The best tank in the world. The best tank in World of Tanks ("World of Tanks") 10 modern tanks in the world

Hello, dear friends. In the world of online games, all kinds of simulators have long occupied a significant place, but, perhaps, no simulator of driving a car, train, plane or ship can compare with a tank simulator. Because it’s one thing to just plow roads, seas or clouds, and quite another thing to also take some serious hits. Our reflections today are intended to establish the most best tank in World of Tanks, since it was this brainchild of Belarusian developers that received the most attention and love from fans of online toys: in RuNet alone there are more than a million subscribers.

From this article you will learn:

Where to run, what to look at?

"World of Tanks" is for that the whole world, that the number of models in the game is slightly less than five hundred. In other words, the question of choice can confuse an experienced player, and a beginner can even lose consciousness for several days. It’s good that there is such an invention of mankind as classification, and equipment in WoT is grouped, firstly, by nations (Soviet, German, British, American, French, Chinese and Japanese), and secondly, by type of weapons and armor (light, medium, heavy, tank destroyers and self-propelled guns). You can also divide all the tanks available in the game according to the method the player receives them into regular (which are purchased for game currency), premium (here, of course, without investing real money indispensable) and gift or promotional ones (free tanks given for completing certain tasks or participating in promotions).

The question about the “self-improvement” of a tank is probably incorrect - tanks are still different types, and arguing about which is better to play on - heavy or PT - is the same as comparing a table with a cabinet. Different models are designed for different tasks, so we will look at several machines that can be considered the best in their group.

What to strive for?

It's easy to say that development should be based on the player's preferences. Which, in general, is quite logical - some people like to act as a “firefly”, others like to sit in ambush. But you can also shine and hide in different ways, so the question of which tank to buy so as not to be disappointed in the future is a very personal question. Of course, you can read guides (which is absolutely necessary if you don’t want to constantly lose), but in order to choose the right development branch, you must first decide what you want to get in the end. Therefore, we will start from the end and make a short review of the most popular and effective Tier 10 tanks.

Heavy tanks

The main task of heavy tanks is to “squeeze out” the front. And for this they must be very thick in armor and quite serious in damage. In short, heavy tanks “tank”, that is, they push right through. Of course, it’s better not to expose yourself to attack, because even the strongest armor can be found with a projectile that will penetrate it very well. And yet, it is heavy tanks that are best suited for those who like an aggressive playing style. You can tank in different ways - from the tower, from the side, in a diamond, reverse diamond, etc. Which tactic to choose depends on many things. For example, the German “Tiger” is better, let’s say, in the second line, because its heavy armor is quite average, but it hits well. On the other hand, the Tiger can quite successfully tank in the first line, if the opponents are mainly his classmates.

So which ones should you download? We settled on two models, and we can’t choose which one is better, so we’ll tell you about both.

IS-7. Soviet. Once upon a time it was just a super-heavy tank, at the moment the developers have nerfed it a little (editor's note, lowered the performance), but it is still among the top best heavy tanks. very cool, runs pretty fast. The armor, however, is mediocre, but due to the angles of the armor it often ricochets, and even if they aim at you from the side, they can hit the bulwark. If you are riding an IS-7, try not to turn your rear towards the enemy - such a hit will cause the tank to burn with a clear flame.

E-100. This is a serious German heavy, with very cool armor and, accordingly, rather weak damage. You are given a choice of two guns, which differ in terms of rate of fire, armor-piercing and damage. Large and slow, so it is a good target for artillery, but due to its size it can, for example, penetrate the same IS-7 head-on. A terrible tank, in general. They are afraid of him. In addition, he has as much as 2700, and if you place the tank in a diamond shape, then ricochets and non-penetration often occur even in the NLD (editor's note, lower frontal part).

Medium tanks

They are not designed to hold damage. Their job is to enter from the rear or flank, inflict constant (albeit small) damage and, if possible, work with lamps. Medium tanks do not have as much armor as heavy tanks, but they are much more mobile, and due to the constant opportunity to shoot, they often deal more damage during the battle as a whole than heavy tanks.

The living embodiment of everything said about the “middle peasants” above is the T-62A tank. The main advantage of the T-62A is the accuracy and rate of fire of the gun, especially if the crew is well-trained. In skillful hands, this tank allows you to keep the enemy’s vehicle on the gullet for the entire battle, but what about one enemy - you can stop three noobs around the corner (especially if they don’t realize that they can attack at the same time, they crawl out one by one, and you give them splashes, because the speed recharging allows).

Plus, in its development branch there are models that are easy to master even for a beginner (for example, the legendary T-34, T-34-85 and A-44).

Light tanks

Let's say right away that if you are a beginner player, your first tank (as part of your aspiration and development) should in no case be easy. It's very difficult. Firstly, their armor is naturally made of paper (with the exception of the French sand armor, which ricochets strongly, but crawls like turtles). Secondly, single damage. It would seem, why are they needed at all?

We need it, we need it! Light tanks also have plenty of goodies. Firstly, they are the most maneuverable in the game, hence the conclusion - “first catch up, then beat them.” So if you turn your head 360 degrees and reel in on time, success is guaranteed. Secondly, light tanks have the best camouflage, they are the most difficult to notice, but they, in fact, are designed to highlight enemy vehicles. There is one more feature - the battle balancer deliberately identifies light tanks in battles that are more high level. For some this is not very good (because it’s a loss), for others it’s the opposite (experience). However, everything is quite logical - only players with straight arms can constantly play on a light tank. And there are also plenty of inept brakes in WoT, believe me.

If we talk about the best lightweight model, then in our opinion it is the Chinese WZ-132. Why is it good - even in stock, it already brings full assistance to the team, and the elite WZ-132, and even in capable hands, is created not to expose itself to a one-shot, but to quietly shine light, and, if desired, shoot from shelters.

Anti-tank self-propelled artillery mount

She is a tank destroyer or simply a “pet”. The PT's camouflage is very good; its purpose is to inflict serious damage at a long distance, helping to hold the enemy's flanks and breakthrough lines. They are well armored in front, but unfortunately, they are made of cardboard on the sides and back. Their one-time damage is much greater than the damage of heavy tanks, but in most cases, aligning the sight takes an unacceptably long time.

Beginners can start with American TDs - unlike most other models, Americans have turrets, which allows them to adapt faster. If we talk about the coolest anti-tank gun in the game, then in our opinion it is the French AMX 50 Foch (155). Penetration is 5, the gun has a drum for three shells. Quite maneuverable, and the frontal armor often ricochets. Can destroy any tank in literally seconds.

Self-propelled artillery installation

She is a self-propelled gun or just art. It has no armor at all, but it hits powerfully and from afar. The art has a special battle mode - you will see the battle map on top. If you are a beginner player, it is better to pay attention to the British and French branches. Of course, the Soviet Object 261 is considered one of the best self-propelled guns, but getting to it is not so easy. Therefore, in this review we will highlight Bat as the best art. -Chatillon 155 58. French machine, less damage than its classmates, but the drum has 4 shells.

In addition, it is small and maneuverable, therefore unnoticeable, and as soon as it happens you can run, and you’ll catch up. Ideally, you can change position while reloading - both for the benefit of the battle and time well spent.

And now about the levels

As you know, there are ten levels of development in the game. Moreover, practice shows that the very last levels are not as popular as the penultimate ones (according to statistics, it is the eighth level that is the most playable and popular among players). Now we will explain why.

The first four (or even five) levels among players are somewhat derisively called “sandbox”. Well, in fact, if you have a level 2 tank, nothing special is required to play. This is a bit of a trial run, people are just exploring the environment and deciding what style of play suits them best.

Levels 5 to 7 are a kind of “profitable” period. Farm, farm and farm again. Because the further you go, the more expensive the battles become.

Levels 8, 9 and 10 – that’s it, the ceiling. Terribly increases self-esteem and allows you to command incompetent teammates in voice chat. In addition, you need a lot of money for participating in battles at these levels, very expensive shells and repairs.

And so, having reviewed the top, we returned to the beginning - what should a beginner do and which development branch to choose?

In the sandbox, the difference between tank classes is not so noticeable (except that the features of artillery are clear). Choosing a playing style is also difficult, because you can level up to level 4 without much effort in a couple of hours. Therefore, a novice player first of all needs to choose a branch through which he can understand as many aspects of the game as possible. Plus, a beginner should not attempt too complex things, which means that:

• The tank must have high gun accuracy and good DPM;
• The armor must also be sufficient to withstand beginner mistakes;
• Maneuverability is important;
• The development branch should contain machines that are easy to master and meet the above requirements.

In our opinion, the first thing a newcomer should attend to is to pay tribute to patriotism. Moreover, it is good for gaming health.

This refers to the branch of Soviet heavyweights leading to the IS-7. Why it’s good - already from level 5 you will have to ride almost perfect heavy tanks (well, with some minor deviations). In addition, in addition to the IS-7, there are two more tanks in this branch that become leaders in battles of different modes - the IS-3 and KV-1.

But if you only have one tank in your hangar, it's boring. In addition, there are often cases when you are beaten long before the end of the battle. So you can replenish the hangar and simultaneously master other types of equipment.

To get started, three branches will be enough. You already have one, we offer two more:

• a branch of medium tanks made in Soviet, which leads to the T-62A;
• branch of tank destroyers made in France, leading to the AMX 50 Foch (155).

And in conclusion let's say

Straight hands rule. With straight arms, any tank is the best.

However, it wasn’t us who said it, but Captain Obvious. :)

On the other hand, straight-handedness comes in the process of playing on a single tank. So try it. In the end, you will find your style and beat everyone, and even better if you find your team made up of your friends. Read our blog with them and show your opponents who you are and what you are capable of! That's all for today, see you again and have a good game.

For many decades there has been continuous debate about which tank is the best in the world. Countries invest tens of millions of dollars annually in the development of new models of equipment and the modernization of existing tanks. Meet the ten best modern tanks adopted for service.

10. Zulfiqar (Iran)

A miracle of Iranian engineering, Zulfiqar is nothing more than a seriously modified Soviet T-72 tank, for which parts were borrowed from American tank M48 (Patton 48) and M60. A 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun paired with a 7.62 mm machine gun and 12.7 mm machine guns for firing at air targets is installed here. The tank allows you to fire targeted 23-kilogram shells on the move with an initial flight speed of 850 m/s.

9. T-84 (Ukraine)

The Ukrainian T-84 received the nickname “flying tank” for its excellent ratio of engine power to vehicle weight, where there are 24 horsepower per ton of weight, which allows the tank to accelerate to 75 kilometers per hour. A 125-mm smoothbore gun is installed here, coaxial with a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun, and a 12.7-mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun is mounted on the turret. As an option, a 120-mm smoothbore gun can be installed to fire NATO shells. The tank is a further and, it must be said, very successful development of the Soviet T-80.

8. K1A1 (South Korea)

In eighth place we had the Korean K1A1 tank, which received composite armor that reliably protects the crew. The tank is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, which is complemented by two 7.62 mm machine guns and one 12.7 mm machine gun. By the way, the tank is a modernized version of the M1A1 Abrams, adapted for use in Southeast Asia.

7. Type 99 (China)

The Type 99 is the most modern tank currently in service with the Chinese army, which is a heavily modernized Soviet T-72 that has received active protection, providing excellent protection against missiles. The tank boasts an active countermeasures system against enemy rangefinders, target designators and missiles, blinding them with a laser. A 125-mm smoothbore gun is installed here, allowing you to fire shells with depleted uranium and guided rockets. The tank is also armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun coaxial with a cannon and a 12.7 mm W-85 anti-aircraft machine gun coaxial with a cannon; grenade launcher units with smoke grenades are attached to the sides of the turret.

6. AMX-56 Leclerc (France)

For a long time, the Leclerc was considered the best tank in the world, capable of accelerating to 75 km/h, having exceptional maneuverability, and multi-layer armor consisting of titanium tungsten and ceramics. The tank has a 120-mm smoothbore gun CN-120-2 with an automatic loader for 22 rounds and an ammunition rack for 18 rounds, from where they can be manually moved to the automatic loader. The Leclerc also has a 12.7 mm machine gun coaxial with the gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted near the commander's hatch to engage air targets. The French managed to make the most expensive tank in the world in service today, which costs about six million euros.

5. Challenger 2 (UK)

This is the second generation British tanks Challenger, whose production began in 1994, despite its rather advanced age, provides excellent protection for the crew. A 120-mm L30A1 rifled gun is installed here; by the way, this is the only rifled gun that is used on a tank adopted by NATO countries, providing high accuracy of fire over long distances. The tank is also armed with a 7.62 mm L94A1 machine gun coaxial with a cannon, a 7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun mounted on the commander's turret allowing it to fire at air targets, and a 40 mm mortar.

4. Merkava IV (Israel)

The Israeli war chariot Merkava IV provides better protection for its crew and is more reminiscent of a pillbox on tracks, for which the engine was moved forward. The tank is equipped with a 120 mm MG253 smoothbore gun, which allows it to fire LAHAT missiles. In addition to the gun, the tank is equipped with a coaxial 7.62 mm MAG machine gun, a pair of 7.62 mm MAG machine guns near the commander and loader hatches, a coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun, a 60 mm mortar and 12 pieces of 78.5 mm millimeter grenades. However, due to the specific design of the Merkava IV, it can only be used on terrain with solid ground with minimal rainfall.

3. T-90 (Russia)

The newest Russian T-90 tank was able to climb into third place; it received a 125-mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun, which allows it to fire armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells and anti-tank missiles. A 12.7-mm machine gun is installed on the roof of the turret, the rate of fire of which is 700-800 rounds/min, allowing it to fire at air targets, and a 7.62-mm machine gun PKT 3000 is paired with the cannon, the rate of fire of which is 250 rounds/min, allowing fire at a distance of up to two kilometers.

2. Leopard 2 (Germany)

The creation of the gloomy German genius, put into service in 1979 (the oldest in our rating), has received numerous improvements and modifications, has composite three-layer armor consisting of steel and tungsten, where the cavity is filled with a material that is a mixture of plastic and ceramics. The tank received one of the best guns to date, the 120 mm Rhl 120/L55. There are two MG3 machine guns, one coaxial with a cannon installed in the turret, and the second on the loader's hatch with an ammunition capacity of 4,750 bullets, allowing you to fire at air targets. Today, Leopard 2 is in service in 18 countries around the world.

1. M1A1 Abrams (USA)

In first place we have the most famous tank of our time, the American Abrams, which took part in three wars and has undergone several major modernizations. The tank can be equipped with a British 105 mm M68A1 rifled gun or a German 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun paired with a 7.62 mm M240 machine gun. Also installed near the loader’s hatch is a 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm M2 machine gun on the commander’s turret, and two six-barreled 66 mm grenade launchers with smoke grenades are mounted on the sides of the turret.

10 BM "Oplot"

BM "Oplot"(“Oplot-M” before being put into service) is a modern Ukrainian main battle tank.

Developed by the Kharkov Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau named after A. A. Morozov and produced by the ZTM plant named after. Malysheva. The chief designer of the machine is Dr. Tech. Sc., prof., lieutenant general. M. D. Borisyuk, general designer for the creation of armored vehicles and artillery systems, Head of KMDB KP.

As of 2016, Ukraine has 10 units in service, Thailand - 15.

9 T-90 "Vladimir"

T-90- Russian main battle tank. Created in the late 1980s - early 1990s as a deep modernization of the T-72B tank under the name “T-72B Improved”, but in 1992 it was put into service under the designation T-90. After the death of Vladimir Ivanovich Potkin, the chief designer of the tank, by government decision Russian Federation The T-90 was given the name "Vladimir".

The T-90 has a classic layout, with the control compartment located in the frontal part, the fighting compartment in the middle and the engine compartment in the rear. The T-90 crew consists of three people- a driver, located along the longitudinal axis of the tank in the control compartment, and a gunner with a commander, located in the turret to the left and right of the gun, respectively.

There is a certificate kept at Uralvagonzavod stating that one T-90 tank of the 1992 model was at the disposal of one of the units in the conflict zone in Chechnya in the 1990s. Syrian T-90 tanks were used in battles near the city of Aleppo.

8

AMX-56 Leclerc- French modern main battle tank (MBT). Created by the GIAT concern (now Nexter) in the 1980s to replace the outdated AMX-30 tank.

Serial production started in 1992. As of 2010, there is no further production of Leclerc. As of 2011, 354 tanks of this type are in service with France, and another 388 are in service with the army of the United Arab Emirates. Before the advent of the South Korean K2 Black Panther and the Japanese Type 10, it was considered the most expensive MBT.

15 Leclerc tanks are serving in the peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo.

7

The newest Japanese main battle tank.

The prototype of the tank was first shown in 2008. In 2010, the Japan Self-Defense Forces ordered 13 tanks at a cost of about $6.5 million per unit. The Type 10 entered service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces on January 10, 2012. It is planned that over time the Type 10 will replace the outdated Type 74 and complement the Type 90 tank fleet.

The main armament of the tank is a 120-mm German Rheinmetall cannon, which has a barrel length of 44 calibers and is equipped with a conveyor-type automatic loader. The gun is equipped with a powder gas ejector, a thermal casing and is stabilized in two planes.

6

In service since 2002, it was adopted in 2004. Many world military experts consider the Merkava-4 tank to be the best main battle tank in the world for 2010. 28% of the tank's parts are imported, including the engine and transmission. The tank has a spring suspension (practically not used in the world), although it has its advantages, it definitely reduces the accuracy of shooting while moving. At the rear there is a compartment for landing (evacuating the wounded), which sharply increases the effectiveness of the tank as a whole in low-intensity battles, in return reducing the tank's security due to the armor being smeared to a greater extent.

In 2012, the Ministry of Defense formed a group led by Reserve Brigadier General Didi Ben-Yoash, which was to be responsible for developing the “tank of the future” for the Israel Defense Forces. Heads of the defense industry and the command of the ground forces were invited to express their opinions on what this tank should look like. It was supposed to be lighter, smaller, with automatic charging and a crew of two, and to have at its disposal a modular weapon system that included various types, including missiles.

5 T-14 "Armata"

T-14- the newest Russian main tank with uninhabited tower based on the Armata universal tracked platform.

The T-14 was presented to the general public at the Victory Parade in 2015 along with other products based on the Armata. As part of the state armament program, a state order was placed for the production of 2,300 T-14 tanks by 2020. In 2015, a pilot batch of 20 tanks was manufactured. In 2016, mass production of tanks began, which is not planned to be reduced even in a crisis. At the same time, the procedure for military acceptance and elimination of deficiencies has begun.

The T-14 may be the world's first "stealth tank" not only with a radical reduction in visibility in the infrared, radio and magnetic ranges, but also with the use of innovative technologies of "signature distortion", that is, distortion of its visual image in these ranges , making it difficult to find a Javelin, Spike or JAGM-class ATGM tank seeker among discarded infrared decoys and clouds of dipoles.

Export of tanks based on Armata is possible after meeting the needs of the state defense order. Uralvagonzavod stated that in order to obtain permission to export the T-14, the classification of secrecy will be removed from it in the future. India, China, Egypt and the countries of Southeast Asia showed interest in the tank.

4

Challenger 2- main battle tank ground forces UK. Also in service Armed Forces Oman. It is expected that the operation of tanks of this model will last until 2035.

Challenger 2 tanks were used to conduct combat operations in Kosovo and Iraq (from 2003 to September 1, 2010).

"Challenger 2" is one of the heaviest Western tanks: both the turret and its hull are covered with second-generation Chobham armor, codenamed "Dorchester", all information about which is still classified. It is optional to install ROMOR dynamic protection modules on the sides of the hull and (in the Challenger Peacefighter version) turret in combination with lattice screens. Complex of protection against biological and chemical weapons is located inside the tower.

3

M1 Abrams- US main battle tank. Serially produced since 1980. It is in service with the army and Marine Corps USA, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Australia. Named after General Creighton Abrams.

As of FY 2015, the US Army has ordered 530 M1A2 upgrades to M1A2 SEP at an average cost of $4.8 million per unit and 1,611 M1/M1A1s to M1A2 SEP and M1A2 SEP V2 at an average cost of $5.6 million per unit. The cost includes deployment, maintenance and training costs. Deliveries of the upgraded M1A2 were expected to be completed in early 2010. financial year and 1,590 upgraded M1/M1A1s were received by the army by the end of 2015.

2 K2 "Black Panther"

Modern South Korean main battle tank. Adopted into service in 2014. The vehicle was developed by the South Korean Defense Development Agency and Rotem (a division of Hyundai Motors). The K2 should replace the American M48 tanks in the army and complement the fleet of K1 tanks.

Very technologically complex, the Black Panther tank is currently valued at $8.5 million per unit. Thus, the K2 is one of the most expensive tanks to date. The K2 is priced at nearly double the price of its predecessor, the K1, which costs $4.9 million per unit. However, it is expected that the current price will drop significantly once the tank is mass produced and it becomes more available for sale to other countries.

1

This tank was first shown at the 2010 Eurosatory exhibition by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

Leopard 2A7 is a modernization of the Leopard 2A6, armed with a 120 mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun with a 55-caliber barrel length. There is also the possibility of upgrading the Leopard 2A4/Leopard 2A5 variant with a short 120mm gun (44 caliber barrel length) to the latest Leopard 2A7 standard.

One of the most important factors enhancing the security of the vehicle - the ROSY smoke screen system developed by Rheinmetall. It not only forms a multispectral smoke cloud in the detected direction of irradiation in less than 0.6 seconds, but also forms a dynamic smoke “wall”, allowing the tank to quickly evade destruction in the event of a massive approach of anti-tank missiles.

The digital turret concept actually helps the crew see through the armor. But it is precisely this property that is one of the most important when creating a new generation tank with an uninhabited turret and an armored capsule for the crew.

Western journalists, like politicians, are haunted by the idea that Russia was able to create tanks that are superior in quality to their Western counterparts. Thus, Forbes magazine, in a rather lengthy article, made a comparison between the main mass-produced tanks of Russia, Germany, the USA, China and France, respectively The following samples were subject to critical evaluation: T-90, Leopard-2, M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams, MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc. To be fair, let's add a British tank to this list. Challenger 2 and compare these six samples to determine the true leader. Let us reduce the assessment principle to the simplest: we compare the technical characteristics of vehicles, defense systems and weapons, the cost of their production, the effectiveness of combat use, demand on the world arms market, from the totality of these data we can determine best car. It’s probably also worth adding to this list Israeli tank "Merkava".

The Russian “flying” tank T-90 is considered a global bestseller.

Of course, one could consider other excellent examples of tank construction, such as the Japanese Type-10 main tank or the South Korean K2 Black Panther main tank, but given their relatively low production and lack of examples combat use, for now we will refuse to consider these candidates in the ranking for the title of the best tank in the world. There is no point in considering the Russian T14 Armata tank yet, since this model has not yet been adopted for service.

Abrams and T-90

The Western media almost in unison praise the merits of the American M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams tank, calling it the pinnacle of technical excellence in world tank building, well, let these praises remain on their conscience, let’s move on to the facts. First of all, it is worth noting that this tank is an old development (serial production began on February 28, 1980), which has been modernized many times. But overall the car has proven itself well.

It is equipped with a 1500-horsepower AVCO Lycoming AGT-1500 gas turbine engine; with a combat weight of 64 tons, this vehicle can reach a maximum speed along a prepared path of up to 67 km per hour, over rough terrain up to 30 km/h with a cruising range of 426 km. Specific power – 23.8 hp. per ton. The tank is well protected, its frontal armor is 650 mm thick, in addition to its own composite armor, it is protected by additional panels and has active and dynamic protection.

The vehicle is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, a global positioning, control and communication system, liquid crystal color displays (which displays all necessary information in digital and graphic forms) of high resolution allow the commander to see the picture of the battle. The rangefinder is capable of determining the distance to the target to be hit, up to almost 5 km; the main sight is equipped with a stabilizer.

M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams tank

The tank is armed with a 120 mm M256 smoothbore gun (licensed version of the Rheinmetall Rh-120 made in Germany), and one 12.7 mm M2HB and two M240 7.62 mm machine guns. The tank's 120 mm gun ammunition, in addition to other ammunition, includes an M829A3 sub-caliber projectile with a depleted uranium core; its maximum effective range is 4.4 thousand m; at a distance of 2 km it penetrates 720 mm armor.

The gun is loaded manually; the tank has a crew of four people. Western experts clearly overpraised this tank. In Iraq, in the current war, jihadists managed to knock out Abrams with , and this is already ridiculous. The poorly armed Yemeni guerrillas, the Houthis, managed to destroy about 20 Abrams tanks.

How can all of the above be answered? Russian main tank T-90, consider its modifications and the T90-AM. The vehicle is equipped with a V-shaped 12-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel tank engine with turbocharging V-92S2F with a power of 1130 hp. With a combat weight of 48 tons, the tank is capable of speeds of 65–70 km/h on a prepared road and up to 45–50 km/h over rough terrain. The ratio of tank weight to engine power is 24 hp. per ton i.e. better than the M1A2 SEP V2 Abrams. The T-90AM's track pressure per unit surface is 10% lower than that of an American tank, and accordingly the cross-country ability of the Russian vehicle is higher.

The tank is equipped with a panoramic sight, a thermal imager, modern control systems, navigation, internal and external communications, and surveillance. At the disposal of the crew commander of the Kalina control system with an integrated combat information and control system of the tactical level is a liquid crystal color display high resolution(all the information necessary for the commander is displayed on it) allows you to monitor the combat situation. Sighting range firing OFZ shells up to 10 km. Guided ammunition allows you to hit targets at a distance of up to 5 km, ATGMs reliably hit the enemy at a distance of up to 3 km.

Russian tank T-90MS

This combat vehicle is superbly protected. The thickness of the composite armor in the frontal part of the hull is 750 mm, the turret is 950 mm. The tank's ammunition is located in a separate module, which significantly increases the survivability of the crew if it is hit by a shell and detonates all of the ammunition. In addition to its own armor, the tank has additional screens, active and dynamic protection systems. The modern modular dynamic protection complex of the third generation "Relikt" is too tough for the vaunted American projectile with a uranium core M829A3, so the Yankees urgently looking for a new solution.

The armament of the T90-AM tank is also impressive: a smooth-bore 125 mm 2A46M-5 cannon with automatic loading and a coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, as well as a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft gun UDP T05BV-1. The tank has a crew of three people (no loader). The T-90 has demonstrated exceptional reliability in the current wars in Iraq and Syria.

American vs Russian

Since these tanks have not yet met on the battlefield, let's try to analytically assess the chances of victory for each. Undoubtedly, Abrams tanks have a rich track record and they performed well in the 1991 and 2003 US wars against Iraq. In both cases, Saddam Hussein’s tank forces were equipped with Soviet combat vehicles of the unmodernized T-55, T-64, T-72. In addition, Iraq at that time did not receive any consumables, spare parts, or ammunition from Russia, and the main factor of unreliability was the Iraqi crews, mainly because of this it was not difficult for the Americans to fight with Saddam Hussein’s tanks with virtually no losses. That is, this combat experience does not mean anything; the Yankees have never met Russian crews or modern Russian tanks in battle.

Moreover, we must take into account that the Abrams fought only in warm climates, on flat, very slightly rugged, flat terrain. Experts believe that in the climatic and relief conditions of Russia, especially in winter, this “miracle machine” most likely will not be able to fight at all. The Germans already had to admire their tightly stationary vehicles on frosty days in the Battle of Moscow in December 1941 - January 1942. Then, the technical parameters of the T-90AM leave no chance for the Abrams tank, both in the M1A2 SEP V2 modification and in the M1A2 SEP V3 modification. And the main victorious force in battle is the Russian soldier, Russian tank crews, who confidently demonstrate high combat skills.

A new Russian one is approaching, which in all respects leaves Abrams far behind. The Pentagon has already sounded the alarm and is firmly raising the question of financing a new tank project with the Senate. Even if they manage to persuade the senators, America will still be at least a corps behind in the tank race. The Pentagon lags behind the Russian military department in operational art; it is worth noting that the Americans do not have historical combat experience in mass tank battles, and experience in waging “big” wars too.

You can also take into account the fact that these days Abrams tanks in Iraq and Yemen are not performing well. But in this case there are two nuances: firstly, these are old cars, and secondly, they are driven by “armless” Arab crews.

Leopard-2

The German masterpiece of modern tank building, Leopard 2, is a good, solid tank, but due to its heavy weight it will be very difficult to fight on Russian terrain, except perhaps only along roads. It seems that, mindful of their stunning defeat on the battlefields of World War II in the East, the Germans do not even dream of considering Russia as a possible theater of operations (theater of operations).

In the current Syrian war, Leopard 2 was used by Turkish troops during Operation Euphrates Shield; admittedly, it did not behave entirely successfully in a combat situation and generally received negative assessment experts. Again, a caveat must be made here; Turkish crews fought in these tanks in Syria; perhaps the Germans, under the same conditions, could have rehabilitated their Leopard 2.

In fact, Germany is an unrivaled leader in mechanical engineering. This project may be over 40 years old, but in its modernized form Leopard 2 looks very impressive. The weight of the vehicle in full combat gear reaches almost 70 tons, the armor is multi-component, additional protective screens are used, as well as dynamic protection systems. The tank is equipped with fire protection automatic system. It has a 12-cylinder diesel V-twin engine MTU MB 873 Ka-501 with a power of 1,479 hp. or MTU MT883 with 1,650 hp. The maximum speed of this car on prepared roads is 68 km/h, and on rough terrain 30 km/h. The maximum range is 320 km. But in Russian off-road conditions, this monster can stand firm, especially in the bitter cold of Russian winters.

The Leopard 2 is armed with a smoothbore 120 mm Rheinmetall L55 cannon (manually loaded) and two 7.62 mm MG3A1 machine guns. The DM-53 anti-tank projectile with a warhead in the form of a tungsten core is capable of penetrating 750 mm of armor at a distance of 2 km, an Israeli-made LAHAT ATGM, which is included in the tank’s standard ammunition? hits targets at a range of up to 6 km. Leopard-2 is equipped with a German EMES 15 fire control system, a panoramic sight, a laser rangefinder, a thermal imager and other equipment, including modern navigation and surveillance communication devices. The crew of the car is 4 people. For the Western European theater of operations, the tank is ideal.

Again, this tank clearly should not meet the T90AM on the battlefield; the Leopard has little chance of emerging victorious from this battle, and its vaunted defense is powerless against modern Russian anti-tank weapons.

MBT-2000 and AMX-56 Leclerc

Basic Chinese tank The MBT-2000 is rightfully considered a satisfactory example in the comparative table of world tank building. His technical capabilities, perhaps, it should be compared with the T-72B, but the T90AM is inferior in all respects. Although the MBT-2000 is the most popular tank in the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), it was originally created to capture the global tank market. This example is produced under license by Pakistan under the name Al-Khalid. The vehicle does not yet have a widely known combat history, nor does it Chinese army has no historical experience in conducting massive tank battles. It is unknown how these machines will behave in Siberian frost conditions.

Chinese tank MBT-2000

Currently, new MBT-3000 (VT-4) tanks are entering service with the PLA, however, this model is also aimed at international market. According to the stated technical specifications it is comparable to the T90AM, but one can only guess what this vehicle will be able to demonstrate on the battlefield. There is no complete certainty that the PLA command does not at all consider tanks as an effective force for modern and future wars. Unlike Russian and German tank builders, who produce all the components themselves, the Chinese supply many parts of their combat vehicles from abroad; the main components are purchased in France.

The AMX-56 Leclerc tank is another proof of the ambition of the French. They could well get by, like other countries of continental Western Europe, with German monsters Leopard 2 or American Abrams. But no, Paris goes its own way in everything, despite the financial costs. This vehicle was mass-produced for 15 years starting in 1992, currently 406 tanks are owned by the French army, and 388 are in service with the UAE military.

The weight of the machine reaches 54.6 tons. Its 8-cylinder V-shaped diesel engine produces 1500 hp. allows the tank to accelerate to 71 km/h on a prepared road and up to 40 km/h on slightly rough terrain and provides a cruising range of 550 km. I’ll note right away that this tank has not been tested in Russian conditions and, I dare say, it will not prove itself here, just like other foreign models.

French tank AMX-56 Leclerc

AMX-56 is protected by composite multilayer armor modular type, the design of the tank is designed in such a way that the inclined frontal armor will meet an anti-tank projectile with a direct hit of 700 mm thickness. This Leclerc does not have dynamic protection; the French rely on the design of their armor. The communication, control, surveillance and targeting system are combined into a single system, the tank is literally crammed with electronics, here is a full set of them, including a central computer, the tank’s control system is integrated into the control system. This car is comfortable for the crew.

The AMX-56 is armed with a CN-120-26 smoothbore gun, which has two stabilizers, and the crew has at its disposal a thermal imager, a rangefinder, a combined gunner's sight and a panoramic commander's sight. The AMX-56 tank's gun is equipped with an automatic loader. The performance characteristics of this gun are comparable to the characteristics of the German Rh 120 smoothbore tank gun; the ammunition of the guns of the Abrams and Leopard tanks is suitable for the French CN-120-26 tank gun. Additional weapons of the Leclerc are machine guns: M2HB-QBC 12.7 mm caliber and F1 7.62 mm caliber. The crew of the AMX-56 Leclerc is three people. The tank is not bad, it has proven itself well in combat operations in Yemen, but again it is hardly suitable for a war in the Russian climate and landscape.

Merkava and Challenger 2

The Israeli Merkava tank ten years ago was considered almost one of the best in the world, but now it is rated much more modestly. Despite the fact that the tank is very heavy, its weight reaches 70 tons, the armor of the Merkava, whose thickness is equivalent to 750 mm, is not effective; it will not withstand modern armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles. As active protection KAZ Meil ​​Ruach ("Air Cloak") is used. In battle, these vehicles do not perform at their best; this is also due to the poor training of Israeli tank crews, but this is mainly due to the technical shortcomings of the tanks themselves. It is known that the Russian Kornet ATGM terrifies Israeli tank crews.

Israeli tank "Merkava-4"

“Merkava” is produced according to the principle from around the world: 28% of components are foreign-made. The Merkava-4 modification has a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, which allows it to accelerate to 60 km/h on a prepared highway, up to 30 km/h on slightly rough terrain, and a range of up to 500 km. The tank is armed with a 120 mm MG253 smoothbore cannon and two 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns, some models are armed with a 12.7 mm M2HB machine gun and a mortar.

The crew of the car is 4 people. The tank's ammunition includes the LAHAT ATGM. The fire control system practically copies that of the Abrams tank; the gunner has a sight with a thermal imager and automatic target tracking at his disposal, the commander has a panoramic sight with the same functions, in addition there are backup optical and IR sights.

Tank Challenger 2

The British Challenger 2 tank has long and reliably earned itself a bad reputation. But still, according to Western experts, he remains one of the best armored vehicles in the world. The vehicle is heavy, its combat weight is 62.5 tons. The armor is combined against projectiles and has dynamic protection. The digital fire control system includes a 32-bit processor and a Mil Std 1553 data bus. The combined stabilized gunner's sight was developed by Barr and Strood in cooperation with the French SAGEM, and the NANOQUEST L30 telescopic sight is also used. The commander has a stabilized panoramic periscope sight SFIM thermal imager TOGS-2.

The weapon control system is built around a digital computer from the Canadian company CDC, which is an upgraded computer of the M1A1 Abrams tank. The vehicle is equipped with a 12-cylinder V-shaped turbocharged diesel engine with a power of 1200 hp, has a speed of 56 km/h on a prepared highway, 25–30 km/h on slightly rough terrain, and a range of 400 km. 120 mm rifled gun L30E4 (L11A5); two 7.62 mm machine guns. The tank crew is 4 people. A total of 400 Challenger 2 tanks were produced. Even during the 1991 Iraq War, these tanks showed their unreliability in battle.

World tank market

Many military experts believe that tanks will go out of combat use in the near future, they will be destroyed by high-precision weapons, modern and promising PTS, just as machine guns and tanks themselves destroyed cavalry in their time. However, not one army in the world is yet to write off tanks. On the contrary, the sale of tanks on the world arms market turns out to be profitable for some countries.

According to Forbes magazine, the undisputed commercial leader of the first two decades of the 21st century is the Russian T-90MS tank, which, by the way, occupies an important niche in Russian arms exports.

Now the manufacturer of these tanks has two new contracts for supplies abroad: Iraq will receive the first batch of 73 vehicles, and Vietnam will put another 64 units of this type of equipment into service. In the near future, it is planned to sign a contract for the supply of 146 T-90MS tanks to Kuwait, as well as to establish assembly production in Egypt. In total, taking into account the supply of ammunition, consumables, spare parts and other things, sales will bring Russian tank builders at least $400–500 million in income. In total, more than 2,100 T-90 tanks of various modifications were produced, of which more than 1,500 were exported. Under existing contracts, more than 1 thousand new tanks will be sold abroad in the coming years. The order portfolio is expected to increase to 1,600 tanks or more.

Now the T-90 is in service with 38 armies different countries, this is the best sales result in the world. Not only does this tank have a low cost, and therefore a final price (118 million rubles), but in almost all respects it outperforms its competitors in terms of quality.

The German tank Leopard 2 is considered by many to be the best in the world, but as we see, this statement is far from the truth. This machine was supplied to 21 countries around the world, mainly to Northern and Western Europe, as well as to Turkey. The latter used them very unsuccessfully in Syria during Operation Euphrates Shield.

Leopard 2A6 costs $6.79 million, and Leopard 2 A7+ more than $10 million. In total, more than 3,200 Leopard 2 of various modifications were produced, of which 300 units are in service with the Bundeswehr, the rest went abroad. The production of this tank has been stopped and its export too. In the sales list, the Chinese MBT-2000 main tank claims second place in the world ranking. At a cost of $4.7 million per unit, China sold its cars to Morocco (150 units), Myanmar (150 units), Sri Lanka (22 units), and Bangladesh (44 units). 415 tanks were delivered to Pakistan and an assembly plant was built there, where the same tank is produced under the name Al-Khalid.

The cost of one M1A2 SEP Abarms is also very high: it varies, but generally amounts to approximately $8.6 million, so buyers are not eager to purchase a new tank with full technical equipment. Older models, which are simpler in equipment, are exported; they are taken from storage and subjected to major renovation, mainly the engines, gun and fire control system need to be replaced. For example, Egypt purchased more than 1,200 M1A1 Abrams tanks. This tank is in service with the armies of six countries (except the USA). In total, the American military industry sold 2,217 M1 tanks abroad, of which about 750 were in the improved M1A2 configuration. This tank has no prospects for developing the world market. In addition, only 12 cars of this type are currently produced in the United States per year.

France began mass production of the AMX-56 Leclerc in 1990. Since then, the French army received 406 tanks, but only 388 vehicles were exported; the same British Challenger 2 tanks, costing $8.6 million per unit, were sold abroad only 38 units. As for the Leclerc tanks, the only buyer of the miracle of French tank building was the United Arab Emirates. Cost of one French tank considerable – 9.3 million euros. The Merkava is valued by the manufacturer at $6 million, but everything is simpler here; due to its technical shortcomings, no one except Singapore wants to buy this tank; the latter signed a contract for only 50 vehicles.

The main thing in the game is, obviously, the tanks. Historical, that existed and fought on different continents of the world, reliable paper models and bits of projects that have already been completed and thought out by the developers, each individual vehicle in the World of Tanks has its own, special and unique history. And, as they say, for every product there is a merchant, so in our game for every tank there is someone who can call it his favorite!

Well, I think it’s clear here that each player decides for himself which one is the best for him in the game, but we will try to tell you which ones are the most attractive, which are very pleasant to play, and easier/more accessible to play.

As you know, in our game there are X levels of equipment and at each level there are/are different heroes. In parallel with how bending tanks will be covered, we will also talk about the vehicles that are most popular on the World of Tanks servers. At each level we will highlight 3 cars (there will be exceptions) that stand out the most + a bonus that seems the most fun, as the players call it.
Although there are 10 levels in the game, we will start the review with tanks of the 5th level, since up to this level there are still frivolous vehicles, a sandbox, as most players like to call levels up to the 5th.

Level 5

At level V, there are several contenders for the title of best tank, and they are all Soviet.
Firstly, let's note the most popular for the game, not counting the first levels - this is the Soviet power of the KV-1. All-round armor, versatile guns, and of course, the historical component, gave this tank such a reputation! Every player, especially the older generation, considers it their duty to pump out this car.

Secondly, this is the T-34 - with an equally rich history, compared to the KV-1, one of the best tanks of the war, which changed its course. What makes it so popular? Its hole-piercing guns are 57 mm ZiS-4, with high penetration but low damage. The two most popular branches in the game are the Soviet ST and TT, and through them, two great tanks are located at 5 levels: the T-34 and the KV-1.

And the third, only for the elite KV-220. It has excellent all-round armor, which is extremely difficult for level 5 guns to take, and even some sixes feel the problem of penetrating this vehicle, plus its preferential battle level! All this makes this tank a real gem, but it is very difficult to obtain.

The bonus on the 5s is the T67 - an American tank destroyer that does not feel like a tank destroyer. Excellent speed, stealth, high penetration and low silhouette allow you to bend over your classmates, and in battles at the bottom of the list, with the help of gold, not to feel suffering!

Level 6

At level VI, the three tanks have all three STs - one Soviet and two British.
Let's start with a legend that everyone, young and old, knows; almost every city has a monument to this significant T-34-85 tank.
The average USSR is a universal fighter on the battlefield; its excellent weapon with good AP penetration and comfortable gold for combat against 8-kilometers, accuracy and mobility make this tank popular. Of course, we should not forget that this tank is being pumped up because of its huge combat history, and the fact that it comes next after the T-34, but this does not make it any less excellent.

The second is the British Cromwell, a technique for real extras. Unlike the 34-85, the Cromwell does not have armor, but at the same time its maximum speed and cannon, coupled with stealth, allow it to achieve excellent results that will surprise even the driver himself.

And the third, new to World of Tanks - Sherman Firefly. One of the most successful models British tank building, with the legendary OQF 17-pdr Gun Mk. VII, in which you can fight without gold even at the bottom of the list, even against 8 levels.
The bonus on 6s is the legend of the broads - KV-2. It is both for bending and for fun. His duda 152 mm M-10 with an alpha high explosive of 900 points allows him to fight even with X levels (!!!), where one shot at a Waffenträger auf E 100, or other cardboard machines, can deprive half of the HP.

7th level

Level 7, according to players, is the most balanced, so choosing the top three here is very difficult.
The first, or rather the first ones, are IS/IS-2/IS-2. It is impossible to single out one of these machines, because they are almost identical, so we will add all three units to this list. The IS is the most famous tank, one of the 10 most popular tanks in World of Tanks. Its advantages are the D-25T with alpha from 390, mobility, turret armor. In the TOP, these vehicles do battle, distributing “Soviet henchmen”, and at the bottom of the list we play PT, imagining that you are an SU-122-44, which is also fighting with 9 levels with the same weapon.

The second unit is the German Tiger I. The German TT, which fought in World War II, has rich history, implemented superbly in the game. 1500 hit points, 8.8 cm Kw.K gun. 43 L/71 with 203mm breakdown, 240 alpha and with a DPM of 2000 points per minute, which is comfortable, pleasant and interesting to play. At the top of the list, the Tiger is a thunderstorm of enemies, punching through everyone, dismantling anyone with DPM, and at the bottom of the list we play PT, alternating BB with gold.

The third vehicle is the American heavy T29. If the 29 is from the mound, then even the 9th level will not be able to break through it the first time. The tank has strengths, but also has pain points. Its balance and application on the battlefield make it a great machine that you'll want to play again and again.

The bonus is a unit hated by everyone - a flea, a bug, a mosquito, a Gatling gun - this German tank destroyer E-25. An inconspicuous cart that causes a lot of problems for opponents, especially blind ones like Soviet TTs. Mosquito bites of 150 points in 3 seconds kill anyone who falls under the gun of this machine. Well, if you end up in an E-shek platoon, if you are in a field without cover and they are targeting you, expect trouble. The enormous popularity of the vehicle contributed to its withdrawal from sale, but there were no fewer of them in battles.

Level 7 is so diverse that I would like to mention at least five more vehicles - T-34-1, T71, M41 Walker Bulldog, LTTB and Spähpanzer SP I C. We won’t talk about them, we’ll just note that they also deserve to be on this list.

Level 8

We're getting to the top. Level VIII is no longer a sandbox. At these levels there is a global map, fortified areas and company battles.
The first tank at level 8 will be the IS-3. A vehicle that is suitable for all of the above battles, and also fills the randomness. Frontal armor of the hull and turret, presence of bulwarks, good gun, mobility and low silhouette are the key to the machine’s success.

The second one is FCM 50t. The vehicle is not for everyone, as the huge hull and lack of armor make playing on the tank very difficult for beginners, but experienced players show excellent results on the tank, setting damage records over and over again. Tanks with a preferential combat level and an excellent 212 penetration gun, so suffering on this vehicle is excluded. An analogue of this car can be offered by another Frenchman - AMX Chasseur de chars. An even less armored vehicle, which bursts from landmines and does not have a preferential level, but has a high camouflage coefficient and the largest maximum speed on VII level among STs due to the Maybach HL 295 F engine with 1200 horsepower.

The third is another Frenchman, also a frequent guest in fortifications, companies and on the main battery - AMX 50100. A machine that can pick up any classmate in one drum and quickly escape from the scene of a crime - that’s its feature. The high penetration and alpha of 300 for each bullet is what sets the drum against all its enemies. But the most difficult thing is to change the CD of the drum at 50 seconds, when it becomes defenseless meat for the enemy. One more thing weak point- lack of armor, but this is typical for all vehicles from the French branch.

Bonus for VIII, we note two vehicles - the British tank destroyer Charioteer and the Japanese medium STA 1. Both tanks are secretive samurai who conduct their battle from the shadows, supporting their butting allies. High CTA penetration and the magnificent Chariothir 105 mm AT Gun L7 with 268 mm are the swords of these tanks, with which they pierce their opponents, even playing at the bottom of the list.
Another contender is the IS-6. Tanks that have become one of the most popular premium tanks in the game, having the same D-25T tank, armor and preferential combat level.

Level 9

A level 9 imba is considered to be an upgraded VK 45.02 (P) Ausf. B, or alpha sneaker, which was brought back to life the last couple of patches ago, increasing the thickness of the armor. Now VK 45.02 (P) Ausf. B tanks even X-tier tank destroyers, sometimes even their gold shells. To push the direction, or to restrain it, to be the first at the forefront of the attack - this is the real calling for this tank! Of course, it still has weak sides and enemy artillery, but these are small disadvantages compared to its advantage. Plus, the sneaker is also mobile, considering its weight.

The second copy is the German medium E 50. Another universal fighter that can tank in right moment, and go to another part of the map. Having on board a cannon with German precision and high penetration, playing the epis, as it is called, becomes a pleasure. The E 50 can travel with allied CTs, or be a second-line tank, moving with allied TTs. Who to be in battle is a choice only for the player, but with huge potential, like on the E 50, you definitely won’t have to suffer.

The third machine is M103. All American TTs are famous for their turret heads, and the 103 is no exception. Tanking even TOP guns with huge penetrations? It's very easy! An American can hold his own even against multiple allies, or play cat and mouse with other opponents if the map allows. It is perfectly balanced, so you won't have to suffer on the M103.

The bonus on IX is the Soviet ST T-54. No matter how its turret was nerfed, no matter how its hull armor was changed, the 54 remains an excellent CT, one of the most popular at its level. Speed, mobility, low silhouette and the fact that the tank can forgive due to the armor provided - all this makes the vehicle so popular.

Level 10

The Xth level is the crown of each branch, the result of each nation. Each tank at this level has its own features, its own directions. Everyone has good characteristics. Of course, there are guns like the Waffenträger auf E 100, which will soon be replaced, or an ART-SAU, which does not allow you to relax normally in battle, as well as the presence of PT 10 with huge broads.
10s are the level of extremes. There are also drum TTs, there are also slow cast-iron walls such as Maus and E-100, and there are also versatile STs. Therefore, each player must choose for himself which tanks are interesting to him and to single out one of the others would be incorrect, at least.

So, dear friends. This was only the opinion of one person, and not the crowd, because, as stated earlier - to taste and for color. But, undoubtedly, those provided in this list can bend, can become the best, but only in the hands of the right player.
And that's all! Go to World of Tanks and choose your own, the best in the game, and prove that it really is the best! Good luck on the battlefields of the World of Tanks!