List of main battle tanks by generation

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Like jet fighter generations, main battle tanks are often classified as belonging to a particular generation, although the actual definition and membership in these generations are not defined. Typically, generations are defined either by the time of their introduction or technological advancements such as for examples new armour technologies, the introduction of new electronic sub-systems and more powerful guns.

Contents

Definition of main battle tank generations

The fundamental issue with classifying main battle tanks into generations is the lack of a common, internationally accepted definition. Different attempts to define main battle tanks have been made by authors, historians and militaries in the past, many of which co-exist to this day.

The British Centurion is sometimes considered a first generation main battle tank Centurion cfb borden 1.JPG
The British Centurion is sometimes considered a first generation main battle tank

The Canadian Army Command & Staff College developed a system to classify Western main battle tanks in three different generations (Soviet/Russian ones are not covered). [1] Tanks such as the Chieftain, Leopard 1, M48 and M60 are considered first generation MBTs, while the Challenger 1, Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams are considered second generation ones. Digital tanks such as the Leclerc, Leopard 2A5 and M1A2 Abrams are considered third generation tanks.

The military of the People's Republic of China also recognizes three generations of its own tanks.

In his 1983 book, Rolf Hilmes describes three generations of post-war main battle tanks. [2] In his system for the classification of main battle tanks, the first generation of MBTs was roughly being fielded between 1950 and 1960, the second generation roughly between 1960 and 1970, and the third generation starting in 1980 with a predicted end by 1990.

In Hilmes' system, older tanks cannot reach higher generations via upgrades even when these upgrades include all characteristics defining the newer generations. Instead, heavily upgraded tanks belong to so-called intermediate generations (Zwischengenerationen) with the first, ranging from 1970 to 1980, containing upgraded second generation MBTs (e.g. M60A2, Leopard 1A4) as well as new MBTs produced during that time frame (e.g. the T-64, Merkava and TAM) which lack some of the features defining the third generation. The first generation of main battle tanks was based on or influenced by designs of World War II, most notably the Soviet T-34. [3] The second generation was equipped with NBC protection systems, night-vision devices, a stabilized main gun and at least a mechanical fire-control system. [3] The third generation is in Western parlance determined by the usage of thermal imagers, improved fire-control systems and special armour. However, Hilmes acknowledged that tanks cannot be definitively grouped by generations, as each tank-producing country develops and introduces its tanks in tune with its own ideas and needs. He also states that breakdown of postwar tanks by generations is based on timeframe and technical factors, as a basis for further discussion.

By 2007, Hilmes saw a fourth generation of post-war main battle tanks (containing certain tanks fielded in 1990 to 2000) and predicted a fifth (expected to appear by 2010). [4] Defining characteristics of the fourth generation are autoloaders, adapted modular armour, battlefield managements systems and improved digital electronics, more powerful guns, night sights (passive or thermal imagers) for the commander's independent periscope and often hydropneumatic suspensions. [4] Additionally, a third intermediate generation (1990 to 2000) was established in his system, containing tanks like the Leopard 2A5, the PT-91 Twardy and the T-90. [4]

Russian author Kholyavsky considers the T-55 a second generation tank BAHNA 2018 - 189.jpg
Russian author Kholyavsky considers the T-55 a second generation tank

In the late 1990s, the Russian author Gennady Lvovich Kholyavsky describes a total of five generations of main battle tanks; with the first starting in 1920 and lasting to the end of World War 2, followed by the second generation covering 1946 to 1960, the third generation lasting from 1961 to 1980 and a fourth generation starting in 1981. [5] As per Kholyavsky, no Russian fourth generation tank was fielded by 1998, but the Challenger 2, the M1A2 Abrams, and Leopard 2A6 can be considered fourth generation tanks. Despite not providing an official end for the fourth generation, the Leclerc was considered a fifth generation main battle tank. [6]

Meanwhile, KNDS France considers the Leclerc to be the first third generation tank, stating "[...] the Leclerc has included many features and capabilities that other main battle tanks are just beginning to integrate, making him the first 3rd generation battle tank" on its official website. [7]

As per Rafał Kopeć from the University of the National Education Commission, Krakow no fourth generation tank had already been fielded by 2016, suggesting that all earlier tanks belong to the earlier three generations based on the system he used for classification. [8] In addition to the three main generations, tanks like the T-64, T-72 and Merkava belong to a generation "two plus" according to Kopeć. In a similar fashion, a generation "three plus" consisting of never fielded prototypes with 140–152 mm guns is defined. [8]

In their 2010 book, the Hungarian authors Ernő Hegedűs and Károly Turcsányi define four generations of main battle tanks. [9] [10] The first generation of main battle tanks has no autoloader, a conventional propulsion system with diesel engine and layered armour. This generation includes tanks like the Challenger and Leopard 2. The second generation of main battle tanks has a similar set-up with layered armour, conventional diesel propulsion systems but features and autoloader; it includes tanks such as the Leclerc and T-72. The third generation of MBTs like the second but uses a conventional propulsion system with a gas turbine instead of a diesel; it includes the T-80, the HSTV(L) and the Stridsvagn 103. Hegedűs and Turcsányi define a fourth generation of main battle tanks, utilizing composite materials in their construction, gas turbines and electromagnetic weapons, with the ACAV-P and FCS-T being examples of implementations of fourth generation tank technologies. [9]

First Generation

The first generation of "universal tanks" or "main battle tanks", Those tanks are usually Medium battle tank who turn out to match or outmatch the heavy battle tank in protection and or firepower, leading them to fill multiple roles.

Second Generation

The second generation of MBT marked a turn in the doctrine.[ citation needed ] With the improvement of the ammunition, mainly the HEAT rounds, the thick protection was rendered useless unless the thickness was increased beyond their mobile capacity.[ citation needed ] The doctrine was then changed to focus more on the mobility and reduced the protection a lot. This generation was also marked by the utilisation of Night vision, new advanced ammunition such as the APDS, HEAT, HESH and later the APFSDS and also by the NBC capacity.

  1. T-62A.
  2. Object-430.
  3. Prototypes FV4201 P1–P7.
  4. Mk 1 training version.

Third Generation

The third generation of main battle tanks is characterized by composite armour and computer-stabilized fire control systems, which allow firing on the move as well as very high first hit probability on targets multiple kilometres away.[ citation needed ] Many tanks had smoothbore guns with a calibre around 120mm.

Modernized

An intermediate generation of third-generation tanks modernized with fourth-generation technology.

Fourth Generation

The next generation of main battle tanks in development has autoloaders becoming increasingly more common, even in western designs, with some moving all of the crew into a more heavily protected hull space with unmanned turrets. The tendency to increase calibre sizes continues, with multiple designs having capability for 140mm guns to be fitted. A greater focus on active protection systems, especially against drones and loitering munition is also present, as is the introduction of AI-assisted systems. [33]

NameYear first builtYear entered serviceOriginNo. builtMassEngine PowerNotes
Type 10 [34] [ better source needed ]20102012Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 11740–48 tons1200 hpAdditional emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities. An autoloader reduces reload time to about 3.5 seconds. It also features configurable modular armour. The reduced size and weight means that 84% of Japan's bridges are passable for the Type 10, compared to only 65% for the Type 90 and 40% for typical western MBTs.
K2 Black Panther [35] [ better source needed ]20082014Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 26055–56 tons1500 hpDevelopment was completed in 2008, but production was delayed to develop a domestic power pack, and it began to be service with the South Korean Army from 2014. For the fourth batch, 150 units will be produced from 2024 to 2028.
T-14 Armata 20152024Flag of Russia.svg  Russia "Low Tens" [36] 55 tons1200–2000 hpNot in active service. In 2015, 12 prototypes were delivered, while at the end of 2021, Rostec announced the start of serial production of 40 (which as of 2023 yet to be produced). It has "Malakhit" add-on ERA, and an unmanned turret with an electrically stabilised 2A82 125mm smoothbore gun.

In development

See also

Explanatory notes

    Citations

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    General and cited references