List of main battle tanks by generation

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File:Centurion cfb borden 1.JPG
British Centurion main battle tank
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T-55 main battle tank

Main battle tanks are often classified as belonging to a particular generation, although the actual definition and membership in these generations are not defined. Soviet military planners organize tanks with the first generation of tanks up to 1950, and four generations of tanks[1] (with the first main battle tank being the third-generation T-64), while American strategists organize main battle tanks into three generations.[Note 1][2] The military of the People's Republic of China also recognizes three generations of its own tanks.

In 1973, Rolf Hilmes saw three tank generations and three "intermediate generations", which consisted mainly of upgraded vehicles.[3] The first generation of main battle tanks was based on or influenced by designs of World War II, most notably the Soviet T-34.[4] The second generation was equipped with NBC protection (only sometimes), night-vision devices, a stabilized main gun and at least a mechanical fire-control system.[4] The third generation is in Western parlance determined by the usage of thermal imagers, digital fire-control systems and special (composite) armour[4] (Soviet doctrine, however, de-emphasizes thermal vision and electronic fire control, preferring large-caliber guns and engines of high power).

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.

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. Template:Sticky header

Second Generation

The second generation of MBT marked a turn in the doctrine. 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. 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.

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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. Many tanks had smoothbore guns with a calibre around 120mm.

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Modernized

An intermediate generation of third-generation tanks modernized with fourth-generation technology. Template:Sticky header

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.[26]

Name Year first built Year entered service Origin No. built Mass Engine Power Notes
Type 10[27]Template:Better source needed 2010 2012 Template:Flagcountry 117 40–48 tons 1200 hp Additional 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[28]Template:Better source needed 2008 2014 File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea 260 55–56 tons 1500 hp Development 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 2015 2024 Template:Flagcountry "Low Tens"[29] 55 tons 1200–2000 hp Not 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.
Leclerc XLR 2018 2023 File:Flag of France.svg France >15[30] ~60 tons 1500 hp Newest upgrade package part of the SCORPION program. Inclusion of new tactical interfaces, new armour packages, RWS turret, as well as several additional sensors and grenade launchers. First units delivered in 2023, with a total fleet of 200 Leclerc XLR by 2030.

In development

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See also

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Explanatory notes

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  1. "The Canadian Directorate of Land Strategic Concept defines three generations of Main Battle Tanks. The first generation of post World War II Main Battle Tanks includes the U.S. M48/M60, the German Leopard 1 and the British Centurion and Chieftain. The second generation includes most of the 120 mm Main Battle Tanks such as the American M1A1, the German Leopard 2 and the British Challenger. As for the third generation Main Battle Tank, they include the latest 'digital' tank such as the French Leclerc and perhaps the American M1A2 and the German Leopard 2A5."

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  • Note to the Pancerni website source: Translation of most important parts of 1st, 2nd, 2.5 and 3rd generation MBTs characteristics: "The first generation MBTs are tanks made immediately after WWII. The second generation MBTs have better sights in comparison to the first generation MBTs. Also second generation MBTs were the first ones to use laser sights and APFSDS rounds. The third generation consists of tanks armed with high caliber and velocity guns like M1A1 Abrams. Third generation tanks also use composite armour as well as armour made out of highly resistant sintered ceramic materials. Third generation tanks also have full stabilization system for the main gun. There are tanks between second and third generations, like Soviet T-72 which has powerful gun which would classify it as a third generation MBT but at the same time the stabilization system is much too primitive for it to a third generation MBT. It also lacks engine power to be a third generation MBT and has ammunition with less quality."

Citations

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  2. Lamontagne 2003, pp. 7–8.
  3. a b c d e Hilmes, Rolf (1983). Kampfpanzer der Die Entwickelungen der Nachkriegszeit (in German). Verlag Soldat und Technik. Template:ISBN, p. 7.
  4. a b c Hilmes 1983, p. 8.
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  8. ROMANIAN TANK – A HISTORY
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  17. The Military Balance 2023, p. 194
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  21. Leopard 2PL
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General and cited references

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