How Fast Can an Armored Tank Go? Over 45 MPH.
As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the gaming industry, I‘m often researching the real-world stats behind the vehicles in popular titles. Readers frequently ask about the speeds and capabilities of tanks – one of the most iconic military vehicles. In this deep dive, I‘ll share my insights on how fast modern tanks can move based on expert analysis of their engines, transmissions, suspensions, and more.
My Background as a Subject Matter Expert
I‘ve been playing tank combat games for over 10 years and have developed extensive knowledge on armored vehicle performance in the process. I also create YouTube videos and write online guides analyzing tank specs in games like War Thunder, World of Tanks, and Armored Warfare.
Through compiling information from games and real-world military sources, I‘ve become a subject matter expert on topics like:
- The capabilities of modern vs. historical tanks
- The factors that influence tank mobility
- The speeds and horsepower of various tank models
- How real tanks compare to their in-game depictions
I reference data from reputable defense publications and military technology websites in all my guides and content.
In this article, I‘ll share my accumulated expertise on tank speeds and mobility based on the latest 2023 insight from reliable sources. Let‘s get into it!
Speed Overview: 25-45 MPH
To directly address the central question:
How fast can an armored tank travel on roads and regular terrain?
Based on my research of current-generation Western and Russian main battle tanks:
- Road Speed – Up to 45 mph
- Cross-Country Speed – Around 25 mph
Modern tanks can surprisingly hit road speeds over 40 mph thanks to 1500+ horsepower turbine engines and advanced drivetrains. I‘ll analyze the mobility tech allowing 60+ ton vehicles to move so quickly next.
The World‘s Fastest Operational Tanks
| Tank Model | Nation | Top Speed (mph) | Engine (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-14 Armata | Russia | 56 | 1500+ |
| M1A2 Abrams | USA | 45 | 1500 |
| Leopard 2A7+ | Germany | 45 | 1500+ |
| Challenger 2 | UK | 37 | 1200 |
Russia‘s new T-14 Armata MBT can reach blistering speeds up to 56 mph, making it the fastest military tank globally.
Western models like the Abrams and Leopard 2A7+ reach top road speeds of around 45 mph.
The Challenger 2 trails behind at 37 mph – but still incredibly quick for 70-ton tank!
Now let‘s analyze what gives these metal beasts such impressive pace.
Advanced Mobility: What Makes Tanks So Fast
Many assume that heavy armored fighting vehicles like tanks must be slow. But modern tank technology enables surprising speed by optimizing five key areas:
Extreme Engine Horsepower
1500-1600 hp turbine engines provide incredible power. Combined with efficient drivetrains, this strength enables quick acceleration and high top speeds.
For example, the Abrams‘ Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine outputs 1500 hp despite weighing under 1 ton.
Smooth-Shifting Transmissions
Advanced automatic transmissions efficiently transfer engine power to the tracks. Smooth gear changes enable tanks to maintain momentum off-road or on pavement.
The T-14 Armata contains a 12-speed automatic transmission suiting various terrain. Western tanks use 6-8 speed gearboxes.
High Power-to-Weight Ratios
By generating 1.5+ hp per tonne, modern tank powerpacks achieve favorable strength-to-weight ratios. This allows better mobility than older tanks with less horsepower per ton.
Advanced Suspension Systems
The latest hydropneumatic or torsion bar suspensions provide adjustable ride heights and weight distribution on uneven terrain. This increases off-road speed and stability.
Wide Tracks and Wheels
Long, wide treads and roadwheels on modern tanks enable better weight distribution and lower ground pressure than historical designs. This further enhances cross-country mobility.
Let‘s analyze the mobility specs of today‘s premier Russian and American tanks.
T-14 Armata: Russia‘s Next-Generation Tank
Russia‘s cutting-edge T-14 enters service in 2024, boasting completely new armament, armor, and engine tech compared to previous Russian MBTs like the T-90.
What truly sets the T-14 apart is its Mobility system:
- Powerpack: 1500+ hp engine
- Transmission: 12-speed automatic
- Suspension: Adjustable hydropneumatic type
- Top Speed: 56 mph on roads
This powertrain allows the Armata to reach road speeds over 50 mph – extremely quick for a 55-ton main battle tank!
The T-14 also contains advanced electronics and feedback mechanisms allowing the crew to finely tune drivetrain output to terrain.
Russia designed the Armata as a highly mobile vehicle to exploit battlefield breakthroughs. Its well-optimized engine, transmission, suspension, and treads enable rapid repositioning.
The T-14 showcases the pinnacle of Russian tank mobility technology. Next let‘s examine the longstanding king of American armor.
M1A2 Abrams: America‘s Primary Battle Tank
The M1 Abrams entered US Army service in 1980 and remains their principle main battle tank in 2024. Continuous upgrades like the M1A2 variant keep the Abrams‘ speed, firepower, and electronics competitive with the latest global designs.
- Engine: Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine (1500 hp)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Suspension: Hydropneumatic
- Top Speed: 45 mph
While unable to match the T-14 Armata‘s blistering pace, the Abrams reaches very high road speeds for a 70-ton tank. Efficient engine tuning and transmission gearing enable smooth acceleration and mobility.
Upgrades to the suspension and treads in the M1A2 variant improved cross-country performance over older M1 models as well. America invested heavily in optimizing the Abrams‘ drivetrain and mobility during its lengthy development.
Overall, both the T-14 Armata and M1A2 Abrams demonstrate the apex of modern tank engine, transmission, and suspension tech – enabling armor to keep pace with lighter vehicles on roads and rugged terrain.
The Need for Speed: Importance of Tank Mobility
Why do nations pursue ever-greater tank speeds via advancing powertrain tech?
Mobility equates directly to battlefield survivability and effectiveness.
The ability to rapidly reposition, flank, and pursue enemies confers major tactical advantages. Blitzkrieg tactics depend on swift armor maneuvers. Modern warfare also emphasizes combined arms mobility.
Higher speed also enables tanks to evade incoming anti-tank munitions. Russian and American armor optimizes not just firepower but mobility to improve battlefield odds.
The Bottom Line
While early 20th century tanks crawled at walking speeds, modern armored fighting vehicles like the T-14 Armata and M1A2 Abrams can astonishingly reach 50+ mph on roads.
Advanced engines, drivetrains, suspensions, and treads enable 60-80 ton tanks to achieve great speed – both on-road and cross-country. Automotive technologies developed for high-performance sports cars even make their way onto battle tanks!
So in summary:
- How fast can a modern armored tank go? Up to 45-56 mph on roads depending on model.
- What enables such speed? 1500+ hp engines, smooth-shifting automatic transmissions, optimized suspensions, and tightly tuned drivetrains.
Through researching tank capabilities for my gaming content, I continue uncovering astounding facts about armored vehicle technology and design. Nothing excites quite like analyzing the extreme performance stats underlying these steel beasts!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other tank mobility questions. I‘m always happy to share my armor insights with fellow players and military vehicle fans!
