Modern warfares

th
4 generation tank
The Japanese main battle tank
Type 10

Tank clasification
First generation
The first generation consists of the medium tanks
designed and produced directly after World War II that were
later redefined as main battle tanks.

Tank

T-54/55

M48 Patton

Centurion

Country

Soviet Union

United States United Kingdom

Years of service

1946-

19531990s

1945-

Number build

86-100.000

~12,000

4,423

Weight

39 t

45 t

52 t

Power

580 hp

750 hp

650 hp

Main Gun caliber

100 mm

90/105 mm

105 mm L7

Second generation
The second generation had enhanced night-fighting
capabilities and in most cases NBC protection. Most western
tanks of this generation were armed with the 105 mm Royal
Ordnance L7 tank gun.

Tank

T-72

Leopard I

Country

Soviet Union

West Germany Israel

Years of service

1971-

1965-

1979-

Number build

25,000+

4,744

830

Weight

41.5 t

42.2 t

63 t

Power

780 hp

820 hp

900 hp

105 mm L7

105 mm L7

Main Gun caliber 125 mm

Merkava I/II

Third generation
The third generation of main battle tanks is characterized by
composite amour, smooth bore main cannons and
computerized stabilized fire control systems, which allow
firing on the move as well as very high first hit probability
on targets up to 2000m.
Tank
T-90
M1 Abrams
Leopard II
Country

Russia

United States West Germany

Years of service

1996-

1980-

1979-

Number build

1,667+

10,000+

3,480+

Weight

47.5 t

61.3 t

62 t

Power

840/950/1250hp 1500hp

Main Gun caliber 125 mm

105/120 mm

1480 hp
120 mm

4th generation
Fourth generation are still under development or at early
generation. These main battle tanks use the latest technology and
designs to over take a third generation.
Tank
Country
Manufacturer
Years of service
Number build
Weight
Power
Crew
Speed
Main Gun caliber

Type 10
Japan
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
201281
48 t
1200 hp
3
Forward: 70 km/h
Backward: 70 km/h
120 mm L44 smoothbore cannon, built by

Predecesor

Japan Steel Works

Type 74 , Type 90

Type 74

Type 10

Protection

The vehicle's armor consists of modular ceramic composite sections,

providing the ability to mount varying degrees of protection
depending on the mission profile as well as weight requirements.

The Commander's Panoramic Sight is located at a higher position than

the Type 90, giving the commander an unobstructed 360 degree view.

Spaced armor and reactive armor mounted in modules can be easily

removed , placed or replaced when needed.

When the tank is being locked on a laser detection system

automatically triggers the smoke grenade launchers to fire a screening
grenade, which deflects/scrambles the laser so that a lock cannot be
achieved .

Anti-HEAT Spaced Armor

Anti-HEAT Reactive Armor

Mobility

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that allows the tank

to reach 70 km/h forward as well as reverse.
Operational range 440 km
4-stroke cycle V8 Diesel engine 1200 hp/2300 rpm
Hydropneumatic active suspension, which allows it to adjust
its stance (lower profile , bigger gun depression) and absorbs
recoil when firing.

Fire power

Same main gun as Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams - Rheinmetall L44

120mm
Able to fire DU kinetic rounds or DM12 multi-purpose anti-tank
projectile (MPAT)
Caliber
120 mm
Muzzle velocity
1,580 to 1,750 m/s
Effective range 4000 meters with DM63 to 8000 meters with
LAHAT