Modern warfares4th generation tankThe 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.

TankT-54/55M48 PattonCenturionCountrySoviet UnionUnited StatesUnited KingdomYears of service1946-19531990s1945-Number build86-100.000~12,0004,423Weight39 t45 t52 tPower580 hp750 hp650 hpMain Gun caliber100 mm90/105 mm105 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.

TankT-72Leopard IMerkava I/IICountrySoviet UnionWest GermanyIsraelYears of service1971-1965-1979-Number build25,000+4,744830Weight41.5 t42.2 t63 tPower780 hp820 hp900 hpMain Gun caliber125 mm105 mm L7105 mm L7

Third generationThe 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.

TankT-90M1 AbramsLeopard IICountryRussiaUnited StatesWest GermanyYears of service1996-1980-1979-Number build1,667+10,000+3,480+Weight47.5 t61.3 t62 tPower840/950/1250hp1500hp1480 hpMain Gun caliber125 mm105/120 mm 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 Type 10Country JapanManufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy IndustriesYears of service 2012-Number build 81Weight 48 tPower 1200 hpCrew 3Speed Forward: 70 km/h Backward: 70 km/hMain Gun caliber 120 mm L44 smoothbore cannon, built by Japan Steel WorksPredecesor 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

MobilityContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that allows the tank to reach 70 km/h forward as well as reverse.Operational range 440 km4-stroke cycle V8 Diesel engine 1200 hp/2300 rpmHydropneumatic active suspension, which allows it to adjust its stance (lower profile , bigger gun depression) and absorbs recoil when firing.

Fire powerSame main gun as Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams - Rheinmetall L44 120mmAble to fire DU kinetic rounds or DM12 multi-purpose anti-tank projectile (MPAT)Caliber 120 mm Muzzle velocity1,580 to 1,750 m/sEffective range 4000 meters with DM63 to 8000 meters with LAHAT