Tank 72b technical characteristics. Domestic weapons and military equipment

T-72 "Ural" is the most popular second-generation Soviet main battle tank. Adopted into service in the Soviet Army on August 7, 1973.
Below is a brief overview of the features of Russian modifications of the T-72 tank, produced by UralVagonZavod, prepared on the pikabu.ru forum by blogger zhuravkofff, for which many thanks to him.
Abbreviations used: NKDZ (Attachment Dynamic Protection Kit), VDZ (Built-in Dynamic Protection), VLD (Upper Frontal Detail), NLD (Lower Frontal Detail), TPN (Night Tank Sight), OPTV (Dual Tank Driving Equipment).

T-72A

T-72B (model 1984), T-72B
accepted into service in 1984

(T-72B model 1989)

T-72BM (photo by V. Kuzmin, )

serial RMS()

In addition to the above:

T-72B3 is a major overhaul with a budget modernization of previously produced vehicles.
In Alabino, at the training ground of the Taman Division training complex, the latest modification of the “seventy-two” was demonstrated - the T-72B3 tank, externally distinguished by the latest multi-channel gunner’s sight “Sosna-U” and the absence of the L-4A “Luna” IR spotlight next to the gun mantlet. Compared to the T-72B3 of the first series, the turret in place of the L-4A “Luna” IR projector is covered with “Kontakt-5” VDZ blocks.
The tank received a new 125-mm 2A46M-5 cannon, a new VHF radio station R-168-25U-2 "Akveduk", new fire-fighting equipment (FPO) and a new multi-channel gunner's sight (PNM) "Sosna-U". The sight has 4 channels: optical, thermal imaging, laser rangefinder channel and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) control channel. The Sosna-U PNM is installed instead of the standard 1K-13-49 sight-guidance device. The old 1A40-1 gunner's sight was left in its original place as a spare.


Installation location of the Sosna-U PNM in the T-72B3 tank
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The commander received the TKN-3MK device with the “Double” system, which ensures that the commander can fire. The T-72B3 tank is equipped with the built-in Kontakt-5 ERA, rather than the new Relikt ERA, which protects the tank from modern tandem ammunition; the tank did not receive a closed anti-aircraft machine gun installation (ZPU) - an open ZPU with manual control remained. Instead of the 1000-horsepower V-92S2 engine, which is installed on the T-90A (Object 188A) and on the modernized T-72BA (Object 184A), the T-72B3 was left with the overhauled V-84-1 with a power of 840 hp. Therefore, mobility characteristics did not increase. The tank is not equipped with GLONASS/GPS receivers.

T-72B3 at the training ground in Alabino, August 2013 (

The main Soviet tank T-72, which appeared in the early 70s of the last century, became one of the most popular vehicles in the world - Uralvagonzavod assembled at least 30 thousand copies of the tank. In addition, a number of states had licenses to produce the vehicle, producing at least several thousand tanks.

Soviet-made equipment was supplied to many countries and took part in all more or less significant armed conflicts. T-72 tanks performed excellently in these battles. For example, during the 1982 battles in the Bekaa Valley, not a single case of a through penetration of the frontal armor of a Soviet tank was recorded.

A little history

The reason for the creation of the T-72 was the protracted introduction of the T-64, the new main tank of the Soviet Army. The vehicle was equipped with an original 5TDF diesel engine with counter-piston movement, for the assembly of which a special production facility was launched in Kharkov. However, the plant's potential ensured the production of vehicles only in peacetime; any increase in vehicle production led to a shortage of power plants.

As an alternative, a version of the tank with a simpler B-45 diesel engine, which was mastered by industry, began to be considered. The tank was supposed to be produced at a plant in Nizhny Tagil.

The first developments of the Morozov Design Bureau to equip T-64 tanks with the B-45 diesel engine date back to 1961. As a result, by 1967, three vehicles were built under the designation “object 436”, which underwent a series of intensive tests. After that, the engine and transmission were installed on the modernized T-64A tank.

This is how “object 438” was born, which was tested in 1967-68. Based on the Order of the Minister of Defense Industry, a batch of “Object 439” vehicles was assembled, which were slightly different from their predecessors. Tests have shown that the characteristics of vehicles with V-45 and 5TDF diesel engines are identical.

But for a number of reasons, “object 439” did not go into production in Nizhny Tagil.

One of the reasons is competition between tank builders from different design bureaus. In the Urals they decided to create a new vehicle based on the components of their own “object 167”, supplemented by an automatic loader. But some of the solutions for the hull and turret were borrowed from the T-64, although the parts were not interchangeable. The resulting vehicle received the designation “object 172M”, which became the T-72, which received the prefix “Ural”.

In 1973, Uralvagonzavod assembled the first production batch of 30 tanks, and full production began the following year. The launch of the T-72 series became possible thanks to Marshal Grechko, who actively lobbied for the interests of Uralvagonzavod. The parallel production of T-64A and T-72, vehicles of the same level and purpose, which had an extremely low degree of unification, is nonsense for Soviet military equipment.

Modifications and experimental versions

Several dozen experimental and serial modifications have been created based on the T-72 vehicle. Immediately after the start of serial production, projects appeared to re-equip the tank with another weapon. In the first half of the 70s, a single tank “Object 172MN” was created, which was distinguished by the installation of a rifled 130-mm gun model 2A50. At the same time, experiments were carried out on the installation of a 125 mm 2A49 smoothbore gun. These cars were not included in the series.

An interesting experiment was the “object 186”, equipped with a 16-cylinder diesel engine with an X-shaped cylinder arrangement. The engine developed power up to 1200 hp, but turned out to be extremely unreliable.

For commanders of tank formations, a command version of the vehicle designated T-72K, equipped with a set of navigation equipment and radio stations, was intended. To operate from the site, the station used an additional antenna 10 m high, which provided communication at a distance of 300 km. The installation of energy-intensive equipment has led to a reduction in the number of stowages and the transportable ammunition load is 31 rounds.

In 1979, the T-72A tank went into production, differing from its predecessor in improved sighting devices, a modernized gun, a launch system, a modified diesel engine and other components. On the basis of the modernized version, the T-72AK command vehicle was built with ammunition reduced to 36 rounds. To operate the expanded electronic complex, an autonomous generator set driven by a small engine is used.

The T-72M version was offered for export, differing in its turret protection scheme and ammunition load. A little later, in 1982, it was replaced by the T-72M1, equipped with an additional 16 mm thick sheet mounted on the front of the hull. The combined turret armor also received sand-filled internal rods.

Since 1985, T-72AV tanks with mounted dynamic protection containers began to arrive on the domestic market, and a little later the production of T-72B began. The vehicle is distinguished by a modernized cannon adapted to launch anti-tank guided missiles, as well as an 840-horsepower V-84-1 diesel engine. Due to changes in the defense scheme, the shape of the tower became more rounded. The command version of the vehicle became known as the T-72BK.

In the early 90s, tanks began to be equipped with built-in dynamic protection, borrowed from.

The new version received the designation T-72B model 1989, there is an unofficial designation - T-72BM. The export version of the T-72B began to be designated as T-72S (or T-72M1M).

Subsequently, modernization programs were developed to the T-72B2 standard, and then B3. The main emphasis in the improvement is on the use of modern electronic and sighting equipment, as well as the installation of active protection systems.

In addition to battle tanks, a number of auxiliary and engineering vehicles were built on the T-72 base. Among them are the BREM-1 evacuation tractor and the MTU-72 bridge-laying machine. The T-72 chassis served as the basis for the MSTA-S self-propelled gun.

Design

The hull of the T-72 tank is made by welding from rolled and cut to size armor steel sheets. The upper frontal plate of the hull has a combined protection scheme. The thickness of the sheet is 200 mm, which corresponds to 550-600 mm of conventional armor (located at the same angle to the normal). The sheet includes outer and inner steel layers, between which fiberglass laminate is placed. The bottom sheet is made of ordinary armor steel with a thickness of 85 mm.

The T-72's side armor is mounted vertically and has a thickness of 80 mm in the area of ​​the habitable compartments and 70 mm in the area of ​​the engine and transmission compartment. The internal part of the armor in the habitable compartments has a coating that protects against damage by neutron radiation. A bulldozer blade is installed under the lower frontal plate, allowing you to dig a protective trench for installing the tank. Depending on the hardness of the soil, excavation work takes 20...25 minutes.

For additional protection, four flat shields made of a light alloy based on aluminum are installed on the sides of the T-72 vehicle.

Before the start of hostilities, the flaps are moved forward to an angle of 60⁰, protecting the tank’s side armor from damage by cumulative ammunition. This design was later abandoned in favor of a solid screen made of fabric-reinforced rubber.

Starting with the version of the T-72AV tank, which went into production in 1985, additional dynamic protection from separate containers began to be installed on the frontal part of the hull and turret. An additional 20 mm sheet of armor was also mounted, placed on the upper main sheet of the hull.

The T-72 tank uses a cast turret with variable wall thickness. The armor protection is of the usual type, the frontal part has a thickness of up to 280 mm. Later, with the start of production of the T-72A version, combined armor with the installation of sand cores began to be used. The use of such armor improved resistance to shell hits. At the same time, the shape of the front part of the tower changed, where protrusions (“cheekbones”) appeared.

The crew of the T-72 tank consists of three people. The driver's workplace is located in the center of the hull in the bow. Above the mechanic there is a separate hatch made in the top plate of the hull. The seat is lowered almost to the floor, which ensures a sitting position for the mechanic.

On many foreign models, the driver is placed in a reclining combat position, which negatively affects the comfort of work.

Three internal fuel tanks are located on the sides of the driver's workplace. The tank is controlled by two levers and pedals.

The T-72 turret houses seats for two tank crew members, with the gunner located on the left side and the commander on the right. On the roof of the tower there is a rotating commander's cupola, equipped with a pair of observation devices. Outside of a combat situation, the commander sits on the vehicle's turret, covered with a removable shield. To ensure communication there is a VHF radio station. There is a narrow passage between the tower and the control compartment.

Theoretically, a person can walk there, but in fact this requires some training. Experience in the combat use of the T-72 tank showed that it was impossible to pull the wounded driver out through this passage. Evacuation is carried out through the standard hatch in the roof.

The power compartment with a transversely mounted engine is located in the rear part of the vehicle hull. The power unit on the T-72 tanks is a 780-horsepower V-shaped 12-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine V-46-6, equipped with a centrifugal air blower driven by the crankshaft. The motor has forced liquid cooling. Structurally, the diesel engine is a development of the V-2 tank engine, tested on the T-34 and BT-7.

During subsequent modernizations, the B92S2 diesel engine, built on the same cylinder block, but equipped with a turbocharger, began to be used. The power of the power plant increased to 1000 hp. The engine compartment of T-72 tanks allows you to seal joints and overcome water obstacles up to 5 m deep along the bottom. Additional equipment is pre-installed on the machine.

Various types of diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, low-octane gasoline grade A-72, as well as mixtures of these types of fuel can be used as fuel.

Inside the T-72 tank there are fuel tanks that can hold 705 liters of fuel. Four barrels with a capacity of 200 or 275 liters can be mounted outside.

The car engine is started using an electric starter, which acts as a generator when the engine is running. When the starter operates, a voltage of 48V is used; in other circuits, a voltage of 22-29V is considered the norm. Four batteries are used to power the starter.

The transmission of the T-72 tank includes a guitar that transmits torque to two onboard gearboxes. On the output shafts of the machine boxes, final drives are installed, transmitting rotation to the drive wheels. The tank guitar is a single-speed step-up gearbox equipped with places for installing a compressor, a generator and a radiator fan for the cooling system.

T-72 onboard gearboxes are built on the basis of planetary gearboxes and provide seven forward speeds and one reverse speed. The gear shift control is hydraulic; the box includes an onboard clutch. The use of spaced boxes allows you to control the rotation of the tank by engaging a lower gear in the lagging track. Due to this, there are seven different turning radii of the machine.

An additional final drive is also built according to a planetary design and serves to reduce the speed of rotation of the drive wheel. Despite the identity of the transmission circuit, the components of the T-64 and T-72 tanks are not interchangeable.

The chassis of the T-72 tank is equipped with individual torsion bars, complemented by bladed hydraulic shock absorbers on the first two front and last rear rollers. The torsion bar is located across the tank along the entire width of the hull. The machine's torsion bars are equipped with balancers with double-disc support rollers, which have external shock absorption in the form of a rubber band.

To limit the travel of the T-72 suspension, there are bumpers into which the balancers rest.

The rollers have a paired design and are made of aluminum alloy. Each side of the vehicle has six road wheels. The drive wheels are located at the rear and are equipped with replaceable ring gears. The front uses cast idler wheels equipped with a crank to provide track tension. The lantern track track is made up of 97 links with a width of 580 mm.

There is a track option with an open hinge or with a rubber-metal unit (RMH). Due to the different design of the tracks, the ring gears of the drive wheels are different. The upper branch of the caterpillar rests on three rollers equipped with an internal shock absorber.

The main armament of the T-72 tank is the 125 mm D-81TM cannon (later the 2A46 model began to be used), equipped with a barrel with a smooth internal channel. The gun has a built-in two-axis electro-hydraulic stabilizer, allowing targeted fire while moving. The vehicle's ammunition load (44 rounds, 39 on early models) includes various shells, as well as missiles. The T-72B modification uses the upgraded 2A46M-5 gun, which uses more effective ammunition.

The electromechanical automatic loader installed on the tank allows firing at a frequency of up to 8 rounds per minute. The shells and charges are arranged separately in two tiers on a horizontal tray, the loading angle is constant.

The cartridge case has a design that partially burns when fired - only the bottom remains, which is thrown out. By ejecting the remains of the cartridge case, it was possible to reduce the gas contamination of the internal volume of the T-72 tank during firing. 22 projectiles and charges are placed on the automatic loader trays. The rest of the vehicle's ammunition is placed in stowage units mounted in the turret and hull. As the shells are spent, the crew places the ammunition in the machine's trays.

When switching to manual loading, the firing rate is reduced to 2 rounds per minute. A stabilized sight with a built-in rangefinder (early machines used a conventional optical one) allows firing in the daytime at a distance of 4000...5000 m. The firing range at night is up to 2000 m.

An infrared spotlight is used to illuminate targets at night.

On early T-72 vehicles it was installed on the front of the turret to the left of the gun, but then it was moved to a point located above the embrasure of the coaxial machine gun. The modernization was carried out to improve the safety of the driver, since there were cases of fatal injuries caused by the spotlight. When using additional sighting equipment, the T-72 cannon allows firing high-explosive fragmentation shells at a distance of 9...10 km.

A 7.62 mm belt-fed PKT machine gun is installed in the same installation with the cannon. One belt includes 250 rounds. A total of eight tapes are stored in the T-72 tank. The machine gun allows you to fire at a distance of up to 1800 m (using a rangefinder sight). To protect against air attacks, there is a 12.7 mm Utes machine gun mounted in a special installation on the commander's cupola. The installation has a sight that allows firing at ground targets.

The machine gun is belt-fed; one belt contains 60 rounds. The transportable ammunition includes five belts. Inside the tank there is one AKMS assault rifle of 5.45 mm caliber, as well as a signal 26 mm pistol-rocket launcher. For close defense there are 10 F-1 fragmentation grenades. To clear roads from mines, a trawl model KMT-5 or 6 is used.

Specifications

Comparison of technical characteristics with the British Challenger 1 tank shows that the Soviet vehicle weighed 20 tons less. In addition, the “Englishman” used a 120 mm rifled gun, which was incapable of launching missiles. And the prevalence of the Challenger (only 420 vehicles were built) cannot be compared with the T-72.

The American Abrams, equipped with a gas turbine engine, is noticeably superior to the domestic car in terms of speed, but inferior in range. The M1 version used a 105 mm rifled gun, which was inferior in performance to the Soviet smoothbore gun. Later, a 120 mm smoothbore gun began to be installed, which evened out the opponents' chances. A big advantage of American vehicles is the air conditioning system in the combat compartments, which reduces crew fatigue on marches.

Despite its venerable age, the T-72 Ural tank remains a popular vehicle.

This is facilitated by numerous modernization programs that improve the performance of the machine. Moreover, there are modified versions of the tank offered for export to NATO countries.

An example is the Ukrainian T-72-120 tank, equipped with a 120 mm KBM-2 smoothbore gun. And this development is far from isolated. Therefore, we can say with confidence that the T-72 will remain in combat service for many more decades.

Video

A significant number of armored vehicles remain in service with many countries. In addition to the latest military developments, it also included pre-war vehicles, including captured ones. This differentiation made maintenance difficult, which required gradual replacement and unification of all tanks.

Post-war developments took into account the combat experience of large-scale warfare. Ease of operation and maintenance was taken into account. An important factor was the modernization resource, which allows the vehicle to be further improved if necessary.

T-72 "Ural" is a second generation Soviet medium tank. Became the most massively produced in this category. Its modifications are still in service with Russia and a number of countries, meeting the requirements of a modern tank.

An excursion into the history of the creation of the tank

The rearmament of USSR tank formations began almost immediately after the war. In 1946-47, production of the T-54 began. In the early 60s they began to be replaced by the T-64 and its modifications. However, new research into armor, armament and engine assembly quickly made the new vehicles obsolete.

It was during this period that a change in classification began. New developments have made it possible to combine speed, protection and a powerful weapon. Accordingly, the medium tank became the main combat tank, becoming the basis of tank formations.

In this context, the development of the T-72 began in 1967, its main task was to replace the T-64A. The latter were used as tests of new B-45 engines with ejection and fan cooling. Research was also carried out to create an automatic gun loader for 22 rounds.

In 1969, testing began on the modified B-46 engine, as well as a new chassis. The first samples of such equipment received the designation “Object 172M”. The result of the development was the decree of August 7, 1973 on the adoption of new T-72 tanks for service.

The development of the car did not end there. The tank received recognition not only in the USSR and Russia, but also in many other countries. Based on it, many modifications have been developed, including modernized versions. The latter still remain in service with various armies.

Main goals and objectives

The T-72 is a medium tank. The main emphasis of such vehicles was on speed and good striking power, allowing them to develop an offensive and overcome weakly fortified lines. In modern classification, such vehicles are defined as main battle tanks.

The key feature of this type of equipment is versatility and multitasking. The combination of mobility, combat power and significant protection expands the tank's potential use. It can be used in large-scale offensives and local conflicts, supporting small detachments or breaking through fortified defense lines.

There are no separate combat missions or specializations for such vehicles. They are determined by the front-line situation and practical necessity. It is this aspect that is considered the key advantage of the main battle tank.

Combat unit design

The design of the T-72 has a classic layout. The body is divided into three compartments. In the front part there is a control compartment with a driver. In the middle is the fighting compartment with the gunner and commander, located in the turret; in the hull below them is the ammunition. The engine-transmission unit is located at the rear of the tank.

Specifications

Taking into account the numerous modifications and modernization of the T-72 tank, technical characteristics may vary depending on the variant and model. In this context, the performance characteristics of the base model, the first to be put into mass production, are taken as a basis.

Dimensions and weight

In terms of dimensions, the T-72 tank has the following characteristics:

• body length - 6.67 m;
• total length with the gun facing forward - 9.53 m;
• width along the side screens - 3.46 m, along the tracks - 3.37 m;
• track width - 2.79 m;
• height - 2.19 m;
• ground clearance - 0.428-0.47 m.

The combat weight of the T-72 is 41 tons. With a track width of 0.58 mm and the weight of the vehicle, the specific pressure on the ground is 0.83-0.87 kilograms per cubic centimeter.

Control device and crew

The crew of the T-72 tank consists of three people - a driver, a commander and a gunner. Taking into account the limitations of the automatic loader, designed for 22 shots, the functions of the loader are performed by the commander.

Control of the tank is provided by the driver in the front part of the hull. To do this, his place has access to the corresponding levers and pedals; control panels are located on the left. The driver's seat is located in the center, fuel tanks are located on both sides, and for external observation there is a TNPO-168 device with hydropneumatic glass cleaning.

The gunner conducts observation primarily through a multi-channel combined sight. There are optical and thermal imaging channels, as well as laser target designation for guided missiles. Night sighting is also provided, allowing you to recognize targets within a range of 3-3.5 km.

For the commander, a sighting and observation system of the PNK-4SR or T01-04 type is provided. Daytime recognition range is 4 km, night recognition range is 1 km. There are also two TNP-160 and one TKN-3 devices.

For external communications, the tank was equipped with an R-123M radio station, internal communications are provided by the R-124 device. An A-4 device is provided for communication with the landing force located on the tank.

Engine and internal structure

The T-72 was equipped with V-shaped twelve-cylinder four-stroke B-46 engines. They belong to the category of multi-fuel diesel engines with liquid cooling and a driven centrifugal supercharger. Allowable power - 780 hp. With. at 2000 rpm.

The engine is mounted in the engine compartment across the hull. There are 9 fuel tanks for it: one in the floor of the rear part of the fighting compartment, three on both sides of the driver and five external ones on the right fender.

The tank's transmission includes a multiplier, two mechanical seven-speed (7+1) planetary-type gearboxes, and single-stage final drives. The activation is frictional, control is provided by hydraulic drives.

The T-72 suspension is torsion bar, independent. On each side, the chassis consists of six rubber-coated road wheels and three support rollers. Additionally, there are balancers and vane shock absorbers. A self-digging device is provided.

Engine life and fuel consumption

The V-46 engine provided the T-72 tank with good engine life. In terms of speed characteristics, the car is capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h on the highway and up to 45 km/h on rough terrain. Fuel consumption is 260-450 liters in the combined cycle, on the highway - 240. The total volume of fuel tanks is 1600 liters, which provides a range of up to 700 km on the highway and 320-650 km over rough terrain.

The performance characteristics of the T-72 tank allow it to overcome climbs of 30 degrees, barriers of 0.85 m and ditches up to 2.8 meters wide. On the move, the tank is capable of overcoming a ditch 1.2 m deep, with preparation - 1.8 m. If equipped with underwater tank driving equipment (OPVT), the T-72 is capable of diving to 5 meters.

Armor

The T-72's armor is differentiated. The hull structure is rigid, box-shaped, assembled from sheets of rolled homogeneous armor steel. The frontal part consists of two plates converging in a wedge with combined armor. The top plate consists of an 80mm steel outer layer, a 105mm fiberglass laminate and a 20mm thick inner steel layer. The bottom plate is rolled homogeneous armor steel of 85 mm.

The given combined protection is equivalent to 305-410 mm of armor. The rest of the body is made of homogeneous rolled steel. Vertical sides - 80 mm in the front part and 70 mm in the engine-transmission part. The latter is separated from the fighting compartment by an armored partition.

The roof also consists of two armor plates, the bottom has a trough-shaped shape. On the first T-72 tanks, the turret protection was monolithic, which was considered a disadvantage of the vehicle. Later, the T-72A's turret also received combined protection. As the tank was modernized, it received additional armor.

Main weapons

The main weapon of the T-72 is a 125 mm smoothbore gun. In addition to it, two machine guns are used - NSVT (Nikitina-Sokolova-Volkov tank) "Utes" 12.7 mm and PKT (Kalashnikov Tank machine gun) 7.62 mm. The first is used as an anti-aircraft weapon and can only be aimed manually with the hatch open. PKT is paired with a gun.

125 mm smoothbore gun

The T-72 uses the D-81TM smoothbore gun with the index 2A26M. The barrel length is 48 calibers. In the horizontal plane, the tank is capable of firing along the entire circumference. The vertical guidance range varies from –6°13′ to +13°47′.

Firing range and ammunition

The firing range of the T-72 gun is designed at 9.4 km. The tank's ammunition load is 39 rounds. Of these, 22 are supplied with automatic reloading, the rest are loaded manually by the commander.

Tank modifications

Over more than forty years of operation, many modifications were made for the T-72. Even at the development stage in the late 60s, there were several projects whose developments were involved in further improving the tank.

Among the Soviet and Russian modifications of the T-72 tank are:

• T-72 "Ural" - the basic version of the tank;
• T-72K - command tank with additional navigation, improved R-130M radio and autonomous power supply;
• T-72A - modernization in 1979, received improved armor, additional surveillance and guidance devices, smoke grenades, B-46-6 engine with increased chassis dynamics;
• T-72AK - command version of the modernized tank;
• T-72M and T-72M1 - export model T-72A and its modernization;
• T-72AV - a modernized tank with mounted dynamic protection "Contact";
• T-72B - modernization of the tank in 1985, received the Svir guided weapons complex, Kontakt dynamic protection, V-84 engine, new 2A46M gun, armor increased to 570 mm;
• T-72B1 - command version of the T-72B;
• T-72S - an export lightweight modification, after some deliveries were disrupted, it entered service with the Russian Army;
• The T-72B2 “Slingshot” received an improved 2A46M5 gun with increased firing accuracy, and electromagnetic protection against mines appeared;
• The T-72B3 has several models (2011, 2014 and 2016) with modern equipment, weapons and armor.

Taking into account export supplies, modernizations and modifications of the T-72 appeared in other countries. The tank was manufactured under license in Yugoslavia (M-84), Poland (RT-91), Czechoslovakia and India; on its basis, these countries developed their own models. After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan appeared in their own versions. Israel, Romania, and Iraq also had their own modifications of the T-72.

How much does a T-72 tank cost?

According to the latest estimates, the cost of the basic T-72 model is 22 million rubles. Equipping outdated models with modern instruments and weapons is much more expensive. For example, to upgrade the T-72B to the T-72B3, it is necessary to spend about 50 million rubles (at 2013 prices).

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of the T-72 is its versatility. The optimal combination of key indicators made the tank one of the most widely produced, especially among the early models. To this day, modernized versions remain in demand.

Another advantage of the tank is a good upgrade resource. The initial design turned out to be not only successful for practical use, but also made it possible to improve the machine, developing numerous modifications.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. One of the first to eliminate monolithic turret armor, replacing it with a combination one. However, problems remained with the layout and close quarters of the crew.

This aspect is complicated by the presence of fuel tanks and ammunition next to the crew. If a car explodes, it is quite difficult to leave it, especially if there is a fire or injury. This also negatively affected the crew; tanks that were still suitable for combat and repair were often abandoned due to panic.

They also pay attention to the tank’s mediocre suitability in urban combat. There are several vulnerabilities in the design and armor; the use of high-precision anti-tank weapons can quickly disable the T-72.

Attention is also drawn to the high cost of modernization, especially in relation to radio-electronic equipment. This aspect calls into question the further use of the T-72 and its modifications for modern methods of combat. Despite this, the use of such vehicles in mass battles remains relevant.

Use in combat conditions

Since its adoption, the T-72 and its modifications have been actively used by its operators in all conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Caucasus and Ukraine. With the use of this tank, the following operations are distinguished.

The domestic T-72B3 tank is an improved modification of the seventy-second model, which has successfully proven itself in Afghanistan. The new combat vehicle was put into service in two thousand and twelve. The main difference from its predecessor is increased mobility, a more powerful power plant, enhanced firepower and modernization of the charging system, allowing the use of the most modern ammunition. The powerful combat unit is also equipped with modern radio transmitters that provide high-quality broadcast of classified and direct communications.

Purpose and protection system

T-72B3 is designed to perform various combat operations. Among them:

• elimination of enemy armored vehicles;
• destruction of enemy personnel;
• destruction of various types of fortifications and firing points;
• escort and support of ground forces during the offensive and defense.

The vehicle can carry out its assigned combat mission at any time of the day, regardless of weather conditions.

The type of armor of the modification in question provides reliable protection for the crew. The hull and turret are made of complex rolled steel, able to withstand most armor-piercing and sub-caliber projectiles, as well as all types of armor-piercing bullets.

The tank is protected from cumulative damage by a special Kontakt-5 complex. The turret has eight Tucha grenade launchers, and can also be mounted with the Shtora system, which protects against laser-guided anti-tank missiles.

Chassis and engine T-72B3

The model in question had its track tracks replaced. Compared to its predecessor, the new tank received running gear with a parallel hinge, which serves to improve performance and increase the service life. The transmission unit remained identical to the T-72 model.

The updated version is equipped with a more powerful multi-fuel power unit. Its power reaches 1130 horsepower. The motor allows the car to reach speeds of up to sixty kilometers per hour over rough terrain, and 70 km/h on the highway. Fully filling the fuel tanks is enough to cover a distance of half a thousand kilometers. The tank is quite capable of water obstacles up to 2.8 meters.

Combat module design

The T-72B3 is equipped with a modernized 2A45 M5 cannon, which is an improved modification of the D-81M barrel. The gun has increased structural rigidity and better accuracy.

Trunnion-type clips now have a wedge-shaped mount. The support for the sliding devices is located in the rear of the cradle with an enlarged neck by one hundred and sixty millimeters. This element has also become an order of magnitude stiffer, and its guides are made in the shape of a prism. This solution made it possible to reduce the dispersion factor when firing by fifteen percent. The dispersion of shells when firing on the move has decreased by half. As a result, the T-72B3 tank became much more accurate and faster at hitting targets.

The combat vehicle is equipped with a reflector lock that allows you to calculate the barrel bending angle. Information is transmitted to the gunner's panel in digital format. This further increases accuracy by eliminating the effects of all kinds of interference that periodically arise during combat operation of the tank. All information is fed into the ballistics numerator, which significantly simplifies the gunner’s work, allowing the gun to be aimed at the intended target faster.

T-72B3: weapons

The main weapon of the tank in question is the 2A-46M5 cannon launcher, with a caliber of one hundred and twenty-five millimeters, the ammunition capacity of which can accommodate four dozen shells. The gun can be used with modern armor-piercing, cumulative and sub-caliber, fragmentation and high-explosive shells. The maximum destruction distance reaches four kilometers.

In addition, the T-72B3 combat vehicle is equipped with the following types of weapons:

• anti-tank guided missiles type ZVBM-22/23;
• a PKTM machine gun firing 7.62 mm bullets;
• anti-aircraft machine gun for combating aircraft (brand - NSV, caliber - 12.7 mm).

The total supply of machine gun cartridges is 2,750 pieces.

The main battle tank can fire several types of specially designed, extended-length projectiles, such as the “Lead” type, with both variations available. This increases not only the maximum distance to hit the target, but also the degree of armor penetration, regardless of the distance. The accuracy of loading the new ammunition is ensured by a modified and improved automatic device.

Technical plan parameters

The T-72B3 combat vehicle, the characteristics of which are superior to its predecessor in many aspects, has the following main indicators:

• crew composition - three people (commander, mechanic and gunner);
• weight in combat condition - forty-six tons;
• main gun (caliber/brand) - 125 mm/2A45-6M5;
• the power of the power plant is 840 horsepower;
• hull length (with and without gun) - 9.53/6.86 m;
• power reserve - at least five hundred kilometers;
• machine height - 2.22 m;
• ground clearance - 49 centimeters.

It is also worth noting that the T-72B3 unit, whose maximum speed is up to seventy kilometers per hour, is equipped with the latest aiming, radio communication and fire extinguishing systems.

Communication system

In this area, the main battle tank branded 72B3 is in many ways superior to its predecessor and many world analogues. The package includes a radio station on ultrashort waves, the Aqueduct system, as well as independent channels for transporting information.

Thanks to this configuration, the tank can perform sessions in three modes, namely:

• hidden;
• open;
• secret.

A standard combat vehicle is equipped with a pair of independent transmitters.

Separately, it is worth noting the possibilities of encrypted communication. The system was developed in Ryazan, includes a remote control panel for data collection, although it is not always pleased with its stability.

Tangent elements with individual volume control have not proven themselves to be the best. This is due to their fragility and unreliability. Tankers testing the vehicles complain that the old elements withstood significant mechanical loads, and new samples can fail even after falling from a short distance.

Optics and sight

To the question: “T-72B3 combat tank - what kind of beast is this?” - you can answer in different ways. It also has weaknesses. For example, the developers equipped the car with an antediluvian combined periscope sight, which has not changed since 1991. Its characteristics leave much to be desired.

This is evidenced by the fact that even during the first field tests, eye injuries were recorded among crew members. This is due to the fact that if you do not remove your head from the sight in time when firing, then the gunner will suffer a short-term concussion, since the system has a high recoil. The advantages of TKN-ZMK include the ability to change lanes automatically, depending on the position of the tower. At the same time, the “commander” indicator lights up, which indicates that aiming comes under the control of the senior-ranking crew member.

Here again a dilemma arises. If at night the gunner observes a target at a distance of up to three and a half kilometers, then the commander will be able to coordinate actions only at five hundred meters. In terms of guidance and visibility, especially at night, the modernized T-72B3 is not the best example to follow.

Additional equipment

TTX T-72b3 includes additional systems, namely:

1. Modernized device for extinguishing fires "Rime". It allows you to automatically detect and extinguish fire areas in the combat and engine parts of the vehicle. The system has a double action, includes four reservoirs with refrigerant, and detects fires using optical and thermal indicators.
2. Possibility of arming with improved shells, as well as an anti-aircraft gun that does not have remote control.
3. The driver's window is covered with an armored curtain, which can only be opened from the outside. This is a big disadvantage in battle.

About the disadvantages

The sight and aiming system immediately invite criticism. In addition to the fact that the unit used is long outdated, it also received an addition in the form of a French thermal imager. In the current political light, such a decision is, to put it mildly, strange. To this we must add that by improving the guidance system, the developers tried to save as much as possible. This is evidenced by the following:

1. Installation of a sight that was well proven in the nineties, but outdated at that time.
2. Installation of the “Pine” and “Whirlwind” systems (not particularly relevant).
3. Manual drive of an anti-aircraft machine gun.
4. Unfinished video viewing device.

As a result, the aiming line of the barrel bore has shifted greatly in relation to the sight itself, which in real combat conditions significantly complicates aiming the gun at the target.

The tankers themselves say that it has become more difficult for the gunner to use the sight. To bring Sosna to its normal position, you have to bend to the left, excessively straining the spinal region. The video device is placed extremely poorly. When boarding the crew, it is often kicked. The external optical assembly is not only closed with a lid, but also secured with four bolts. In field conditions, this is a real threat to the entire crew of the T-72B3 tank.

Positive points

For the sake of objectivity, it is worth noting the advantages of the combat vehicle in question:

1. The TPD-K1 sight remained in the general configuration, which was equipped with protection against laser attacks. This allows you to use its analogue if one guidance unit is damaged.
2. Extremely necessary instruments (temperature sensors, wind direction, air flow speed) were installed behind the gunner's position.
3. Possibility of installing additional weapons, including the most modern shells.
4. More powerful power unit.

The T-72 main battle tank is inferior to its modernized “brother” in many respects, however, the updated copy did not show itself in the best light.

Practical tests

The domestic modern tank T-72B3 took an active part in the recent tank biathlon competition in Alabino. The attention of specialists was focused on the operational and combat capabilities of the vehicle. It is worth noting that during these tests this modification was presented to the general public for the first time.

Sadly, the new product did not cause much excitement among eyewitnesses. Firstly, it is difficult to distinguish between the modernized model and its predecessor in appearance. Secondly, many were interested in the T-90A prototype, which is supposed to be the next model in service with the Russian army.

In practice, the combat vehicle in question showed good results. However, it cannot be said that it one hundred percent met the expectations of specialists. This is largely due to design elements in terms of aiming and aiming. As for traction qualities and maneuvers, there are practically no questions here.

The domestically produced T-72B3 tank, the characteristics of which are indicated above, was created as a budget but modernized version of the T-72B. It's no surprise that they have a lot in common. The cost of improving the predecessor was about fifty-two million rubles per unit. Approximately half of them go towards a major overhaul of the machine, and the second part goes towards the purchase and installation of new equipment.

During the overhaul and modernization, the production T-72B tank receives a number of new devices. The main ones include:

1. Multi-level sight with optical and thermal imaging guidance "Sosna-U".
2. Possibility of using a laser range finder and control system for armor-piercing missiles.
3. Multifunctionality of gunner operations.
4. Improved power unit.

Unfortunately, when implementing the T-72B3 project, tank builders used an ambiguous technical solution. The outer parts of the Sosna-U sight are located inside a lightly armored casing that protects them from bullets and shrapnel. In the stowed position, the front window of the casing is closed with a lid and fixed with bolts, which provides for the mechanic to exit the cab before the battle and unscrew the fastening manually. It is worth noting that there are several variations that allow you to drop the lid without leaving the working compartment. They are actively used both throughout the world and in Russia. Why the developers chose an impractical option is anyone's guess.

Comparative characteristics

Let's draw an analogy between the base tank and the T-72B3 combat vehicle. The crew also consists of three people, driving performance remains at the same level, and there is built-in dynamic protection of the Kontakt-5 format.

The running elements have undergone changes (the tracks are equipped with a hinged parallel element). The range and accuracy of the shot, although not dramatically, has increased. Overcoming water obstacles increased to 2.8 meters, subject to the use of special devices. However, the overall level of protection of the T-72B3 tank has become slightly better. Unlike its predecessor, which used a searchlight and an active-passive sight, in the model under consideration, the place of the light element was taken by a night vision device with a thermal imager. The part of the frontal housing where the searchlight was located is covered with an additional armored module, which increases frontal protection.

The weapon system of the T-72B3 combat vehicle has partially changed. A new loading machine has appeared that can be combined with new types of projectiles. The outline of the main gun remained the same, as did the anti-aircraft machine gun. There is also a turret with a large-caliber NSV gun. It was also affected by savings, since the machine gun is not remote controlled, which further reduces the safety of crew members.

What did modernization give?

The conversion of serial T-72B tanks into a modernized version of the T-72B3 made it possible to enhance the combat potential of the vehicle. However, such a decision causes a lot of controversy and speculation. On the one hand, major repairs and partial improvements make it possible to strengthen the army at minimal cost. Another point of view is that it is ineffective and impractical to combine counterintuitive things, including a bolt-on optic cover and an open machine gun platform.

As a result, shortcomings can negate all objective advantages. It seems that the developers were simply trying to meet a certain budget, which is why they left so many “black holes”. In the meantime, we can only wait and believe that the designers will take into account all the mistakes and will be able to level them out in subsequent projects.

In conclusion

The question of how many T-72B3 tanks Russia has is difficult to answer, since military secrets are rarely fully revealed. It can be assumed that there are not very many such machines. This is due to the original purpose of the machine as an experimental innovation. Judging by the specifics of production and taking into account the opinion of experts, the modification in question serves rather as a transitional model between outdated models and future developments. This is necessary in order to strengthen the armored power of the armed forces, without wasting financial resources.

I would like to believe that the release of a new modification is not far off. If it is equipped with all the innovative developments, of which there are many in Russia, and also absorbs all the best from its predecessors, it will certainly become one of the most combat-ready in the world. Unfortunately, the financial side, as often happens, plays a predominant role. Despite this, domestic military equipment is becoming more advanced every year. Russian tanks are not much inferior, and in many ways superior to their foreign counterparts. Still, it is not for nothing that domestic weapons are one of the most formidable in the world.

Even in overseas ratings, Leopard-2 is often ahead of the American Abrams M1A2. Military experts, of course, have reason to put the German car in first place. But the title of “best tank in the world” should be treated with a dose of healthy skepticism. Take a look at the Leopard-2 turret, doesn’t the anti-aircraft machine gun remind you of anything? That's right, this is the MG3A1 - a direct descendant, more precisely adapted for the modern MG-42 cartridge from the Second World War. I understand, a very successful “machine”, but not for the third millennium! Only very recently, on Bundeswehr tanks, the legendary machine gun began to be replaced with a modern Heckler & Koch MG5 or a remote-controlled module with a 12.7 mm “barrel.”

In the animal world, the large cat leopard belongs to the panther genus, just like the tiger. It's funny - these animalistic generic traits are easily visible in German armored vehicles. Leopard-2, like the Wehrmacht tanks of World War II, is distinguished by the vertical installation of armor plates. Rational angles of armor on the hull and turret are minimal, especially on early modifications. Moreover, the huge Leopard is oversized in width and quite heavy - typical “tiger” problems that make transportation by rail difficult.

It turns out that the Germans are stepping on the same rake with enviable tenacity? Not in everything. During the war with the USSR, the vehicles of the cat tribe had problems with service life, engine power, and, most importantly, the Germans were unable to repair their complex tanks in the field. So, the mileage of Leopard-2 before major repairs is 10 thousand kilometers. The power plant is a 1,500 hp turbodiesel, combined into a single unit with a hydromechanical transmission. In addition to high power supply, this technical solution also provides good maintainability - the assembled power plant can be changed in 35 minutes even in field conditions. Excellent indicator!

The tank also has other advantages. Leopard-2 has acceptable mobility. The armament is powerful: a 120 mm Rheinmetall smoothbore gun with modern ammunition and two machine guns. The gun is stabilized in two planes. But there is no automatic loader. Therefore, in the manned turret of the tank there are 3 people: the commander, the gunner and the loader. And that's not all - part of the ammunition is located in the rear of the turret. The niche where the shells are stored is equipped with ejection panels. It is believed that if a projectile hits a “powder magazine” of this design, people have a higher chance of surviving (by the way, the rest of the ammunition and fuel are well isolated from the crew). The only downside is the incredible size of the tower and the accompanying weight.

And after the flat gun mantlet (starting with the 2A5 modification) gave way to a modernized version with rational armor angles, the electro-hydraulic turret drive had to be replaced with an electric one. And all the same, the speed of rotation of the tower does not appear among the main virtues of Leopard-2. But the tank is equipped with an excellent Zeiss sight, an effective fire control system, thermal imaging cameras that provide all-round visibility to all crew members, a fire extinguishing system, and multi-layer armor lined with anti-fragmentation mats on the inside.

Leopard-2 has been in service since 1979 and is a third generation tank. Over the years of operation, it has been improved, re-equipped and even undergone a “facelift” more than once. The most recent and relevant modifications are 2A5, 2A6, 2A7+. The latter was announced in 2010 and, most likely, there will be no radical improvements in the future - the modernization potential of the tank has been exhausted.

Heir to the thirty-four

Our T-72 is smaller, lower and significantly lighter than the Leopard-2. It was put into service in 1973 and is an almost perfect example of a simple and, most importantly, mass-produced tank. Over the years of production it has been modernized several times. The latest version, designated T-72B3, was put into service in 2011 and has now received a number of additional improvements in 2014 and 2016. Why are they bothering with an old-style tank? Saturating the army with fourth-generation combat vehicles is not a matter of one day or even a year. The best way to maintain the combat effectiveness of armored forces during the transition period is to bring a vehicle with good modernization potential up to modern requirements.

Compared to the “German”, the domestic tank is the embodiment of a completely different concept: a low silhouette, powerful weapons on a compact and maneuverable chassis. The Russian 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun with a caliber of 125 millimeters will probably give a head start to the Leopard gun. This is the latest modernization of the 2A46M gun with accuracy improved by 20 percent and dispersion reduced by 1.7 times when firing on the move. The automatic loader has been modified to accommodate the new Svinets 1.2 armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles.

This is where a retreat is required. Thanks to the automatic loader, there are only two people in the turret - the commander and the gunner. This means that the turret is smaller and lighter than in a German combat vehicle. Add to this a rounded shape, optimal for ricocheting enemy shells, good armor, dynamic protection (on early modifications Kontakt-5, on later modifications - Relikt) and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. Thus, in terms of the “top”, the T-72BZ is at least no worse than the Leopard. And this despite the fact that in order to achieve decent firepower on our tank, we did not have to build a huge “attic” with an electric drive.

Of course, it’s difficult to compete with Zeiss sights and foreign electronics. But modernization has significantly improved the equipment of our tank. It received a new Sosna-U gunner's sight with a thermal imaging channel, automatic target tracking, a modern digital ballistic computer, and a driver display complex with a rear-view camera. The latest modifications also feature a panoramic stabilized commander's sight.

Unfortunately, the introduction of new equipment was not without some annoying blunders related to ergonomics and ease of use. But in general, shooting accuracy both from a standstill and on the move has become better; guidance devices work reliably in any weather and at any time of the day. And the firing range is at the level of the world's best models. We will assume that in terms of optics and electronics, the T-72B3's latest modifications have achieved parity with the Leopard.

The protection of our car is in many ways even better than that of the German one. The lower weight of the T-72B3 does not mean “thinner” armor, but an overall smaller volume of protected space (the tank itself is not so elephant-like). Our tank also has a fire extinguishing system. Until recently, the situation with dynamic protection was worse - the Kontakt-5 complex was frankly outdated. The situation was corrected by the Relikt protection, which is installed on the latest modifications of the T-72B3. Particularly good are the side panels with integrated dynamic protection modules and lattice screens covering the engine and transmission compartment. Moreover, the tank’s standard accessories include additional modules and screens for installation on the turret instead of spare parts boxes.

And finally... Let's do some fun math. The specific power of Leopard-2 with a 1500-horsepower engine is 23.8 hp. per ton. The T-72B3 of early models with the good old V-84-1 diesel engine with a power of 840 horses had an indicator of 18.3. Noticeable lag! The latest modifications of the vehicle are equipped with a new V-92S2F engine with a power of 1130 hp, which gives a specific power of 24.5 hp/t. In such cases, it is customary to say that we have caught up and overtaken.

And now the big picture. In general, Leopard-2 and T-72B3 are equal rivals, despite their different concepts and not yet infancy design. It is difficult to predict who will be stronger in a face-to-face meeting - each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But, as usual, with equal forces, the success of combat use depends more on the ability of large commanders and specific crews to intelligently manage the available materiel.

As for commercial success, both tanks are in service with many countries. But the price-quality ratio is clearly behind our car. Over the entire production period of Leopard-2 of various modifications, slightly less than 3.5 thousand copies were made. The circulation of T-72 is about 30 thousand!

Characteristics of Russian and German tanks