FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Forecast International Again Ranks Leopard 2 WorldÂ’s Best Tank OverallNEWTOWN, Conn., July 15, 2002 -- In its annual ranking of the worldÂ’s best tanks, Forecast International lists GermanyÂ’s Leopard 2 A6EX model as the worldÂ’s number one tank overall. A product of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the potent Leopard 2 has been steadily improved over the years and the latest version, the A6EX, maintains the lead.
"The Leopard 2 just edged out the United StatesÂ’ M1A2 System Enhancement Package tank," said Gregory Fetter, author of the Forecast International rankings. "The deciding factor was the Leopard 2Â’s 55 caliber version of the Rh 120 tank gun and its DM 53 long rod penetrator ammunition," Fetter said.
However, the M1A2 Abrams tank, built by General Dynamics Land Systems, outperforms the Leopard 2 in actual combat situations. In addition, various ongoing improvements to the Abrams will further enhance its proven hunter-killer mode of fighting, according to Fetter.
Third on Forecast InternationalÂ’s best tank list is JapanÂ’s Type 90, a technically sophisticated tank built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that draws heavily on German technology, including a 120 millimeter Rh 120 tank cannon. However, the Japanese tank does possess some features not found on the Leopard 2, such as an automatic loader and three-man crew.
Making a major advance in the 2002 tanks rankings is IsraelÂ’s new Merkava Mark IV, built by Israel Ordnance Corps. While this model has only just been officially unveiled, sufficient information has leaked regarding this latest manifestation of the unique Merkava design to rank it number four, above the French Leclerc and British Challenger 2.
The Mark IVÂ’s main features include a further improved fire control system and an integrated active vehicle protection system. The Mark IV tank includes a further refined automatic target tracking system; the fire control suite is reportedly very flexible with a good degree of mission planning capability. The MerkavaÂ’s power-to-weight ratio is greatly improved over earlier models by the integration of the EuroPowerPack.
While unique in some ways, the latest Russian and Chinese tanks still do fare well in comparison to Western tanks, according to the report. However, survivability and reliability concerns as well as quality control issues rank these tanks at the bottom of the top ten list of worldÂ’s best tanks.
Forecast International/DMS Inc. is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analyses in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics. Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and innovative marketing presentations, including regular 10-year forecasts. To arrange an interview with Forecast InternationalÂ’s analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger
Source:
http://www.forecast1.com/press/press70.htm