The debate about "the best tank in the world"

You have no idea, as I understand the staff of organizations in charge of granting patents on various inventions. Especially I feel sorry for those who work in the Department of perpetual motion. Imagine how many times they have to explain militant "geniuses" elementary laws of physics? How far from flattering words they hear in response?

What I? Probably complain about their bitter fate of man from the patent office. How many times in private conversations, I had to explain to connoisseurs of military equipment and weapons the basic laws of physics. How many times had to listen to a seemingly simple, but actually quite a stupid question. Then you can insert any kind of weapons, armored vehicles, aircraft and so forth object, the best in the world. Who is the winner in the arms race for certain positions?

Honestly, the issues and disputes are tired. So I decided today's connoisseurs of tanks to meet all those who wondered about whose tank is better. But first a little history.

Has Anyone seen the world's best sword? But a bow? Maybe someone knows the best breed of war horses? What's there: looks like the best combat club?

First, I will answer the most burning question of the patriots of all the countries that produce these war machines. Once and for all. On behalf of all. The best tanks — ours! Accordingly, for the Americans — the us, for the Germans — German, Jewish — Israeli, Chinese — Chinese and Russian — Russian. It is an axiom!

I understand that any comparison of samples of equipment and weapons is subjective. In particular, the assessment of tanks are taken into account the basic properties of these vehicles. Combat power, mobility, crew protection, mobility and others.

However, in my opinion, the most important indicators, the most important properties of the tanks depend on the adopted at the time the military doctrine of the state. The machine is built to solve specific problems on the basis of military doctrine.

You never thought a simple but obvious question: why the Russian tanks are lighter than Western? Why standing next to "Abrams", "Leopard" or "Merkava" T-90 looks like a baby? It would be easier to add armor to increase the volume of the tank and put a stronger engine?

From the time of the USSR, more precisely, from the time of the great Patriotic war, the tanks have been and remain the main striking force of ground troops. It was the tankers are at the forefront of advancing. They armored fist breaking through the enemy's defenses. To solve this problem created by even the most modern tanks of Russia.

In the West knows the power of our tanks. Because tanks designed originally for defense. Well-armored, heavy machines, often unable to step outside of roads and long distances. Especially revealing in this respect Israeli "Chariot".

Even Israeli experts often forget their own original doctrine, which was based on the construction of the first "Merkava". What was said in the late 60-ies of General Israel tal? This is his team created the first Israeli tank.

Why is there "Merkava"? Just because the enemy came the T-62! General tal then put forward the doctrine of the use of an Israeli tank. You need to create a tank that would have effectively fought against the Soviet machine. With the understanding that the fighting is inevitable, and human resources Israel is rather limited, the designers were tasked to protect the crew. "Tank is the home of the crew in time of war."

Remember one of the rules of construction of tanks, which is used by all tank designers in the world? To protect the crew, you can use no more than 50% of the mass of the object! And how much is used in the "Merkava"? Again, thanks to the decision of General tal.

By the Way, probably in the concept of using war machines lies the answer to the question, which arises from ordinary people all over the world after the next tank biathlon. Why Western countries are afraid to participate in the tank biathlon, and those competitions which, they hold, more like a game of children of younger school age?
Of Course, the stage shooting crew personal weapons at targets looks better for forcing water barriers or the destruction of tanks and helicopters of the enemy. Agree, it's hard to imagine an American, German or Israeli tank, which will boost the water barrier or "fighting" somewhere in a swampy area.

I saw quite a lot of options ratings tanks. It is clear that given the US influence on other countries most respected experts on the evaluation of these vehicles are considered the Americans. The American view is referenced often. By the way, even with the search options of procurement of combat vehicles in other countries ratings are taken into account.

To Criticize Americans, I don't want to, but in all the rankings the first place occupies it the American "Abrams". Then there is his brother in arms — "Leopard". These two machines apart from the competition. Two more tanks consistently occupy the third and fourth places. It's an English "Challenger" and the Japanese "Type 50".

Surprisingly, the Russian T-90, the Israeli "Merkava" and the Chinese "Type-99", changing each other, periodically occupy only the fifth line ratings. Why the surprise? Yes, simply because most of the indicators it is these machines better, smarter, more reliable.

And not because of Israeli, Russian, or Chinese designerssmarter. Just fighting machines "younger", and thus use much more innovation in its design.

If all the same to answer the question "who is stronger?" Seriously, I believe that there are stronger than ordinary infantry washi, which support the rest. Weapons today has reached such a level, when against powerful offensive, there are not less powerful means of defense. When it is hard to imagine a tank battle head-on, as it often happened during world war II. It is hard to imagine a battering RAM in the air.

And here is the same Bob from the infantry platoon was a major in the army, and stayed. There is no victory as long as Bob does not step over the enemy's trenches, will not take the enemy strong point, not hoisting the flag over the defeated enemy city.

And ratings... For there professionals, that they do not believe. View special materials on any military object. You will never see the evaluation as a whole. Always compares specific data in specific areas.

So that is not the best tank in the world. There are only the best tanks of the war...