Ground clearance: 0.45 m
Fuel tank capacity 1400 liters
Power reserve: 500 km
Speed ​​64 km / h on the highway

5. Tank T-90MS "Tagil"

This is a modern, but not yet mass-produced tank. Russian army. The tank was created on the basis of the T-90 tank, which in turn is a deep modernization of the T-72 tank. Why 5th place and not first? Russian tanks have a number of drawbacks, first of all, the eternal problem - a low-power engine, there were attempts to put a turbine on the T-80, but this tank was unsuccessful and did not go into series. Engine power is only 1000 hp. and relatively small resources. The second disease that was cured on the T-90MS "Tagil" tank was the weakness of the armament. The gun should penetrate the frontal armor of any NATO tank from the first shot from a range of 1500 meters. And the last - electronics and fire guidance systems. So, even on the T-90MS "Tagil" tank, the mechanic - the driver does not have an all-round view, he was limited to installing a rear-view camera. So far, apparently, the means do not allow creating a fundamentally new tank, a tank of a new generation, everything has to be crammed into the profile of the outdated T-72 hull.
Positive distinctive feature is an automatic gun loading system, we recall that the Americans do this by hand.
Tank T-90MS "Tagil" was shown to V.V. Putin on December 7, 2009. What's new? A new gun sight and, in fact, a new fire guidance system. New modular packages for protection against enemy cumulative fire. A machine gun was installed above the tower with remote control.
Significantly enhanced armor protection, including the upper part of the tank. A new V-92S2 engine has been installed, but it is too early to say that it significantly outperforms foreign competitors.
So, the main difference between the T-90MS "Tagil" and its predecessors is the fire control system, which can already compete with Western models.

The performance characteristics of the T-90MS "Tagil"

Tank weight: 48 tons.
Crew: 3 people
Length with gun: 9530 mm
Case length: 6860 mm
Width: 3460 mm
Armament:
Gun 125 mm 2A46M-5
Ammunition: 40 rounds
Guided weapons: 9K119M "Reflex-M"
Coaxial machine gun: 7.62 mm 6P7K (2000 rounds)
Anti-aircraft machine gun 7.62 mm 6P7K S UDP (T05BV-1) (800 rounds)
V-92S2F2 engine: 1130 hp with.
Fuel tank capacity: 1200+400 l
Specific power,: 24 l. s./t
Maximum highway speed: 60 km/h
Highway range: 500 km
Specific ground pressure: 0.98 kg/cm

6. Oplot-M

This tank is big step on the way to improving self-propelled weapons, but still in many respects this tank is inferior to the best NATO tanks. The tank was introduced in 2009. Attention!
Do not confuse the tank "Oplot-M" and the tank T-84 "Oplot"
These are completely different tanks, they differ even in appearance not to mention the equipment. The Oplot-M tank was created at the Kharkov Design Bureau. What's new? The ability to quickly replace the gun without dismantling the turret, that is, the gun can be replaced in the field. 1200 horsepower diesel. surpasses many other NATO tanks, but again the lack of an engine, oil consumption is on average about 10 liters per 100 km, but it can run on gasoline, diesel and kerosene. electricity without starting the main engine.
New system aiming fire, which can already compete with Western models. New armor protection that can withstand hits from HEAT rounds.
It is planned to supply tanks to Thailand, according to the director of the plant, them. Malyshev, Nikolai Belov, the contract is currently being implemented in full (2012). If the contract is fulfilled, then another model of a modern tank will appear in the world.
One of the drawbacks of this tank is the weak test history. About 10 tanks have been built at the moment.

Technical characteristics of the tank "Oplot - M"

Tank weight: 51 tons.
Crew: 3 people
Specific power: 24.7 hp/ton
Power: 1200 HP
Power reserve: 450 km.
Highway speed: 70 km/h
Armament:
125 mm KBAZ smoothbore gun (46 rounds)
7.62 mm machine gun (1250 rounds)
12.7 mm machine gun (450 rounds)

CI Ariete - is the main battle tank of the Italian army. At the moment, the Italian army is armed with 200 CI Ariete tanks. The tank was designed and manufactured by Iveco - Fiat and Oto Melara. The tank has a modern digital guidance and fire control system, which allows firing on the move day and night. The tank was put into service in 1995, and is currently produced in single copies.
Among the shortcomings of the tank of the first releases is the insufficient power density of the engine. Over its history of modifications, it was possible to slightly reduce total weight tank, so that it weighs less than 60 tons, the tank received a new more powerful engine - 1600 hp.

Technical characteristics of the tank CI Ariete

Start of production: 1995
Tank weight: 54 tons
Length: 9.67 m with cannon
Length 7.59 m without gun
Width: 3.42 m
Height: 2.5 m
Crew: 4 people
Armament:
120 mm cannon (42 rounds)
2x7.62 mm machine guns (2500 rounds)
Engine power: 1300 hp (in latest version)
Power reserve: 550 km
Speed: 65 km/h

8. Leclerc (France)

AMX-56 Leclerc is the main battle tank of the French army. Leclrc was designed to replace the deprecated tank AMX 30. The tank entered service in 1992. Currently, the production of tanks is stopped. To replace him a new one will come battle tank, but which one has not yet been announced. When developing a tank Special attention was given to active protection against cumulative projectiles. A fire control system was developed for the tank, and in particular a friend-foe recognition system. Until 2001, Leclerc was inferior to NATO tanks in terms of the level of armor and armor quality in general, but in 2001 the same armor was already used on the tank as on the Challenger 2 and on the German Leopard. Diesel engine V8X-1500 with a capacity of 1500 liters. c. Allows the tank to reach speeds over 70 km/h. The exhaust is cooled by a special device. There is also an original innovation - in the event of a projectile attacking a tank from the front, the engine is equipped with a hydrokinetic brake, braking is so sharp that the crew in the tank is fastened with seat belts. In addition to France, the tank is in service with the UAE army.

Specifications of the Leclerc tank

Tank weight: 54.5 tons
Length: 9.87 m without gun
Width: 3.71 m
Height: 2.53 m
Crew: 3 people
Armament:
120 mm cannon (40 rounds)
12.7 mm machine gun (1100 rounds)
7.62 mm machine gun (3000 rounds)
Specific power: 27.52 hp/ton
Power reserve: 550 km
Speed: 72 km/h

9. K2 Black Panther (Republic of Korea)

K2 Black Panther is the most modern tank in the Republic of Korea. To date (2012), several prototypes of the tank have been produced, full-scale production of the tank should begin in the second half of 2014. What else is remarkable about the tank? He got into the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive tank in the world, its cost is $ 8,500,000. In 1995, the Korean government set the task of developing a tank capable of withstanding North Korean tanks (mainly T-55).
In 2006, after 11 years of development, the tank project was ready.
The tank is equipped with a modern fire control system that is capable of detecting targets with a thermal imager at a distance of 9.7 km. The tank is capable of destroying low-flying aircraft.
A feature of the tank is the suspension, which is variable in terms of clearance, and each wheel is regulated separately.
At the moment, there are some problems with the reliable operation of the engine and suspension, which served as a delay in the mass production of tanks.

Technical characteristics of the tank K2 Black Panther

Tank weight: 55 tons.
Length with gun: 10.8 meters
Length without gun: 7.5 meters
Width: 3.6 meters
Height: 2.4 meters
Crew: 3 people
Armament:
120 mm cannon (40 rounds)
12.7 mm machine gun (3200 rounds)
7.62 mm machine gun (12,000 rounds)
Engine power: 1500 HP
Specific power: 27.2 hp
Power reserve: 450 km
Speed: 70 km/h

10. Type 90 (Japan)

Type 90 - is the main tank of the Japanese army. The tank was designed and commissioned by Mitsubishi. The tank, quite expensive for 2008, had a cost of $7,500,000. The task was set such that the finished tank would successfully fight with real and promising tanks of the USSR. The tank was adopted by the Japanese army in 1990. Installed on the tank german cannon L44. The tank has an automatic shell loader. The tank uses modular ceramics as armor, and composite armor made of high-quality steel.
The tank is not shipped abroad and has never seen actual combat.

Technical characteristics of the tank Type 90

Tank weight: 50.2 tons
Number of produced tanks: 333
Tank length: 9.755 m
Tank width: 3.33 m
Tank height: 2.33 m
Crew: 3 people
Armament:
120 mm smoothbore gun (35 rounds)
12.7 mm machine gun (1500 rounds)
7.62 mm machine gun (2000 rounds)
Engine power: 1500 HP
Specific power: 30 hp/ton
Power reserve: 350 km
Speed: 70 km/h

Tank T-90 - Design description

The main tank T-90 was put into service in 1993. Rocket and gun tanks T-90 - which includes original design developments and the best layout and Constructive decisions tanks T-72 and T-80. The T-90S tank was created on the basis of a thorough study and understanding of the tactics and strategy of using tanks in real conditions modern combat taking into account many years of experience in the military operation of tanks of the T-72 type in various countries world, as well as the results of many years of intensive testing under the most severe conditions.

The T-90S tank retains the peculiarity of domestic tank building - the classic layout scheme, in which the main armament is located in a rotating turret, the power plant and transmission are in the rear of the hull, and the crew is separate: the tank commander and gunner in the fighting compartment, the driver - in management department. Almost every unit or system of the T-90S tank has a new quality.

Automated complex fire control is designed to conduct effective aimed fire at long range artillery shells and a guided projectile from a tank gun on the move and from a place on moving and stationary targets by the gunner and commander, day and night, as well as from a coaxial machine gun. Provides an increase in the range of effective fire and an increase in the range of vision at night, including due to the installation of a television sight in the tank. A guided weapon system with a laser-beam control channel allows firing a guided missile through the gun barrel from a standstill and on the move at stationary and moving targets at a distance of 100 to 5000 m.

The optoelectronic suppression system provides protection for the tank from being hit by anti-tank guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance systems with tracer feedback. The system of automatic all-round visibility, detection and protection of the tank from anti-tank projectiles with semi-automatic laser homing heads provides interference to anti-tank weapon control systems with laser rangefinders and target designators. Closed anti-aircraft gun allows the commander to lead aimed shooting using remote control drives for air targets, and in a stabilized mode - for ground targets, remaining under reliable protection armor. Built-in dynamic protection is effective against armor-piercing sub-caliber and cumulative projectiles. The combination of built-in reactive armor and multi-layered armor gives the tank additional options for survival in extreme combat conditions.

The main armament of the T-90S is a 125 mm smoothbore gun with increased accuracy and high ballistics. The use of an automatic loader made it possible to achieve a high rate of fire (up to 7-8 rounds per minute), which distinguishes the T-90S tank from most foreign tanks. The capabilities of the tank gun to combat ground armored and low-flying air targets have been expanded through the use of a guided weapon system, which allows you to destroy any of the most modern tanks before it approaches effective firing distance from its gun.

The tank is traditionally equipped with a diesel engine, the main advantage of which compared to gas turbine engine, especially in hot climates and sandy soils, are:

Slight power drop at high temperatures environment;

High reliability in dusty conditions;

Less fuel consumption by 1.8-2 times.

Tank T-90S can overcome the bottom water obstacles depth up to 5 m with non-stop performance of combat missions after overcoming a water barrier. The machine has built-in equipment for self-digging, a device for mounting mine trawls and can be transported by all modes of transport.

Tank T-90 - performance characteristics(TTX)

general information
Year of adoption	1993
Combat weight, t	46,5
Crew, pers.	3
Length with gun forward, mm	9530
Case length, mm	6860
Overall width, mm	3780
Track width, mm	3370
Tower roof height, mm	2230
Reserved volume of the tank, m3	11,04
Booked hull volume, m3	9,19
Booked volume of the tower, m3	1,85
Landing hatch in the bottom of the hull	there is
Armament
Gun brand	2A46M
Gun caliber, mm	125
gun type	smoothbore, launcher
Barrel tube length, mm (calibers)	51
shutter type	horizontal wedge
Rollback length, mm	300
Location of chocks devices	symmetrical
Barrel purge, type	ejection
The maximum allowable for the trunk powder gas pressure, kgf/cm2	5 200
Heat shield	there is
Combat rate of fire, rds / min	8
Loading type	machine
Ammunition, shots (including in the machine loading)	43 (22)
Ammunition types	BPS, BCS, OFS, SGPE, UR
Shot type	separate-sleeve
Initial speed of BPS, m/s	1715
Shot weight with BPS, kg	20,2
BPS weight, kg	5,9
Initial speed of BCS, m/s	905
Shot weight with BKS, kg	29
Weight of BCS, kg	19
Stabilizer type	electromachine according to horizontal electro-hydraulic vertical
Twin weapons, type (brand)	machine gun (PKT)
Caliber, mm	7,62
Ammunition, pcs.	2000
Anti-aircraft weapons, type (brand)	machine gun (NSVT-12.7)
Caliber, mm	12,7
Ammunition, pcs.	300
Remote control	there is
guided weapons	9K119
Guided missile	9M119
missile guidance system	by laser beam
Maximum firing range, m	5000
fire control system
The maximum rotation speed of the tower, deg/s	24
The maximum elevation angle of the gun, deg.	20
Maximum gun descent angle, deg.	7
Duplicated fire control	there is
Rangefinder, type	laser
Ranging range, m	500-5000
Ballistic computer, type	electronic digital
Gunner's main sight, type	periscopic, combined with LD and thermal imager
Magnification, multiplicity	2,7-12
Field of view angle, deg.	20-4,5
Stabilization of the field of view of the sight	independent on HV and GN
Auxiliary gunner's sight	No
Gunner's night sight	thermal imaging
Vision range at night, m	2600
Commander's main instrument	periscopic
Magnification, multiplicity	7.5 (days); 5.1 (n)
Field of view angle, hail	7
Anti-aircraft sight	there is
Commander's Night Sight	thermal imaging video inspection device
Vision range at night	2600
Tank information and control system	No
security
Armor protection, type	combined
Angle of inclination of the upper frontal part buildings, deg.	68
Anti-cumulative side screens	there is
TDA system	there is
Smoke grenade launchers, pcs.	12
Complex of optoelectronic suppression	there is
Dynamic protection, type	built-in
System collective defense from WMD, type	general exchange
Fast acting PPO system	there is
Mobility and permeability
Maximum speed, km/h	60
Specific power, hp/t	18,1
Range on the highway, km	500
Fuel tank capacity, l	1200+400
Average specific pressure of caterpillars on soil, kgf/cm2	0,91
Clearance, mm	492
Overcome obstacles: Vertical wall, m Maximum elevation angle, deg.
The depth of the overcome water barriers with OPVT, m	5
Power point
Engine brand	V-84MS
engine's type	Diesel multi-fuel
Maximum power, kW (hp)	618 (840)
Maximum torque, kgf m	340
Number of cylinders	12
Cylinder arrangement	V-arr. 60°
Timing	4
Cooling type	liquid
Overall power, hp/m3	700
Engine weight, kg	1020
Compression ratio	14
Piston stroke, mm	180/186,7
Cylinder diameter, mm	150
Working volume, l	38,88
Specific fuel consumption, g/hp h	180
Auxiliary engine	No
Transmission
Transmission type	mechanical planetary
Gearbox, type	two onboard planetary
Number of forward/reverse gears	7/1
Gear ratios for gears	I - 8.713 II - 4.40 III - 3.485 IV - 2.787 V - 2.027 VI - 1.467 VII - 1.0 z.x. - 14.3
Swing mechanism, type	non-differential
Minimum design turning radius, m	2,79
Main brake type	disk, running in oil
Transmission weight, kg	1870
Final drive, type	planetary
Motion control system, type	hydraulic
Chassis
Suspension type	torsion
Dynamic course of the rink, mm	320
Shock absorbers, type, number	hydraulic bladed, 6
Caterpillar, track connection type	sequential
Track joint type	RMSH or OMSH
Track width, mm	2790
The length of the bearing surface of the caterpillar, mm	4270
Track width, mm	580
Number of tracks	97
Mass of one caterpillar, kg	1723
Number of road wheels on board	6
Track roller diameter, mm	750
Type of cushioning of track rollers	outdoor
Number of carrier rollers on board	3
Tension mechanism, type	worm
Chassis weight, kg	8570

Tank T-90, which is an improved tank T-72B, entered service in 1993. The appearance of the tank was caused by the need to modernize existing models, taking into account the experience of the Persian Gulf War, as well as the reorientation of production to Russian components. In the middle part of the T-90, a low flat tower with a commander's cupola shifted to the right was installed. The frontal part of the turret is reinforced with second-generation active slab armor. Mounted armor blocks can also be installed on the roof of the tower, creating additional protection against air strikes.

The driver's seat is located in front of the tank hull. Above it is a hatch and a wide-angle optical system. The bow of the tank is equipped with an acute-angled blade equipped with a mount for the KMT-6 mine trawl. As the main armament, the T-90 is equipped with a 125-mm 2A46M smoothbore gun equipped with a removable heat-insulating casing.

Introduced into the ammunition load of the T-90 gun high-explosive projectile with electronic remote fuse. To prepare the fuse for operation in the remote detonation mode, a time interval setter is used. To the right of the gun is a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. The turret houses a 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun equipped with a 1Ts29 remote control system with vertical stabilization. The 125-mm cannon of the tank is adapted to fire laser-guided AT-11 ATGMs. The ATGM firing range is 4000 m. The 1A45 fire control system allows the gunner and commander to conduct aimed fire with artillery shots from a cannon day and night from a place and on the move, guided missiles from a place.

The complex includes the 1A42 fire control system, the 9K119 "Reflex" guided weapon system, the PNK-4S commander's instrumentation and observation system, and the T01-P02T thermal imaging tank system. Thus, the T-90 tank is capable of hitting most enemy tanks and helicopters while remaining out of range. The digital ballistic computer 1V528-1 with a capacitive wind sensor DVE-BS and a laser rangefinder included in the fire control system make it possible to high precision hit targets at night.

The TShU-2 "Shtora" optoelectronic suppression complex provides additional protection for the T-90 tank by creating optical interference to the control lines of ATGMs (shells, bombs, aircraft missiles) with optical feedback or with laser guidance (illumination). This system consists of two IR illuminators located next to the cannon barrel. The searchlights are constantly on and emit a coded IR signal that prevents the enemy's ATGMs from being accurately aimed. On the turret of the tank are 12 grenade launchers for setting aerosol curtains.

The armor protection of the frontal part of the hull and turret of the T-90 is a multi-layered combined armor barriers that provide invulnerability from most types of armor-piercing sub-caliber and cumulative shells of tank (anti-tank) guns. High resistance to cumulative ammunition is achieved by installing hinged dynamic protection. The tank has 227 containers installed: 61 on the hull, 70 on the turret and 96 on the side screens. The hull of the tank is welded, its upper frontal part is inclined at an angle of 63 ° from the vertical. The tower is cast, its frontal part has variable angles of inclination from 10° to 25°. The sides of the hull are protected by anti-cumulative screens. The T-90 tank is different high level anti-radiation protection through the use of undercutting and overcutting, a system of collective protection and local protection of crew members.

The survivability of the tank on the battlefield is increased due to the low silhouette, the use of TDA and the 902B "Tucha" system for setting smoke screens, the napalm protection system and the ZETs13 "Hoarfrost" high-speed fire-fighting equipment. The T-90 tank has a camouflage color and is equipped with equipment for self-digging and for hanging a KMT-6 mine trawl. The machine is equipped with a multi-fuel four-stroke high-speed diesel engine V-84-1, liquid-cooled, supercharged from a driven centrifugal supercharger. In addition, inertial (wave) boost is used.

Engine power is 840 hp. with. It is adapted to work on diesel fuel, jet fuel (T-1, TC-1, T-2) and motor gasoline (A-66, A-72). Starting is carried out using an electric starter, a system air launch, as well as from an external source of current or from a tug. For an emergency start of a cold engine in winter, there is an intake air heating system. The mechanical planetary transmission consists of an input gearbox, two final gearboxes and two final gearboxes. It has hydro-servo control and its own oil system.

Tank India T-90 "Bhishma"

In 2006, the Government of India signed a $2.5 billion contract for the licensed production of 1,000 T-90 Bhishma tanks (named after the legendary hero of the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata).

In the suspension system, an individual torsion bar suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers of a lever-vane type is used on the 1st, 2nd and 6th suspension units of each side. The track roller discs are made of aluminum alloy. The track rollers have external rubber coating, and the supporting rollers have internal shock absorption. To protect the caterpillar from dropping when the tank turns, restrictive disks are welded on the drive wheels.

The T-90 tank has several modifications and is supplied in different countries peace

The T-90 tank is equipped with underwater driving equipment that allows you to overcome water barriers up to five meters deep and about 1000 meters wide. The tank uses the Paragraph communications complex, which includes an R-173 VHF radio station, an R-173P radio receiver, an antenna filter unit and a laryngophone amplifier. The radio station operates in the frequency range of 30-76 MHz and has a memory device that allows you to prepare 10 communication frequencies in advance. It provides a communication range of at least 20 km both on the spot and on the move over medium rough terrain.

The performance characteristics of the main battle tank T-90:

Combat weight, t	46,5
Crew, pers.	3
Overall dimensions, mm:
length with cannon forward	9530
width	3460
height	2230
clearance	470
Armor
	combined, with built-in dynamic protection
Armament:
	125-mm smoothbore gun launcher 2A46M; 7.62 mm PKT machine gun; 12.7 mm machine gun; 12 smoke grenade launchers
Ammunition:
	43 shots, 1250 rounds of 7.62 mm caliber, 300 rounds of 12.7 mm caliber
Engine	V-84MS, multi-fuel, four-stroke, diesel, 12-cylinder, turbocharged, liquid-cooled power 840 hp with.
Specific ground pressure, kg/cm	0,85
Highway speed, km/h	60
Range on the highway, km	500
Overcome obstacles:
wall height, m	0,80
moat width, m	2,80
fording depth, m	1.20 (with preparation 5 m)

Modifications of the main battle tank T-90

• T-90 - the first serial modification of the tank.
• T-90K - commander's version of the T-90, with additional communication (R-163-50K radio station) and navigation equipment (TNA-4-3).
• T-90A - modification of the T-90, with a new welded turret, 1000 hp engine. with., improved thermal imaging equipment, new elements of dynamic protection and a number of other improvements.
• T-90S - export version of the T-90, without the "Shtora-1" system and with additional dynamic protection.
• T-90SK - Command version of the T-90S, with additional communication and navigation equipment.
• T-90CA - export version of the T-90A, with a cooling system for night vision equipment and a modified laser radiation detection system.
• T-90SKA - Command version of the T-90SA, with additional communication and navigation equipment.
• T-90A - modernization (2006) T-90A: a second-generation Essa thermal imaging sight was installed, the automatic loader was improved, the tank was increased by 100 liters.
• T-90AM - the latest modification of the T-90A. The old turret was replaced with a new combat module with a fire control system "Kalina" with an integrated combat information and control system of the tactical level, a new automatic loader and an upgraded gun 2A46M-5, as well as a remotely controlled anti-aircraft gun "UDP T05BV-1". Dynamic protection "Relic". A steering wheel-based control and an automatic gear shifting system with the possibility of switching to manual are used. A monoblock power plant V-92S2F with a capacity of 1130 liters is installed on the tank. s., developed on the basis of the V-92S2.
• T-90SM - export version of the T-90AM tank.

Sources:

• Christopher F. Foss. "Reference Jane. Tanks and fighting vehicles";
• G. L. Kholyavsky. "The Complete Encyclopedia of World Tanks 1915 - 2000";
• Murakhovsky V. I., Pavlov M. V., Safonov B. S., Solyankin A. G. "Modern tanks";
• Philip Truitt. "Tanks and self-propelled guns";
• Equipment and weapons 2010 - 06.