Superior Tankin'

BBJynne wrote:What is the best tank in the world?

I say probably M1A2 because it has computer aided stuff and kicks ass, but Garen can spin, so Garen is the best.

Rasq'uire'laskar wrote:And which episode of Suziyama Haruhi is your sig from?

Rasq'uire'laskar wrote:Israeli Merkava.
Wins because it has specs on par with the M1A1, yet it has room for a group of soldiers to hitch a ride. Like a Russian Hind.

Rotaretilbo wrote:Well, let's compare.

Main Weapon
All three tanks have 120mm cannons, though the Challenger deviates, using rifling, whereas the Abrams and Leopard prefer smoothbore. Generally a tie, though I think it is noteworthy that the Leopard carries exactly forty-two rounds for its weapon.

Secondary Weapons
The Abrams has one 12.7mm and two 7.62mm machine guns. The Leopard has two 7.62mm machine guns. The Challenger also has two 7.62mm machine guns. However, unlike the other two, the Leopard's machine guns are of German design (much like the tank), giving it an edge as far as secondary weapons go.

Armor
All three tanks use composite armor. The Abrams uses Chobham (composite ceramic), but also employs steel plating and optional depleted uranium mesh plating, though this optional plating seriously reduces its effective range and speed. The Leopard uses composite steel and tungsten on a ceramic base, similar to Chobham. The Challenger uses Dorchester (Chobham Generation 2), which is also a composite ceramic type of armor. The Challenger 2 is probably the better protected of these three.

Speed and Effective Range
The Abrams employs a new turbine-gas engine which gives it 1500 horse power, a max speed of around 42 miles per hour, but an effective range of only 290 miles. The Leopard employs a 12-cylinder diesel engine which gives it 1500 horse power, a max speed of around 45 miles per hour, and an effective range of around 340 miles. The Challenger also employs a 12-cylinder diesel engine, but only gets 1200 horse power, has a max speed of only 37 miles per hour, and an effective range of around 280 miles. Overall, the Leopard does significantly well, having the highest max speed and effective range. The Abrams cylinder-gas engine is a bit more delicate, and guzzles gas worse than regular engines.

Overall, I chose the Leopard. It had several things going for it, like German design. It's weapons are about as powerful (if not more so) and its armor not quite as thick, but it can outmaneuver either of its competitors.

Rotaretilbo wrote:

Rasq'uire'laskar wrote:Israeli Merkava.
Wins because it has specs on par with the M1A1, yet it has room for a group of soldiers to hitch a ride. Like a Russian Hind.

It looks about the same size as the Abrams. Where do these soldiers hitch a ride that they couldn't on a tank like the Abrams or Leopard?