Main Battle Tanks  T-54/T-55  T-62  T-64  T-10  T-72  T-80  T-90  MBT Chiorny Oriol (Black Eagle)

Combat weight:	(fully stowed, no crew) about 35.9 tons (36.500 kg).
Lenght:	(Gun to front) 29.7 ft (9.02 m); (gun to rear) 21.7 ft (6.57 m).
Widht:	10ft 9.5in (3.265 m).
Height:	7.10 ft (2.380 m).
Engine:	T-54: V-2-54 vee-12 watercooled diesel, 520 hp; T-55: V-2-55 vee-12, 580 hp
Armament:	D-10T, D-10TG or D-10T2S 100mm gun (T-54: 34 rounds, T-55: 43 rounds); 7.62mm SGMT or PKT machine gun (co-axial) with 3000 rounds; T-54 also one 12.7mm DShK with 500 rounds for AA use and one 7.62 SGMT (bow).
Speed:	30 mph (48 km/h).
Range:	T-54: 250 miles (400 km); T-55: 310 miles (500 km).
Armour:	Up to 100 mm, mantlet up to 170 mm.

The T-55 medium tank has a fully tracked, five-road-wheeled chassis. This chassis has a space between the first and second road wheels and no return rollers. The T-55 has a low-silhouetted hull with a dome shaped turret mounted over the third road wheel. It is armed with a 100-mm rifled gun, which has a bore evacuator at the muzzle. The T-55 also mounts a 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun. Early versions also mounted a bow-mounted 7.62-mm machine-gun. The T-55 differs from the older T-54 models because it lacks the right-hand cupola and the turret dome ventilator, which is located in front of that cupola on the T-54. Most T-55's also lack the turret-mounted 12.7-mm antiaircraft machine-gun of the T-54. All T-55's mount an infrared gunner's searchlight above, and to the right of the main gun. This searchlight, however, is not a distinguishing feature since it has been retrofitted to many T-54 and T-54A tanks. The T-55 combines a high velocity gun with a highly mobile chassis, a low silhouette, and exceptional long-range endurance. Improvements over the T-54 include a larger V-12 water-cooled diesel engine with 580 rather than 520 hp, and an increased cruising range of 500 rather than 400 kilometers (600 kilometers with auxiliary tanks). The increased cruising range can go up to 715 kilometers with two 200-liter auxiliary fuel tanks which can be carried on the rear. The T-55 has two-plane stabilization of the main gun rather than vertical stabilization only. It also has a basic load for the main gun of 43 rather than 34 rounds. The T-55 can ford depths of 1.4 meters without preparation. It has snorkel equipment which enables it to cross depths of up to 5.5 meters at a speed of 2 kilometers per hour. This equipment takes about 30 minutes' preparation, but can be jettisoned immediately on leaving the water. All T-55's have the PAZ radiation detection system; the T-55A also has an anti-radiation liner. Injecting vaporized diesel fuel onto the exhaust system can generate a dense smoke screen.

VARIANTS:

T-54A Same as the T-54 but introduced the D-10TG gun with a new fume evacuator, and vertical plane stabilization system. Internal improvements included a new multi-stage air cleaner and radiator controls for improved engine performance. China manufactured this variant under license as the Type 59.

T-54B This version introduced the OU-3 Infrared searchlight on the commander's cupola, and a TPN-1 gunner's day/night sight in place of the earlier MK-4 periscope. This version also introduced a two-axis stabilization system and the improved D-10T2S 100-mm rifled gun. This was the first version to be regularly equipped with a snorkel to allow deep fording of rivers.

T-54K This is the command version of the T-54A. It incorporates an additional radio by reducing the ammunition storage.

T-54AD This is a Polish-built command version of the T-54 that incorporates a slight extension of the turret that provides space for the additional radios.

OT-54 This flame-thrower tank substituted a ATO-1 automatic flame-thrower for the 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun. The bow ammunition storage was modified to permit carrying 460-liters of flammable liquid using compressed gas for propulsion. Maximum range was 160 meters and the system could fire 15-20 bursts per minute.

T-55 The T-55 used a new turret, similar to that used on the T-54A, but without the prominent roof-top "mushroom" ventilator dome, and two enlarged "D" roof panels. Internal improvements include the V-55 engine, initial stages of the PAZ chemical/radiation protection system, and an increase of ammunition to 43 rounds. This tank does not have a 12.7-mm antiaircraft DShK machine-gun on the loader's hatch.

T-55A This variant incorporated the complete PAZ/FVU chemical/radiation filtration system. This version is most easily recognized by the larger combings on the commander's and loader's hatches as well as the blister on the driver's hatch.

T-55A Model 1970 This version is equipped with a 12.7-mm antiaircraft DShK machine-gun.

T-55A Model 1974 This version is equipped with the KTD-2 laser rangefinder, which is mounted immediately above the main gun in an armored box.

T-55K There are three variants of this command tank. These vehicles have an additional command radio as well as supporting generator, and carry less ammunition. The T-55K1 and T-55K2 both carry two R-123 or R-123M and a R-124. The T-55K3 carries one R-130M, a R-123, a R-124, and a 10-meter antenna. Command variants of the later variants carry the same designations, e.g., T-55MK1, T-55AM1K3, etc.

OT-55 This flame-thrower tank incorporates the ATO-200 flame projector. The flame thrower is ignited by pyrotechnic charges, and 12 charges are the basic load. The stowage tank contains 460-liters of flammable liquid, and each burst averages 36 liters. The maximum effective range of the system is 200 meters, with the stream having an initial muzzle velocity of 100 m/s.

T-55MV This is the T-55M with its armor protection supplanted with a first generation explosive reactive armor (ERA) array. Most of these vehicles were also retrofitted with the same fire-control improvements of the T-55AM2PB, including the AT-10 STABBER antitank guided missile, the Volna FCS, as well as the automotive and communications improvements.

T-55AMV This is the T-55AM with the same ERA protection as the T-55MV. Most of these tanks also received the same improvements of the T-55AM2PB.

T-55AM1 This is the modernized version of the T-55 with improved fire controls. The Czechoslovak version uses a laser rangefinder mounted over the main gun and a wind sensor. The FSU version incorporates the KTD-2 or KDG-1 laser rangefinder. The Polish version uses a new fire control system that integrates a laser rangefinder into the gunner's sight.

T-55AM2 This is the improved T-55AM1 with the BDD (horse-shoe) appliqu? armor. These BDD armor panels consist of armored steel boxes filled with penapolyurethane. Cavities in the boxes can be supplemented with water or sand for added protection. This version also incorporates the improved V-55U engine that has an integral supercharger and offers 620 hp. This tank has also been retrofitted with the improved R-173P radio system. 

T-55AM2PB This is the T-55AM2 with fire control improvements and the AT-10 STABBER antitank guided missile. It also incorporates the 1K13 BOM gunner's sight in place of the TPN-1M sight, and the new Volna fire control system that includes the KDT-2 laser rangefinder, the BV-55 ballistic computer, the TShSM-32PB sight and the Tsiklon-M1 gun stabilization system.

CHINESE VARIANTS:

Type 59 This is the Chinese produced copy of the T-54A. Later improvements include the addition of a laser rangefinder over the main gun and the addition of side skirts. 

Type 59-II This is the Type 59 armed with a 105-mm main gun, believed to be derived from the standard NATO 105-mm rifled gun. The gun has a bore evacuator and a segmented thermal sleeve.

Type 62 Although externally very similar to the Type 59, this tank is in fact a scaled-down light tank patterned after the Type 59. It is armed with an 85-mm gun and is more thinly armored.

Type 69-I This is a product improved version of the Type 59 that is armed with an improved 100-mm smoothbore gun that is distinguishable by its bore evacuator, located farther back on the tube than the usual 100-mm rifled gun.

Type 69-II This is the more common version of the Type 69 family. This version is equipped with the normal 100-mm rifled gun. This tank incorporates the TSFC 2-axis gun stabilization, a new Type 70 gunner's sight, full active infrared night fighting equipment, and engine smoke discharger, an NBC protective system, and a laser rangefinder. The Type 69-II can be distinguished from the earlier Type 59 by the rear engine plate that has a small elliptical bulge for the cooling fan. This version also has the driver's headlights mounted in two pairs on the fenders, not on the hull glacis. Some of these tanks were also outfitted with "Boom Shield" stand-off armor baskets on the turret.

Type 69-IIC This is the command version of the Type 69-II. This tank is equipped with an additional command radio and long radio aerial. It can also be identified by the presence of a long tube welded to the turret top for the radio aerial and two stowage boxes on the hull rear, one of which contains cabling and a field phone.

Type 79 (Type 69-III) This is a Type 69-II equipped with a 105-mm rifled gun.

Type 80 This is an upgraded Type 79 with a new suspension. A further improved version, the Type 80-II incorporates further automotive improvements.

ISRAELI MODIFIED VARIANTS:

Ti-67 These modifications include replacing the 100-mm gun by a 105-mm M68 rifled gun, ammunition racks modified to accept 105-mm ammunition, new communications equipment, commander's seat modified, gunner's seat replaced, installation of azimuth indicator, driver's hatch can now be opened from the outside, commander's traverse control installed, sighting system modified for 105-mm ammunition, replacing the coaxial machine gun by a 7.62-mm (0.30) Browning machine gun and the 12.7-mm DShKM anti-aircraft machine gun by a 12.7-mm (0.50) Browning M2 HB machine gun, new fire control and electrical system, air-conditioning system, new radio mounts on turret rear, American infantry telephone on hull rear, Browning 0.30 machine gun at loader's station, exhaust outlet angled upwards, additional track stowage, fire-extinguishing system installed and new night vision equipment.

Ti-67 Model S In addition to all of the previous modifications, this is the Ti-67 with many other improvements including the American Detroit Diesel 8V-71T engine developing 609 hp, new semi-automatic hydromechanical transmission equipped with a torque converter, new air cleaners, Blazer explosive reactive armor added to the hull and turret, Cadillac Gage Textron weapon stabilization system, installation of EL-OP computerized Matador fire control system, new low-profile commander's cupola, infra-red detectors, passive night vision equipment for commander, gunner and driver, Spectronix fire detection and suppression system, new turret basket and extensive external stowage, modernized driver's station including replacement of sticks by a steering wheel, new final drives, new fuel system with all fuel now internal and improved suspension.

ROMANIAN VARIANTS:

TR-580 (TR-77) This is a variant of the T-55 using a lengthened hull and a new suspension system with spoked wheels.

TR-85 (TR-80 or TR-800) This is a drastically modified version of the T-55 with a new turret, a new German diesel engine and a completely redesigned suspension.  

T-62 Main Battle Tank 

Combat weight:	(Fully stowed, no crew) 36.93 tons (37.500 kg).
Lenght:	(Gun to front) 30.8 ft (9.488 or 9.77 m); (gun to rear) 22 ft (6.705 m).
Widht:	11 ft (3.352 m).
Height:	7.11 ft (2.4 m).
Engine:	V-2-62 vee-12 watercooled diesel. 700 hp.
Armament:	U-5TS 115mm smoothbore gun, 40 rounds APFSDS, HEAT, HE. One 7.62mm coaxial machine gun with 2000 or 3500 rounds.
Speed:	up to 34 mph (50 km/h).
Range:	Typically 310 miles (500 km).
Armour:	Up to 100 mm, mantlet up to 170 mm.

The T-62 medium tank has a fully tracked, five road-wheeled chassis. The chassis has close spaces between the three front road wheels and large gaps separating the third, fourth and fifth road wheels. The drive sprocket is at the rear and the idler is at the front; there are no track return rollers. The rounded turret, mounted over the third road wheel, is more smoothly cast and more nearly egg-shaped than that of the T-54/55 series. The commander's cupola on the left is cast with the turret. The loader's hatch on the right is also farther forward. The 115-mm smoothbore main gun has a longer and thinner tube than the 100-mm main gun of the T-54/55. Its bore evacuator is about two-thirds of the way up the gun tube from the turret. There is also a 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun. The T-62M also mounts a 12.7-mm antiaircraft DShK machine-gun at the loader's hatch position. A gunner's IR searchlight is mounted on the right, above the main gun. A smaller IR searchlight is mounted over on the commander's cupola. The driver's hatch is in front of the turret on the left side of the flat, low-silhouetted hull. Like the T-55, the T-62 has a 580-hp, V-12, water-cooled diesel engine. This engine gives the T-62 a cruising range of 280 kilometers cross-country; 450 kilometers on paved roads, with integral fuel cells; and 400 kilometers cross-country, or 650 kilometers on paved roads, with two 200-liter auxiliary fuel tanks. The tank also shares the snorkeling and smoke screen-generating capabilities of the T-54/55 series. It has the same PAZ radiation detection system as the T-55. Some T-62's may have been retrofitted with full NBC collective protection systems (air filtration and overpressure). Most models have the same IR night sight and driving equipment and the same fire control equipment as the T-54/55. Some T-62s, however, have received a passive night sight. This replaces the gunner's active IR sight. A laser rangefinder may now replace the stadiametric reticle rangefinder. The most significant improvement over the T-54/55 tanks, however, is the 115-mm smoothbore main gun. It fires hypervelocity, armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot (HVAPFSDS) round with a muzzle velocity of 1,615 meters per second. The penetrator flies in a very flat trajectory, and is extremely accurate out to 1600 meters. The normal 40-round basic load typically includes 12 HVAPFSDS, 6 HEAT, and 22 HE-Frag rounds. The T-62 also has an automatic shell ejector system. The recoil of the main gun activates this system, which ejects the spent shell casings through a port in the rear of the turret. The T-62 has the standard 7.62-mm PKT coaxial machine-gun with a range of 1,000 meters. The T-62M also mounts a 12.7-mm antiaircraft DShK machine-gun. The DShK has a range of 1,500 meters against ground targets and a slant range of 1,000 meters against aircraft. The T-62A also has a stabilized main gun; it enables the gunner to track and fire on the move with improved accuracy.

VARIANTS:

T-62 This is the basic T-62 model, which essentially was a stretched T-55 chassis, with a new suspension, and a new turret equipped with the U-5T (2A20) Rapira 115-mm smoothbore gun. The gun has the new Meteor two-axis stabilization system.

T-62K This is the command tank variant of the T-62, and like earlier types, has one additional R-122 radio, a TNA-2 navigation system, a 4-meter antenna, but less ammunition. The corresponding command tank for the T-62M is the T-62MK.

T-62M (Also called T-62A) This tank includes the addition of a 12.7-mm antiaircraft DShK machine-gun on the loader's hatch. This modification included modification of the turret right side.

T-62M Model 1975 This is the T-62M with the addition of the KTD-1 laser rangefinder over the main gun mantlet.

T-62E The war in Afghanistan forced the Soviets to up-armor their tanks to provide better protection from infantry antitank weapons, such as the RPG-7. This upgrade led to the BDD appliqu? armor package. This package consists of a panel of armor on the glacis plate, two panels of "horse-shoe" armor around the front of the turret, and an optional package of belly armor for anti-mine protection. The total package adds 3.9 tons to the weight of the vehicle.

T-62M1 This further modification of the T-62A includes much of the modifications added to the T-55 to make the T-55AM2PB. These improvements include the Volna fire control system with the BV-62 computer, Meteor M1 gun stabilization package, TShSM-41U sight, KDT-2 laser rangefinder and 1K13 guidance sight package. This tank is equipped with the AT-12 Sheksna laser-guided antitank guided missile, which operates in much the same way as the AT-10 STABBER ATGM. This tank also includes the uprated V-55U engine, and the R-173 radio system. This vehicle is also usually fitted with the BDD appliqu? armor package.

T-62MV This is the T-62M fitted with the ERA package found on the T-55MV.  

T-64 Main Battle Tank

Combat weight:	39.3 tons (40.000 kg).
Lenght:	(Gun to front) 29.5 ft (9.02 m); (hull) 20.46 ft (6.35 m).
Widht:	10.03 ft (3.375 m).
Height:	(To cupola) 7.41 ft (2.265 m).
Engine:	Water cooled diesel. 700 bhp.
Armament:	125mm smoothbore gun firing fin-stabilised APFSDS and HEAT ammunition, automatic loader. One 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. One 12.7mm remote-controlled DShK AAMG.
Speed:	50 mph (80 km/h).
Range:	310 miles (500 km).
Armour:	Maximum about 120 mm.

The T-64 retains the low silhouette of the T-54/55/62 series of tanks. The suspension consists of six small dual road wheels with the drive sprocket at the rear, idler at the front and four track-return rollers which support the inside of the double-pin track only. The first, second, fifth and sixth road wheel stations are provided with a hydraulic shock absorber. Over the top of the suspension, which slopes downward towards the rear, is a rail on which panels of additional armor can be attached. The driver's hatch is centered at the top of a sharply sloped upper glacis. The glacis has four steel ribs and a v-shaped water and debris deflector. Integrated fuel cells and stowage containers give a streamlined appearance to the fenders. The tank has a toothed shovel/dozer blade on the front of the hull beneath the glacis. There are attachment points beneath the blade for the KMT-6 mine-clearing plow. The low, rounded turret is centered on the hull. The commander's cupola is on the right side of the turret; the gunner's hatch is on the left side. The 125-mm main gun has a four section removable thermal shield. It has two sections in front of, and two sections to the rear of the mid-tube bore evacuator. A 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun is mounted to the right of the mantlet. The infra-red searchlight is mounted on the left of the main armament. Two or three boxes of 12.7-mm ammunition are mounted on the left side of the turret. The snorkel is carried on the top of the turret at the rear and at the very rear of the turret is a detachable stowage box. The T-64 has two snorkels for deep fording; one is fitted to the turret and the other to the engine compartment. The T-64 has superior mobility than its predecessors. The 5-cylinder, opposed-piston, diesel engine has an output of 700 hp. The hull and turret are of cast and welded steel armor that incorporates a mixture of conventional steel and ceramic inserts called Combination K, with the ceramic inserts providing superior protection against HEAT attack. The sides of the hull and upper part of the suspension were provided with gill type armor panels which sprung outward during combat to reduce the effectiveness of HEAT projectiles. The T-64 is armed with the 125-mm 2A26 smoothbore gun with a vertical ammunition stowage system, and automatic loader. The incorporation of an automatic loader allowed for a three-man crew. The 125-mm gun is stabilized in both elevation and traverse with the ordnance being fitted with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor. The main armament can be laid and fired while the T-64 is moving across country and the commander can override the gunner if required. The 125-mm gun is stabilized, but does not have the same firing on the move capability as Western MBT such as the M1 or Leopard 2. The 125-mm gun has a sighted range out to 4000 m using the day sight and 800 m using the night sight. Maximum effective range of the 125-mm smoothbore gun of the T-64B is 2000 meters, firing the following types of ammunition: APFSDS, HE-FRAG, HEAT, and a Beehive anti-personnel round. The T-64B's 125-mm ordnance also fires the AT-8 Songster ATGM, which is kept in the automatic loader in two separate parts like standard APFSDS or HEAT-FS rounds and loaded using the automatic loader. A T-64B normally carries six AT-8 Songsters plus 36 rounds (projectile and charge) of 125-mm ammunition. The 12.7-mm anti-aircraft machine gun has electric elevation with manual controls being provided for emergency use. The 12.7-mm antiaircraft machine-gun of the T-64 can be aimed and fired from within the tank. It has the PAZ radiation detection system, an anti-radiation liner, and a collective NBC filtration and overpressure system.

VARIANTS:

T-64R This was the initial production model armed with 115-mm D-68 smoothbore gun for which 40 rounds of ammunition were carried, of this total 30 rounds were in the automatic loader for ready use. It is believed that 600 were built, but none now remain in service. T-64 This was the initial production version with the 125-mm smoothbore gun with ZIP tool stowage bin on right side and no rear turret stowage bin. Most of these were subsequently rebuilt to the T-64A configuration.

T-64K The command version of the T-64. When stationary a 10 m telescopic mast is erected over the turret and held in position by stays that are pegged to the ground. The command version does not normally have the 12.7-mm anti-aircraft gun fitted. T-64A This version features several improvements including a modified sight for the gunner with an enlarged opening. A bump stop for the fourth road wheel was added. Smoke grenade launchers were fitted to both sides of the 125-mm gun. Hinges for the attachment of side skirts were added to the hull sides. Each bank of six smoke launchers fires grenades to a range of 150 to 200 m. The handrails on either side of the turret front were omitted and the forward stowage boxes on the right hand sponson were replaced by additional external fuel tanks as on the left hand sponson. The forward skirts were originally spring-loaded so that they faced the front, but these were subsequently replaced by skirts.

T-64A (rebuild) This is a rebuilt T-64 or T-64A incorporating the new improvements found on the later T-64 models, including the substitution of a rubber side skirt for the gill armor, addition of glacis plate hull armor appliqu?, stowage improvements and other changes.

T-64AK The command version of the T-64A

T-64B This was a major redesign of the T-64A to incorporate a new hull and turret armor that was not as bulky as the first generation Combination K armor on the T-64A, but at the same time offering the same or better protection. The T-64B has a laser rangefinder for improved first round hit probability, explosive reactive armor and strengthened turret hatch protection. There are at least two versions of the T-64B. New construction T-64Bs that appear to lack the usual forward gunner's sight and rebuilt T-64Bs, which are modifications of earlier T-64s.

T-64BV This is the correct designation for the T-64B fitted with explosive reactive armor. The T-64BV has a different explosive reactive armor package from the T-80. The former has about 111 blocks; the latter has between 185 and 221 blocks. On the T-64BV the reactive armor covers the glacis plate, the forward part of the turret front, sides and roof and hull sides extending to the five road wheels. When fitted with explosive reactive armor, the smoke dischargers are moved from either side of the main armament to either side of the turret rear, roughly in line with the fourth and fifth road wheels. T-64B1 The designation T-64B1 may distinguish the difference between new-build T-64Bs, and T-64As which have been improved to the T-64B standard.

T-64B1K This is the command tank version of the T-64B1 and has additional communications equipment installed.

T-64BV1K This is the T-64B fitted with explosive reactive armor and fitted with additional communications equipment for use in the command role.  

T-72 Main Battle Tank 

Combat weight:	39.3 tons (40.000 kg).
Lenght:	(Gun to front) 29.5 ft (9.02 m); (hull) 20.46 ft (6.35 m).
Widht:	10.03 ft (3.375 m).
Height:	(To cupola) 7.41 ft (2.265 m).
Engine:	Water cooled diesel of about 700 bhp.
Armament:	125mm smoothbore gun firing fin-stabilised APFSDS and HEAT ammunition, with automatic loader; one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and one 12.7mm remote-controlled DShK AAMG.
Speed:	50 mph (80 km/h).
Range:	310 miles (500 km).
Armour:	Maximum about 120 mm, possibly of modern "special" material resistant to shaped charges.

The T-72 retains the low silhouette of the T-54/55/62 series of tanks. The suspension consists of six large, die-cast, rubber-coated road wheels with the drive sprocket at the rear, idler at the front and three track-return rollers that support the inside of the track only. Shock absorbers are fitted at the first, second and sixth road wheel stations. The track of the T-72 is of the single pin type with rubber. Over the top of the suspension, which slopes downward towards the rear, is a rail on which panels of additional armor can be attached. There is an engine exhaust on the left side of the hull above the last road wheel. The glacis is well sloped, transversely ribbed and has a deep V splash-board. Integrated fuel cells and stowage containers give a streamlined appearance to the fenders. The low, rounded turret is centered on the hull. The commander's cupola is on the right side of the turret; the gunner's hatch is on the left side. The 125-mm main gun has a four section removable thermal shield. It has two sections in front of, and two sections to the rear of the mid-tube bore evacuator. A 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun is mounted to the right of the mantlet. The T-72 mounts an infra-red searchlight on the right side of the main armament rather than the left as in the case of the earlier T-64. There are two light steel stowage boxes mounted on the turret, one at the rear and the other on the right slightly behind the commander's position. The snorkel is carried on the left side of the turret to the rear. The T-72 normally carries an unditching beam at the rear and there is also provision for carrying two 200 liter fuel drums at the rear to increase operational range. These can be quickly jettisoned if required by the tactical situation. The T-72B1 is powered by a V-12 piston multi-fuel air-cooled engine that develops 840 hp. The engine will run on three fuels: Diesel, Benzene or Kerosene. The turret has conventional cast armor with a maximum thickness of 280-mm, the nose is about 80-mm thick and the glacis is of a new laminate armor 200-mm thick, which when inclined gives between 500/600-mm of protection. Late production T-72s do however incorporate advanced armor protection in their turrets. Main armament is a 125-mm (2A46) smoothbore gun fitted with a light alloy thermal sleeve and a bore evacuator. The 125-mm gun is stabilized in both planes. The gun fires three main types of separate loading ammunition, APFSDS, HEAT-FS, and HE-FRAG(FS). Using the gunner's quadrant, the T-72 can fire HE-Frag rounds in the indirect mode out to 9400 m. Of 39 rounds of ammunition carried, 12 are APFSDS-T, 21 HE-FRAG(FS) and the remaining six HEAT-FS. The ammunition is of the separate loading type with a consumable cartridge case; all that remains of the latter after firing is a stub. The additional rounds of ammunition are stowed in racks behind the turret basket and in indentations in the rear floor fuel cell and second forward right cell near the driver. The carousel automatic loader is mounted on the turret floor and on the rear wall of the turret. The projectile is loaded in the lower half of a carrier, the cartridge and propellant in the upper half. The carousel carries 24 ready use projectiles. A 7.62-mm PKT machine gun is mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament and has 250 rounds of ready use ammunition. A 12.7-mm NSV machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola. The 12.7-mm machine gun can, however, only be used with the commander exposing the upper part of his body. Maximum sight range in the ground-to-ground role is 2000 m; maximum sight range in the anti-aircraft role is 1500 m. The T-72 mounts a dozer blade under the nose of the tank, to clear obstacles and prepare fire positions. Like most other former Soviet tanks, the T-72 can be fitted with mine-clearing equipment such as the KMT-5, KMT-6 and KMT-6 M2. The dozer blade can be brought into the operating position in one or two minutes and enables the tank to prepare its own defilade position without calling on engineer support. The T-72 is provided with an NBC system and can be fitted with a snorkel for deep fording. The tank takes about 20 minutes to prepare for amphibious use and is ready for action within two minutes of leaving the water.

VARIANTS:

T-72 First version of the T-72 to enter production with early versions having searchlight mounted on left as well as the standard production type TPD-2-49 coincidence rangefinder sight that protrudes from the turret.

T-72K Command version of original T-72 with additional communications equipment. The K-series tanks are essentially the same: company Ks having two R-123M or R-173 radios, and battalion/regiment versions have one R123M/R-173 and one R-130M that has a 10 m antenna when erected.

T-72A This has the coincidence rangefinder replaced by the TPD-K1 laser rangefinder. Called T-72M in the former Warsaw Pact with export versions being called the T-72G. Also has plastic armor side skirts in place of the flipper type armor panels found on the earlier models. This skirt covers the upper part of the suspension with separate panels protecting the sides of the fuel and stowage panniers.

T-72AK Command version of T-72A with additional communications equipment.

T-72B This model has the thickened frontal turret armor and is commonly known in the United States as the Dolly Parton. It also has improved engine cooling and a plate of 20-mm appliqu? armor added to the top of the glacis plate. The T-72B with 12 smoke mortars on the turret front is referred to as the SMT M1981/3. The SMT M1984 has its snorkel moved to rear aft of stowage bin, and a third stowage bin added on left side of turret. Late models have appliqu? armor matting on turret roof and either side of the driver's station.

T-72BK Command version of T-72B.

T-72BV This is T-72B with explosive reaction armor packages fitted to the hull and turret. The glacis plate is covered with a layer of single ERA blocks while the turret is covered by one, two or three layers with one being the more usual. A single layer of ERA also covers the sides of the vehicle to provide protection to the suspension and upper sides of the hull. There are two types of former Soviet ERA blocks. First the standard shoe type box which has overall dimensions of about 25.5 cm by 13.5 cm and second the wedge type block. Both of these often have an arrow indicating the way that they should be installed to provide the maximum degree of protection. The standard ERA block has an ERA element (two plates of steel separated by explosive) which can be positioned in one of two positions for maximum protection while the wedge type has a fixed ERA element.

T-72B1 This is the first T-72 with NDZ armor and externally identifiable with the considerably thickened turret frontal armor, this is referred to as the Super Dolly Parton. The SMT M1988 has eight smoke mortars on left side and has explosive reactive armor and larger gunner's night sight housing. The T-72B1 is fitted with the fire control system for the 9M119 Svir AT-11 SNIPER missile system.

T-72B1K This is a T-72B1 with additional communications equipment for use in the command post role.

T-72B1V This is a T-72B1 with explosive reaction armor packages fitted to the turret and hull.

T-72S This is an export version of the T-72B1.

T-72BM This is the T-72B1 fitted with 2nd Generation Reactive armor, similar to that on the T-90.

M-84 This is a Yugoslav version of the T-72 which is almost identical to late production Soviet T-72 with two banks of smoke dischargers mounted on the turret front, seven on the left and five on the right. The main areas of difference are in the computerized fire control system and vehicle optics. The M-84 has a distinctive mast containing sensors fitted on the forward part of the turret to the immediate rear of the 125-mm gun. An improved version, the M-84A has a number of improvements including a more powerful 1000 hp diesel engine which gives a higher road speed, greater acceleration and improved power-to-weight ratio, and improved armor protection.

TR-125 This is the Romanian version of the T-72 which has a number of significant differences to the original Soviet MBT. The TR-125 weighs 48 tons, due to increased armor protection over the frontal arc. The TR-125 has seven road wheels of a different design, a new one piece skirt and is powered by a more powerful 880 hp diesel engine. PT-91 Twardy This Polish variant of the T-72 has a number of improvements over the earlier T-72M1. The major improvements include: Polish-developed explosive reactive armor Type ERAWA-1; four laser warning receivers, which warn the crew if they are being targeted by a laser rangefinder or designator; new computerized fire control system, with optional thermal sight; new passive night sights; improved automotive components including 850 hp engine, rubber bushed tracks, and a modern fire detection and suppression system.

T-72AM Banan The T-72AM Banan is an advanced T-72 design, equipped with the same 6TD-2 diesel engine (1250 hp) as the T-84 (see T-84 in T-80 Variants section). The vehicle is covered extensively with early generation ERA tiles and thus looks very similar to the latest Russian T-72s.

T-72 with PW-LWD mine clearance system The Polish Army has deployed a tank-mounted rocket propelled mine-clearing system on a T-72 chassis. This system consists of a rocket that is attached to a 170 m explosive filled hose. The complete system is carried in a boat-shaped container that slides onto a special mount on the hull top at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle halts on arrival at the minefield, and the PW-LWD system is fired. The explosive hose falls to the ground and is detonated, setting off any mines in its path.

MTU-72 AVLB The FSU has deployed an armored vehicle launched bridge system based on the T-72 MBT chassis that is similar in appearance and concept to the older MTU-20 that is based on the T-55 chassis (q.v.). It is estimated that the bridge, when opened out, is 20.6 m long.

BREM-1 Armored Recovery and Repair Vehicle This is based on the chassis of the T-72 and mounted at the front of the hull on the left side is a hydraulic crane which can lift 12 tons, a main winch with a capacity of 25 tons which can be increased to 100 tons, auxiliary winch, hydraulically operated dozer/stabilizing blade at the front of the hull, towing equipment and a complete range of tools and recovery equipment.

WZT-3 Armored Recovery Vehicle This ARV is based on the T-72M1 hull, and is armed with a 12.7-mm machine-gun, which is fitted to the commander's hatch. Standard equipment includes: crane with telescopic jib that can lift a maximum load of 15 tons, front mounted stabilizing dozer blade, main and secondary winch.

IMR-2 Combat Engineer Vehicle A T-72 MBT chassis is used as the basis for the new IMR-2 combat engineer vehicle. The crane can be fitted with a number of attachments including pincers for uprooting trees. Pivoted at the front of the vehicle is a dozer blade that can be used in a V-configuration or as a straight dozer blade. When not required it is raised clear of the ground.  

T-80 Main Battle Tank 

The T-80 retains the low silhouette of the earlier FSU tanks. The suspension consists of six forged steel-aluminum rubber-tired road wheels, drive sprocket at the rear, idler at the front, and five return road wheels. The rubber-tired road wheels are in two halves that are bolted together. The road wheel spacing is not identical and there are distinct gaps between the second and third, fourth and fifth, and fifth and sixth road wheels. The side skirt covers the return rollers. The rubber-bushed, double-pin track has rubber track pads and U-shaped track guides. The T-80 has a distinct oblong exhaust outlet in the hull rear. The driver's hatch is centered at the top of a sharply sloped upper glacis. Integrated fuel cells and stowage containers give a streamlined appearance to the fenders. The tank has a toothed shovel/dozer blade on the front of the hull beneath the glacis. There are attachment points beneath the blade for the KMT-6 mine-clearing plow. The low, rounded turret is centered on the hull. The commander's cupola is on the right side of the turret; the gunner's hatch is on the left side. The 125-mm main gun has a four section removable thermal shield. It has two sections in front of, and two sections to the rear of the mid-tube bore evacuator. A 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun is mounted to the right of the mantlet. The infra-red searchlight is mounted on the right of the main armament. Banks of electrically operated smoke dischargers are mounted either side of the 125-mm gun/missile launcher, normally five on the left and four on the right. The T-80 has a GTD-1000 gas-turbine engine developing 1100 hp coupled to a manual transmission with five forward and one reverse gears. This is the first former Soviet operational tank to be powered by a gas-turhorns. The glacis plate is of the laminate type for improved protection against kinetic energy and HEAT attack and there is a dozer blade under the nose of the vehicle. The turret is steel with an inner layer of special armor; the gunner sits on the left and the tank commander on the right. The T-80 MBT uses the same 125-mm gun and horizontal ammunition system as the T-72 whereas the T-64 uses a 125-mm 2A26 gun with vertical ammunition stowage. The fire control system is an improvement over that fitted to earlier former Soviet tanks. This tank can fire either the AT-8 Songster ATGM or four types of separate loading ammunition, e.g., projectile and semi-combustible cartridge case. These four rounds are HE-FRAG (FS), HEAT-FS, APFSDS-T and Flechette. A total of six AT-8 Songster ATGMs are carried and these are identical to those launched by the T-64B MBT deployed some years ago. A 7.62-mm PKT machine gun is mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament and a 12.7-mm NSV machine gun is mounted on the commander's cupola. To extend the operational range of the T-80, additional fuel tanks can be mounted at the hull rear. These can be quickly jettisoned if required. Standard equipment includes snorkels for deep fording operations that are carried on the turret rear when not required, an overpressure type NBC protection system, night vision equipment for all three crew members, unditching beam carried across the hull rear and a laser warning device activated by laser rangefinders, laser designators or precision-guided munitions fitted with a laser guidance device. Mounted on the turret rear is a large circular container that carries two snorkels. The larger one is the snorkel for the gas-turbine, with another one being fitted onto the radiator grill by means of two adapters. This provides an air intake for the gas-turbine.

VARIANTS:

T-80 This was the first production model of the T-80 and is understood to have entered production in 1978. Only a few hundred are believed to have been built when production switched to the T-80B. The first version of T-80 is sometimes referred to as the Kobra as its 125-mm gun can fire the 9M117 Kobra (NATO designation AT-8 Songster) ATGM. Combat weight is 39.7 tons. T-80B This is also sometimes referred to as the Beryoza (Birch Tree) and was the first major redesign of the T-80 with a modified turret incorporating a new generation composite K ceramic armor which offers better protection against APFSDS kinetic energy penetrators. The turret has an equivalent level of 500-mm of steel compared to 410-mm in earlier models. T-80BK This is the command version of the T-80B and has additional communications equipment and therefore additional antennas.

T-80BV This is essentially the T-80B fitted with first generation explosive reactive armor. In addition there is a late production type with a new turret similar to the T-80U but fitted with the turbine engine and first generation explosive reactive armor. When fitted with its explosive reactive armor package, the T-80 is virtually immune over its frontal arc to penetration from all current NATO ATGMs which rely on a HEAT warhead to penetrate armor. With the explosive reactive armor fitted the smoke grenade launchers are moved from either side of the main armament back to either side of the turret and positioned between the turret side and the explosive reactive panels On the turret of the T-80, the panels are joined to form a shallow chevron pointing. Explosive reactive armor is also fitted to the forward part of the turret roof to provide protection against top attack weapons The explosive reactive armor package on the T-80 provides a high degree of protection against ATGMs such as MILAN, HOT, TOW and SWINGFIRE over the frontal arc. It does not provide any added protection against APDS or APFSDS attack. When the HEAT projectile reaches the MBT its high speed jet initiates the explosive between the two plates and drives the plates aside. These moving plates perturb and eat the mass of the incoming jet. The jet is then unable to achieve any significant penetration of the main tank armor.

T-80BVK This is the command version of the T-80BV and is fitted with additional communications equipment and antennas.

T-80U This was first observed in 1989 and is referred to by NATO as the SMT (Soviet Medium Tank) M1989. The new turret has an improved frontal armor package with second generation explosive reactive armor. This version is also equipped to fire the 9K120 Svir (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper) laser-guided anti-tank missile in place of the older Kobra. Although based on the chassis of the T-80B it has many improvements including the replacement of the gas turbine engine by a more fuel efficient and more powerful turbine engine (GTD-1250, developing 1250 hp), different engine decking, new commander's cupola with 12.7-mm NVS machine gun now capable of being fired from within the turret under remote-control in a similar manner to the earlier T-64, a bank of four 81-mm electrically operated smoke dischargers either side of the turret firing to the frontal arc (902B Tucha), smaller snorkel kept on rear of turret when not required, the commander's sight appears to be new and may well incorporate an image intensification channel as there is no infra-red searchlight on the commander's cupola. The turret roof between the commander's and gunner's hatches has been provided with additional protection against top attack weapons and a collar of rubber skirts hangs from the turret front. Mounted on the roof forward of the tank commander's cupola is the laser designation system which projects a modulated beam; the system is protected by a rectangular armored box cover. The T-80U has full length side skirts but those above the first three road wheels are armored and are provided with lifting handles. There are also rubber elements fitted beneath the front glacis which provide additional protection against mines with tilt-rod fuses and HEAT warheads. The forward skirt elements are armored and a radiation absorption liner coats the armor inside and outside. Protection for the driver, particularly against mine explosions, is enhanced by suspending the driver's seat from the hull roof. A special camouflage paint distorts the tank's appearance in the visible and IR wavebands.

T-80UD This vehicle is the T-80U powered with the GTF diesel engine, which develops 1000 hp.

T-80UK This is the command version of the T-80U fitted with additional radios and antennas. At a recent display of military equipment, a T-80UK was displayed fitted with the Shtora-1 electro-optical countermeasures system, a metero-logical sensor, laser warning receivers, and thermal sights. The Shtora-1 system consists of a laser warning device, remote aerosol formations system (81-mm smoke mortars), and electro-optical jammers.

T-80UM1 Bars The tank is the latest-generation version of the T-80U tank and outper-forms the T-90 by 70 per cent in terms of specific power (engine power/tank mass ratio). 

T-84 This vehicle is essentially a T-80UD tank produced by the Ukraine and powered by an uprated 6TD-2 diesel engine. This engine develops 1200 hp, giving the vehicle an improved power-to-weight ratio of about 27 hp/ton. The T-84 also includes the Shtora-1 electro-optical countermeasures system, the Arena vehicle protection system, improved tracks, thermal protection for the engine, and an air conditioning system for the crew. The armament consists of a Ukrainian produced 125-mm KBA-3 main gun, fitted with an autoloader for 28 rounds. The fire control system enables accurate fire in daylight for up to 5000 meters for the AT-11 ATGM and up to 2500 meters for main gun rounds. At night, the gunners fire-control system gives a forward field of view of up to 1200 meters while the thermal imager extends this to 3000 meters. The Shtora-1 (described in the T-80UK section) is fitted to this tank, with the primary differences being six 81-mm smoke mortars on either side of the turret, instead of the 4 fitted to the T-80UK. The Shtora-1 system is reported to reduce the hit-probability of ATGMs with semi-automatic control systems (TOW, HOT, Dragon, and MILAN) up to five fold, while missiles with laser-homing heads (Hellfire, Maverick and Copperhead) have a similarly reduced probability of hitting.  

T-90 Main Battle Tank 

The T-90 retains the low silhouette of the earlier FSU tanks. The suspension consists of six large, die-cast, rubber-coated road wheels with the drive sprocket at the rear, idler at the front and three track-return rollers that support the inside of the track only. Shock absorbers are fitted at the first, second and sixth road wheel stations. There are side skirts that extend along the entire side of the tank. The front third of this skirt consists of armored panels, whereas the rear two-thirds consist only of rubberized panels. There is an engine exhaust on the left side of the hull above the last road wheel. The glacis is well sloped, and is covered by second generation ERA bricks and a large transverse rib that extends horizontally across the glacis. The driver sits at the front of the hull and has a single piece hatch cover that opens to the right, in front of which is a single wide-angle observation periscope. Integrated fuel cells and stowage containers give a streamlined appearance to the fenders. The tank has a toothed shovel/dozer blade on the front of the hull beneath the glacis. There are attachment points beneath the blade for the KMT-6 mine-clearing plow. The low, rounded turret is centered on the hull. The commander's cupola is on the right side of the turret; the gunner's hatch is on the left side. The 125-mm main gun has a four section removable thermal shield. It has two sections in front of, and two sections to the rear of the mid-tube bore evacuator. A 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun is mounted to the right of the mantlet. The T-90 mounts two infra-red searchlights on either side of the main armament; these are part of the Shtora ATGM defense system. The turret is covered with second generation reactive armor on the frontal arc. This ERA gives the turret an angled appearance, with the ERA bricks forming a "clam shell" appearance. There are ERA bricks on the turret roof to provide protection from top-attack weapons. There are banks of smoke mortars on either side of the turret, The T-90 is powered by the Model 84 V-84 diesel engine, which produces 840 hp. This results in a power to weight ratio of only 18.06 hp/ton, which is considerably less than that of the T-80. The second generation ERA package, combined with the advanced armor technology, makes the T-90 one of the best protected main battle tanks in the world. This high level of protection is supplanted with the TShU-1-7 IR-Jamming system, which is designed to disrupt the guidance of incoming ATGMs. This system consists of two infrared lights, one on each side of the main gun, which continuously emit coded pulsed infrared jamming when an incoming ATGM has been detected. The T-90 is also equipped with a laser warning package that warns the tank crew when it is being lased. The T-90 retains the 125-mm 2A46-series main gun of the T-72 and T-80, and is capable of firing the AT-11 SNIPER laser-guided ATGM. The AT-11, which can penetrate 700-mm of RHAe out to 4000 meters, gives the T-90 the ability to engage other MBTs, vehicle ATGMs, and even most helicopters before they can engage the T-90. The computerized fire control system and laser range-finder, coupled with the new gunner's thermal sight permit the T-90 to engage targets while on the move and at night. Detailed information on the Agave gunner's thermal sight is not yet available, but this is probably a first generation system and not as capable as current Western systems. 

MBT Chiorny Oriol (Black Eagle) 
The newest Russian main battle tank. A mobility test-bed of a 21th century tank and is a result of radical upgrading of the T-80U MBT. The selection of the T-80U as a base for development of the 5th generation MBT derives from the fact that it is rightfully considered as the best MBT in the world which suc-cessfully combines all the basic per-formance characteristics: speed, maneuverability, fire power and protec-tion system. The Chiorny Oriol has the same overall dimensions as the T-80U does, nevertheless it has a lower silhouette which makes it less distinctive on the terrain. The experts believe that in terms of combination of the basic charac-teristics such as maneuverability, fire power, armour piercing capability and protection this MBT will surpass the Western MBTs such as M1A2 Abrams, Leclerk and Leopard-2 by a factor of 1.5-1.7.