Fastest main battle tanks in the world

High speed is an important advantage, but not the main characteristic of the main combat tank... However, we decided to compile a rating of the fastest main battle tanks.

We note right away that a number of modern main battle tanks have approximately the same speed - within 50 km / h on rough terrain and 70 km / h on the highway, therefore, among tanks with similar characteristics, we selected only a few of the most popular representatives.

Our rating includes both Russian and foreign tanks, both currently in service in the armed forces of various countries of the world, and promising ones.

"Merkava"

The Israeli main battle tank "Merkava" is deservedly considered one of the most effective and reliable MBT in the world, but it cannot boast of high speed: off-road, the "Merkava" can reach speeds of around 40 km / h, and accelerate on the highway to about 60-65 km / h. The mobility of an Israeli tank is complicated by its very powerful and heavy protection.

The Israeli tank "Merkava" is called one of the best in the world. Photo: Wikipedia / Adamicz

However, given the specifics of the hostilities waged by Israel, and this is a relatively limited area and often street battles, high speed is not needed for the main battle tank of the Israel Defense Forces, but the protection of the crew from enemy shells is very important for it.

T-90

The modern Russian main battle tank T-90 in its original form cannot boast of a high speed, which is only 40 km / h off-road and 65 km / h on the highway. However, the latest modifications of the T-90, which have not yet entered mass production, have more interesting characteristics in terms of speed.

Column of T-90 tanks before the start of the exercise. Photo: Twitter of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

In particular, the T-90AM is capable of speeds of 45 km / h on rough terrain and up to 70 km / h on the highway. That is, the latest modifications of the Russian tank have better speed characteristics than the Israeli Merkava and are comparable to fast foreign MBTs.

South Korean tank K2 Black Panther. Photo: Wikipedia / Simta

K2 Black Panther

The South Korean Black Panther main battle tank uses a new transmission unit with a 1500 hp engine. In addition, the tank also has a 400 hp gas turbine unit, which ensures the operation of the generator and electrical equipment of the combat vehicle when the engine is off. As for the speed, the South Korean tank demonstrates quite high performance: on rough terrain, it is capable of accelerating to 50 km / h, moving along the highway at a maximum speed of 70 km / h.

French AMX-56 Leclerc at the Bastille Day military parade. Photo: Wikipedia / Rama

AMX-56 Leclerc

The French MBT "Leclerc" was developed in the 1980s to replace the outdated AMX-30 tank at that time. The Leclerc is currently considered the most expensive main battle tank in the world, which explains the relatively small number of copies in service with the armies of France and the United Arab Emirates.
Among other advantages of the tank, which we will not talk about today, it is worth highlighting its high speed. On rough terrain "Leclerc" can reach speeds of up to 50 km / h, on the highway - up to 71 km / h. Although this speed does not provide the tank with the first place in terms of mobility, it can be attributed to the number of fairly fast tanks.

Tank "Leopard" on trials

Leopard 2A7

One of the latest modifications of the famous German main battle tank "Leopard" 2A7 differs from its predecessors in its higher speed. 1500 hp engine allows the tank to accelerate on the highway to a speed of 72 km / h, which is even higher than that of the "French" "Leclerc". Currently, "Leopards" are in service not only with the German Bundeswehr, but also with the armies of many other countries of the world. The Revolution MBT modification of the Leopard 2A5, which is in service with the Bundeswehr and the Indonesian ground forces, also develops high speed.

Chinese main battle tank Type 99. Photo: Wikipedia / Tyg728

Type 99 (ZTZ-99)

The Chinese Type 99 main battle tank is a logical continuation of the concept of the Soviet T-72 tank, but with modern additions. Serial production of the tank began in 1998, currently the PLA has approximately 600 Type-99 and 250 Type-99A.
One of the undoubted advantages of the Chinese tank is its high mobility. On rough terrain Type 99 is capable of speeds up to 60 km / h, on the highway - up to 80 km / h. At the same time, the tank accelerates to 32 km / h in just 12 seconds.

A promising Russian Armata tank during military trials in the 1st Shock Guards Tank Army. Photo: Twitter of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

T-14 "Armata"

The promising Russian main battle tank "Armata", if it is put into mass production, will rightfully become the fastest MBT in the world. According to the Russian military, the T-14 "Armata" tank is capable of speeds up to 90 km / h, not only on the highway, but also over rough terrain, which makes it definitely faster than almost all existing battle tanks in the world. However, although the T-14 "Armata" tanks have already been demonstrated at military parades more than once, they have not yet entered serial production.

Comments

[svp67]

Even 20 km / h on crossroads is really a lot ... let alone 40 ... not to mention 60 ... And by the way, where are the real "sprinters" of the T-80 and M1 Abrams tank community in the rating?

[venik]

Quote: svp67

And by the way, where are the real "sprinters" of the T-80 and M1 Abrams tank community in the rating?

======
I was surprised myself! Probably, the author decided to limit himself only to tanks with a "traditional" diesel engine (after all, turbine tanks in the world tank building are still "exotic"!).

[Kuroneko]

Quote: svp67

Even 20 km / h on crossroads is really a lot ... let alone 40 ... not to mention 60 ... And by the way, where are the real "sprinters" of the T-80 and M1 Abrams tank community in the rating?

The author is generally technically illiterate.

Russian advanced main battle tank "Armata"

We do NOT have an "Armata" tank. there is universal platform "Armata", and one of its applications is the T-14 MBT. = _ =

[16112014nk]

Have you forgotten about the T - 80?

[Alexga]

The T-80 is good for the BM driving exercise. And the rest is still a big question. It is not for nothing that after the collapse of the union, this tank was forgotten, they left Germany and that's it, only now they are joining it to the northern territories.

[svp67]

Quote: AlexGa

It was not for nothing that after the collapse of the alliance, this tank was forgotten,

And no one forgot. He honestly won back from us in the first Chechen war, it was just more expensive to operate than the T-72, and their production was also discontinued.
Belarus traded T-80s so successfully, selling them abroad

[Alexga]

Belarus traded the T-80 so successfully

Yes, 11th Guards TD came from the Western Group of Forces to Slonim, almost 2 battalions were cut at 140TRZ? a dozen 2 were sold, something remained on the base of the storage of a reserve of tanks, half a thousand of their 72s were cut. Everyone fulfilled the Paris Treaty, damn it.

[Sailor]

And also the most beautiful in my opinion, my neighbor served in the Far East, now they had 80s in retirement, he says that he is better than the T-72 and T-90 families.

[Alexga]

Yes, in the Far East in post-Soviet times, a division was formed, which was based on the Kuril Islands. My former commander became the division commander. With the relief of the islands, the use of tanks is generally problematic. Previously, there were IS-3s, without engines, but with BC 3,5., As stationary firing points.

[Varyag_0711]

We love all kinds of "experts" to measure themselves with pipis in ratings.
The only and irrefutable rating for any military equipment is real military operations, and not with the Papuans as the United States is fighting, but with an equal rival. Whoever wins in the end gets the rating.

[Soko]

In my opinion, it makes no sense at all to compare the speed of tanks on the highway.

[avdkrd]

[quote] [/ quote [quote = Soko] In my opinion, comparing the speed of tanks on the highway does not make sense at all. [/ quote]
Absolutely right. Speed ​​on the highway is determined by the speed of the convoy, not a single tank, in addition, the tracks, by definition, do not provide traction on the asphalt, and the rubber pads are good only for peacetime, since they are not universal and do not work on the ground. Any attempt to turn at 70 km / h on asphalt is still a circus. Cross-country speed rating, the same guessing on the coffee grounds. The ratio of mass and power is of course comparable figures, but there is also a dependence of soil and mass. There are big doubts that Abrams and Merkava will be able to walk on virgin snow or black soil even on equal terms with the T-90. After field tests, the Swedes were shocked by the T-80's cross-country ability in the snow. The main thing is that the maximum speed does not in any way characterize the mobility of equipment in real conditions. How many of those personnel and equipment do you need to carry for each Leclerc or Abrams? How many km. march will withstand the Merkava in the European theater of operations? How efficient will each of the listed tanks remain in conditions of disrupted fuel and lubricants supply (use of pasture), how maintainable is the chassis and engine by the crew? The maximum speed figures, in no way, will not affect the time of the march in the battalion (regiment, brigade) and in no way characterize the speed during the battle. The thrust-to-weight ratio is a much more important value, since it really affects the tank's ability to quickly change position. It's like by car - well, maybe it's 250, but I don't drive like that, but when overtaking 300 horses are very useful, since they reduce the time in the oncoming lane (under fire)))

[pytar]

T-14 "Armata" is capable of speeds up to 90 km / h, and not only on the highway, but also on crossed terrain

This is from the realm of fiction ...

[Errr]

Really funny. Cross-country - up to 60 km / h.

[pytar]

It depends on how rough the terrain is. Everything is relative, so these comparisons have nothing to do with reality. Well, except how to please the urya-patriots ...

[Errr]

Well, urya - it's such urya. And on the T-14 there is from 45 to 60 km / h, depending on the degree of roughness of the terrain.

[post]

in the sense of pendants?

[Jack O'Neill]

Where are Type-10, Abramovich and T-80?
And yes, is only forward speed considered, or is it also backward?
Well, so that the T-90, that the Merkava, is clearly not the topic here.

[Sailor]

Little "Leo".

[pmkemcity]

Quote: Jack O'Neill

And yes, is only forward speed considered, or is it also backward?

I think that the T-34 is beyond competition

[Alexga]

Fans of fast and jumping tanks have not yet disappeared. But the speed of movement of one tank company, even without the forces and means of reinforcement on the roads, is a maximum of 35-40 km / h. And if a battalion is coming, it is even slower, even slower on the battlefield. If we talk about the movement of a single tank, then yes, it can move quickly. From personal experience winter, Transbaikalia, tank ob. 84 on military trials in 1984, 330 km in 6.5 hours of movement, evening turns into night, with overcoming Onon on the ice.

[carstorm 11]

Yes, this habit of comparing single machines all the time by parameters is tired even. after 60 km, even on a flat surface, the tank is practically 40 + tons of metal flying and, more importantly, not controllable.

[Alexga]

Somewhere I met an article on this topic, wrote a German tanker, he also says that 30-40 minutes of movement at a speed of about 40 km / h on the road of the TR column is the limit of the driver's ability.

[svp67]

Quote: AlexGa

And if a battalion is coming, it's even slower, on the battlefield even slower

The battalion does not go slower than the company, and movement on the battlefield is already somewhat different than making a march

[Alexga]

The battalion does not go slower than the company, and movement on the battlefield is already somewhat different than making a march

The battalion is much slower than the company, the column of mixed equipment, with the indicated distances. If you prepared an order for a march for TB, everything is discussed there. And in battle, the speed of the tank will be limited by the speed of the slowest sample.

[svp67]

Quote: AlexGa

The battalion is much slower than the company, the column of mixed equipment, with the indicated distances. If you prepared an order for a march for TB, everything is discussed there.

We do not use mixed columns for a long time, for each technique, wheeled or tracked, its own route is developed.

Quote: AlexGa

And in battle, the speed of the tank will be limited by the speed of the slowest sample.

In fact, there the infantryman's speed and the way he moves are taken as the starting point.

[Alexga]

We do not use mixed columns for a long time, for each technique, wheeled or tracked, its own route is developed.

Sergei, I, of course, quit almost 20 years ago, but you want to say that in modern conditions, the Combat Regulations determine the movement of a battalion in two columns? In my time, two columns were for the regiment. And the division into wheeled and tracked vehicles was not envisaged at all. Or are you talking about a peaceful life?

[svp67]

Quote: AlexGa

Do battle regulations determine the movement of a battalion in two columns?

Allows, but there is more practice. Wheels and tracks do not get along well on the same road.
According to the BUSV, the battalion must march in one column, but there are many reservations in the charter that allow it to move along parallel routes ...

[Alexga]

In ZabVo we always walked in one column, and in Belarus wheeled vehicles could move in the rear column of the regiment, but it was very awkward. Who in the rear column of the regiment also needs battalion rear services. There are enough of their worries. And the battalion commander is worried about what happened to the rear and where are they, and who should be appointed senior there? As a rule, the most important slacker on the march is the political officer. There are also 24 vehicles and only one support platoon commander, who also needs to make food for the battalion.

[avib]

In self-propelled artillery - where I served (not in the USSR / Russia) - the speed in the convoy is the speed of the forklift (which removes the shells from the trucks). It's just a bullfight such a happiness to drive. No cab, no shock absorbers, off-road.

[Vlad T]

The Syrian experience has shown that the dynamics of the tank, that is, acceleration, goes into the chapter. High acceleration is needed when changing positions quickly, evading modern AT, etc. A sharp maneuver on the battlefield is becoming an accepted tactical technique. The dynamics of acceleration must be introduced into the characteristics of the MBT under consideration ...

[svp67]

Quote: Vlad T

High acceleration

This is called "throttle response"

[Mazuta]

I have to argue. Throttle response is character. Engine, as if not to lie, sclerosis after all ... this is the ratio of rpm max. power to the rpm of the maximum torque ... (motorists, engine specialists, correct if you lied, wrote offhand ...

[Mazuta]

"... Tank ob. 84 ... 1984 ..."
It's 184, am I getting it right?

[Alexga]

Yes, 184. I write from the phone, he writes to himself.

[Mazuta]

The same garbage ... I swore already, and the connection falls off ... ATP

[Baloo]

A question from an amateur and a layman in military affairs: is it very important to overtake a small car on the highway? It seemed to me that the ability to defend itself, firepower, efficiency, autonomy and maneuverability, crew life support was important for a tank. Which is the best for these indicators?

[Alexga]

and it is very important to overtake a small car on the highway

It is important to quickly move the tank unit on the ground.

[SARANCHA1976]

Can you imagine at least a tank company on the 70 km march.

[Alexga]

I can even imagine 870 km. two days in Transbaikalia and 450 km through the Gobi in Mongolia. And what is special about the march of a tank company for 70 km? I had 5 km to the loading station for 44 years. And nothing special.

[SARANCHA1976]

I mean at a speed of 70 km / h

[Alexga]

Thank you, now I understand your idea. At this speed the company will have to stretch for two kilometers, and even then, in winter and in the steppe, and only straight ahead. The highest speed that. I saw -105 km / h on my speedometer. But this is from the hill on a straight road with a slope of 30-40 degrees. The new T-72B tank, the creation of ChTZ, was created by the plant in 1988 for the 12th mechanized infantry division.

[SARANCHA1976]

Engine 840? At what speed does the stabilizer stop working adequately on 72B not vkurse?

[Alexga]

Sorry for the delay in answering. The engine is yes, B-84, As for the stabilizer operation, I can give you such an example, this is from the military trials of the Taiga-83. The company makes a 120 km march with the stabilizers turned on, with an exit to the firing area, when approaching by communication, the numbers of the cars are indicated, which go to the headmistress and without stopping perform the combat firing exercise. Nobody had any refusals. Companies T-80, T-72 and T-64. More accurate information will not be available. On VI everything is carried out to the limit.

[SARANCHA1976]

So what is the speed of the company? 30-40, and when driving 20-40 km / h. it would be better to focus on throttle response, with the gearbox they also thought about reverse gear from 5 km.ch. raised. 70km.h and according to the fantasies of our designers and 100 km / h. a tank needs a fifth paw like a dog

[Alexga]

Yes, the speed of the company is 30-40 on the highway, on forest roads even less. In battle, generally calculate, it all depends on the theater of operations. In the bogs of Belarus one thing, in the Siberian taiga another, in Transbaikalia the third. On the T-72b, 840 horses are not enough for Transbaikalia, but in Siberia and Belarus, in my opinion, there were enough.

[svp67]

Quote: Balu

A question from an amateur and a layman in military affairs: is it very important to overtake a small car on the highway?

It is very important for a tank to overtake this "runabout" at the start, and everything else is a side effect

[chenia]

Quote: svp67

It is very important for a tank to overtake this "runabout" at the start

What are you?
Tank battles in the near future will be reduced to a competition similar to Formula 1. So that 90 km. on the crossed is the main condition for victory.
It will be more difficult to recruit traffic cops who would learn to fine for understating the speed. tanks on the battlefields.

[svp67]

Quote: chenia

What are you?

No matter what ... And the ability of a tank to be able to pick up speed very quickly from a standstill, that's what ...

[chenia]

Quote: svp67

be able to pick up speed very quickly from a standstill,

Well, on the defensive, maybe even when changing positions. On the march 30 km / h and no more.
In the offensive (battle line) at the speed of the infantry (100 m / min.) And not come off. The echelon of development of success - it is advisable to bypass the centers of resistance, and if you attack, then you shouldn't be fooled without artillery, aviation and infantry (that is, at the appropriate pace).
.

[svp67]

Quote: chenia

Well, on the defensive, maybe even when changing positions.

Yes, in any kind of battle, the ability to quickly change your location is important, especially since you can attack by moving from cover to cover

Quote: chenia

In the offensive (battle line) at the speed of the infantry (100 m / min.) And not come off.

Yes? And from the line, to the line of deployment and transition to the attack? And if the attack goes without dismounting the infantry?

Quote: chenia

Echelon of success development

And if by a separate train? For this "echelon" to set in motion, many others will have to work hard in laying "paths"

[7,62x54]

It is not correct to compare the tanks used and the project that is exhibited at parades. At least a hundred will be released, then it can be considered a participant in the ratings.

[smaug78]

another delirium from Polonsky. Where are the T-80 and M1 Abrams?

[Alf]

Quote: smaug78

another delirium from Polonsky. Where are the T-80 and M1 Abrams?

They pressed the pedal to the floor and rushed away so quickly that the author did not notice them ... The rating was written on the basis of those who remained.

[bolt]

I wonder what is "rough terrain" in general?
Perhaps the fact that for the Germans or the French this is the same "area" for Russia is quite a "highway".

[Alf]

Quote: crashing

Perhaps the fact that for the Germans or the French this is the same "area" for Russia is quite a "highway".

[kuzimka]

This is a very correct observation. In normal countries, the transport of tanks on the highway is carried out by tank carriers. Including in Israel. Only tanks will be driven on the asphalt. The author is just a clown, comparing highway speeds. I just don't even talk about the rest ...

[Yrec]

T-80 can go under eighty. The current wear of the gusli will not be childish.

[bk0010]

Tankers said that at a speed of over 70 km / h, the tank becomes uncontrollable.

[Mazuta]

At speeds over 70 km / h, the power loss in the tracked drive increases sharply. A further increase leads to increased wear of the chassis and even greater losses (you have to pay for everything)

[SARANCHA1976]

I will say more, problems begin at 40-50. And this is not because of the hardware .. for some reason, no one during the discussion does not think about the mechanics of the driver.

[Wildgoose]

Does the Leclerc speed tank have rear-view mirrors?

[Cristall]

Quote: Wildgoose

Does the Leclerc speed tank have rear-view mirrors?

now cameras only ...

[Operator]

"Merkava" is not a tank, but an SPG. Moreover, in full body kit it has a mass of 75 tons and crawls along the highway in exactly the same way as the British Challenger - at the speed of a snail.

[Vitaly gusin]

Quote: Operator

and crawls along the highway

According to traffic rules
.

[Octopus]

Wow. This weight is 5 axles in total. My compliments to the Israeli roads and track structures. And the usual civilian tractor too.

[Wildgoose]

Saw under Kemijärvi dates were dragging their Leopard, such a beautiful one, but the first thought was "to burn it". Somehow this idea popped up on the machine.))))
The Finns themselves post the movements of their technique on YouTube.

[Alf]

Russian promising main battle tank "Armata", if it is put into mass production,

Interesting caveat ..

[Kuroneko]

Israeli tank mobility gets complicated its a very powerful and heavy defense.

What makes it HARDER and why? Have you not tasted what Google translate gave you when translating an English source?

[Lexus]

Coitus speed is important for rabbits. But not for ATGM.

[Gloomy skeptic]

It is interesting to see the crew inside the tank at a speed of 50 km per hour while driving over rough terrain !!! The author himself in the tank inside at least once sat ???

[Vladimir1155]

and the terrain is different and the crews too

[iouris]

And what are the fastest-climbing tanks?

[trahterist]

Quite a strange selection, but where did the T-80 go?
It has not been removed from service at all, but is being modernized.
Just he is the most "smart".

[Vladimir1155]

but isn't 80 already serving? The T-80 turned out to be fast and maneuverable. Its top speed reaches 80 km / h.

[Alexander Shepelev]

They forgot to write about 80,