Difference between revisions of "Main Battle Tank"
(Fleshed out some of the description for mobility, also organized the page into distinct sections for a smoother flow. Need assistance in fleshing out the history part.) |
DavidB4-bot (Talk | contribs) (clean up & uniformity) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | '''Main Battle Tanks''' (MBT) are tracked [[Armored Fighting Vehicles]] providing great mobility, firepower and protection for offensive warfare. Also called '''Modern Armor''', they are a further development of [[tank]]s. Specifically, the MBT is the combination of two previously distinct tank | + | '''Main Battle Tanks''' (MBT) are tracked [[Armored Fighting Vehicles]] providing great mobility, firepower and protection for offensive warfare. Also called '''Modern Armor''', they are a further development of [[tank]]s. Specifically, the MBT is the combination of two previously distinct tank types—infantry support and anti-tank—into one unit that fulfills both roles. |
---- | ---- | ||
| − | + | ==History== | |
The first generation of MBTs entered military service during the early 1960's. These MBT designs were mostly upgraded versions of contemporary infantry support tanks, fitted with bigger main guns that could be used effectively against other tanks. | The first generation of MBTs entered military service during the early 1960's. These MBT designs were mostly upgraded versions of contemporary infantry support tanks, fitted with bigger main guns that could be used effectively against other tanks. | ||
MBTs have now reached the maximum practical weight limit for a combat vehicle, and engineers are looking for lightweight methods of improving protection. [[Explosive reactive armor]] provides greater protection against [[shaped charges]] while the [[Russia]]ns have developed an active armor system which uses [[radar]] to detect incoming projectiles and launch an interceptor. Research into exotic armors such as all-plastic and electrical armor is also ongoing. | MBTs have now reached the maximum practical weight limit for a combat vehicle, and engineers are looking for lightweight methods of improving protection. [[Explosive reactive armor]] provides greater protection against [[shaped charges]] while the [[Russia]]ns have developed an active armor system which uses [[radar]] to detect incoming projectiles and launch an interceptor. Research into exotic armors such as all-plastic and electrical armor is also ongoing. | ||
| − | + | ==Mobility== | |
| − | Mobility is one of the three primary strengths of the Main Battle Tank and MBTs can usually sustain speeds of 45+mph (72+km/h) on-road or 30+mph (48+km/h)off-road depending on terrain and other factors, with some modern tanks able to exceed | + | Mobility is one of the three primary strengths of the Main Battle Tank and MBTs can usually sustain speeds of 45+mph (72+km/h) on-road or 30+mph (48+km/h)off-road depending on terrain and other factors, with some modern tanks able to exceed 55 mph(88 km/h)on-road. To achieve this superb level of mobility, most MBTs designs use [[diesel]] engines making 1000-1500 hp. However, some modern designs such as the US Military's M1 series Abrams MBTs use [[gas turbine]] engines. |
| − | Mobility is also rated by a MBT's capability to fire accurately while moving. This capability is highly advantageous on the modern battlefield as it allows the tank to remain a difficult to hit, moving target while still providing accurate firepower. The tank's suspension plays a critical role in achieving this capability and to that end, those MBTs who have it, often have carefully deisgned suspension systems that make them ride as smooth as some luxury cars While not all MBT designs have the "fire and move" capability, nearly all current generation MBTs have this and some older generation ones have been refitted to provide | + | Mobility is also rated by a MBT's capability to fire accurately while moving. This capability is highly advantageous on the modern battlefield as it allows the tank to remain a difficult to hit, moving target while still providing accurate firepower. The tank's suspension plays a critical role in achieving this capability and to that end, those MBTs who have it, often have carefully deisgned suspension systems that make them ride as smooth as some luxury cars While not all MBT designs have the "fire and move" capability, nearly all current generation MBTs have this and some older generation ones have been refitted to provide some—albeit limited—fire and move ability. |
| − | + | ==Firepower== | |
The traditional large calibre gun remains the main armament, but is now an extremely high velocity weapon optimized for the anti-vehicle role. Anti-tank ammunition is by fin-stabilized [[sabot]] rounds of [[tungsten]] or [[depleted uranium]]. [[Shaped charge]] rounds are general carried for use against lighter vehicles and are moderately effective against [[fortification]]s and buildings. Some MBTs enhance their long-range anti-tank firepower by launching [[ATGM]]s from their main gun. Fire control is extremely sophisticated, and MBTs can fire accurately while moving and achieve first-shot kills. This feat would have been impossible with traditional tanks, which could only fire effectively while stationery. | The traditional large calibre gun remains the main armament, but is now an extremely high velocity weapon optimized for the anti-vehicle role. Anti-tank ammunition is by fin-stabilized [[sabot]] rounds of [[tungsten]] or [[depleted uranium]]. [[Shaped charge]] rounds are general carried for use against lighter vehicles and are moderately effective against [[fortification]]s and buildings. Some MBTs enhance their long-range anti-tank firepower by launching [[ATGM]]s from their main gun. Fire control is extremely sophisticated, and MBTs can fire accurately while moving and achieve first-shot kills. This feat would have been impossible with traditional tanks, which could only fire effectively while stationery. | ||
| − | + | ==Protection== | |
MBTs have also replaced the earlier monobloc [[steel]] armor with composite protection. Traditional [[RHA|rolled homogenous armor]] is combined with air gaps and materials made from [[synthetic fibres]] to form an armor sandwich often referred to as [[Chobham]]. The use of such [[composites]] arises from the huge advances in non-metallic materials science, particularly [[plastics]] and [[recycling]]. Chobham armor is significantly more effective than RHA of the same weight. | MBTs have also replaced the earlier monobloc [[steel]] armor with composite protection. Traditional [[RHA|rolled homogenous armor]] is combined with air gaps and materials made from [[synthetic fibres]] to form an armor sandwich often referred to as [[Chobham]]. The use of such [[composites]] arises from the huge advances in non-metallic materials science, particularly [[plastics]] and [[recycling]]. Chobham armor is significantly more effective than RHA of the same weight. | ||
---- | ---- | ||
Revision as of 05:50, July 12, 2016
Main Battle Tanks (MBT) are tracked Armored Fighting Vehicles providing great mobility, firepower and protection for offensive warfare. Also called Modern Armor, they are a further development of tanks. Specifically, the MBT is the combination of two previously distinct tank types—infantry support and anti-tank—into one unit that fulfills both roles.
Contents
History
The first generation of MBTs entered military service during the early 1960's. These MBT designs were mostly upgraded versions of contemporary infantry support tanks, fitted with bigger main guns that could be used effectively against other tanks.
MBTs have now reached the maximum practical weight limit for a combat vehicle, and engineers are looking for lightweight methods of improving protection. Explosive reactive armor provides greater protection against shaped charges while the Russians have developed an active armor system which uses radar to detect incoming projectiles and launch an interceptor. Research into exotic armors such as all-plastic and electrical armor is also ongoing.
Mobility
Mobility is one of the three primary strengths of the Main Battle Tank and MBTs can usually sustain speeds of 45+mph (72+km/h) on-road or 30+mph (48+km/h)off-road depending on terrain and other factors, with some modern tanks able to exceed 55 mph(88 km/h)on-road. To achieve this superb level of mobility, most MBTs designs use diesel engines making 1000-1500 hp. However, some modern designs such as the US Military's M1 series Abrams MBTs use gas turbine engines.
Mobility is also rated by a MBT's capability to fire accurately while moving. This capability is highly advantageous on the modern battlefield as it allows the tank to remain a difficult to hit, moving target while still providing accurate firepower. The tank's suspension plays a critical role in achieving this capability and to that end, those MBTs who have it, often have carefully deisgned suspension systems that make them ride as smooth as some luxury cars While not all MBT designs have the "fire and move" capability, nearly all current generation MBTs have this and some older generation ones have been refitted to provide some—albeit limited—fire and move ability.
Firepower
The traditional large calibre gun remains the main armament, but is now an extremely high velocity weapon optimized for the anti-vehicle role. Anti-tank ammunition is by fin-stabilized sabot rounds of tungsten or depleted uranium. Shaped charge rounds are general carried for use against lighter vehicles and are moderately effective against fortifications and buildings. Some MBTs enhance their long-range anti-tank firepower by launching ATGMs from their main gun. Fire control is extremely sophisticated, and MBTs can fire accurately while moving and achieve first-shot kills. This feat would have been impossible with traditional tanks, which could only fire effectively while stationery.
Protection
MBTs have also replaced the earlier monobloc steel armor with composite protection. Traditional rolled homogenous armor is combined with air gaps and materials made from synthetic fibres to form an armor sandwich often referred to as Chobham. The use of such composites arises from the huge advances in non-metallic materials science, particularly plastics and recycling. Chobham armor is significantly more effective than RHA of the same weight.
