The Fastest Tank Engines in the World: A Comparison of Key Features and Performance

Military tanks are designed for speed and high mobility, which are crucial for engaging in modern warfare. Here is an overview of some of the world's fastest tank engines, including their power ratings and top speeds.

Challenger 2 UK

The Challenger 2 is a main battle tank (MBT) designed and built by Vickers, which was later taken over by BAE Systems. It is based on the Perkins CV12-6T engine, which produces 1200 horsepower.

Performance

On the road, the Challenger 2 can reach a top speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h). This makes it one of the faster tanks, though it falls short of the high speeds achieved by some rival engines.

Leopard 2 Germany

The Leopard 2 is a German main battle tank. It uses the MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine, which delivers 1500 horsepower.

Performance

This powerful engine allows the Leopard 2 to reach a top speed of about 43 mph (70 km/h) on the road. It is considered one of the fastest tanks in the world.

M1 Abrams USA

The M1 Abrams is a U.S. main battle tank, sporting a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine, which also generates 1500 horsepower.

Performance

With its powerful gas turbine, the M1 Abrams can achieve a top speed of around 42 mph (67 km/h) on the road, making it highly maneuverable and adaptable to various terrains.

T-90 Russia

The T-90 is a Russian main battle tank. It is powered by the V-92S2 engine, with a power output of 1000 horsepower.

Performance

The T-90 can reach a top speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h) on the road, which is satisfactory given its balance of speed and durability.

T-14 Armata Russia

The T-14 Armata is a new-generation Russian main battle tank. It features a multi-fuel engine that can produce around 1500 horsepower.

Performance

Estimates place the T-14 Armata's top speed on the road at 50 mph (80 km/h). This tank is set to be the fastest of its kind, capable of high-speed maneuverability and battlefield engagements.

Merkava Mk.4 Israel

The Merkava Mk.4 is an advanced Israeli main battle tank. It is equipped with a 1500 hp supercharged diesel engine.

Performance

The Merkava Mk.4 can achieve a top speed of about 40 mph (64 km/h) on the road, providing excellent mobility for its military operations.

Historical Locomotives

While we typically associate speed with tanks and modern military engines, the 61 001 and 61 002 of Germany offer a fascinating look at steam locomotive history. These locomotives, built between 1935 and 1939, were pioneers in their era.

Performance

The 61 001, known as the “Henschel-Wegmann” train, could reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h in regular service and up to 185 km/h in experimental runs. These speeds were remarkable for their time and set a high bar for steam locomotives.

Unfortunately, the 61 001 was scrapped after an accident in 1951. The 61 002 was disassembled in 1961 and used to build the experimental express locomotive 18 201 or 02 0201–0, which still exists today.

Class I3 of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway

The Class I3 was a remarkable locomotive designed by the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway. Despite having 6′ 7″ driving wheels and a superheated boiler, it was very efficient and could be used on long-distance trains.

Performance

Chief Mechanical Engineer Earle Marsh and his team incorporated the superheater, which transformed the I3 into a highly efficient and powerful locomotive. While limited by its fuel capacity, the I3 was a standout performer in the era of steam locomotives.

The Class I3 is remembered for its innovative design and efficiency, even as the railway industry shifted towards diesel and electric locomotives.