Many countries around the world are in service with a large number of obsolete T-72 tanks of various modifications. These tanks do not meet modern requirements in terms of protection, mobility and firepower. There are a large number of proposals for modernizing the T-72 from various developers in many countries, for example T-72M2 "Moderna" (Slovakia), T-72M4CZ (Czech Republic), T-72AG (Ukraine) and others. But most of the proposed modernization options are quite complex and expensive.

Modernization of the T-72AG involves replacing the standard engine with a power of 780 and 840 hp. 6TD series engine with a power of 1000-1200 hp. Such modernization requires quite serious alterations to the rear part of the tank hull and has a high cost due to the price of the new 6TD engine.

As a result, the most optimal and economically attractive option for upgrading the T-72 was the installation of a modernized 5TDFMA engine with a power of 1050 hp. while maintaining the standard cooling system and without significant modifications to the tank hull. The compact dimensions of the engine made it possible to place an auxiliary power unit in the MTO EA- 10-2 power 10 kW at hourly operation fuel flow 3.8 kg/h. This option was first manufactured at Kharkov BTRZ No. 115 together with KhKBD. Subsequently, serial modernization is carried out at the Kiev Mechanical Repair Plant (7 BTRZ). Along with the new MTO, the tank's protection was also significantly enhanced.

1,2, 3 - The photo shows a good covering of the tower with “Knife” dynamic protection units. The container closest to the driver's hatch is hinged to ensure ease of driving with the hatch open. However, retaining the old IR spotlight to the right of the gun did not allow for the creation of ideal cover for the turret with modern reactive armor.

The chassis of the T-72B tank remained unchanged, with the exception of the installation of a more advanced caterpillar track from the T-80UD/Oplot tank with a rubberized treadmill. The firepower of the tank has increased due to the possibility of using modern Kombat guided missiles.

1 - at the request of the customer, instead of the NSV-T anti-aircraft machine gun, a DShK-M machine gun was installed on the tank, for unification with the customer’s existing fleet of T-55 tanks; 2 - the external difference of the T-72UA1 is that the exhaust has been moved from the left side to the right; 3 - change in the rear part of the T-72UA1 compared to the T-72B

1- Diesel 5TDFMA-1 with a power of 1050 hp. with intermediate gearbox;2 - Modified fan housing with installation of specially profiled fins; 3 - APU; 4 - view of the MTO.

On the modernized TMNK, the fan housing was modified by installing specially profiled fins into it. This design solution made it possible to double the efficiency of the centrifugal fan, which ensured an increase in air flow by 20% at the same power consumption. Considering that the specific heat transfer into the coolant and oil of the 5TDFMA-1 two-stroke diesel engine is 30% less than that of the V46-6 four-stroke diesel engine, an increase in fan air flow made it possible, while maintaining the standard radiators of the T-72 tank, to ensure the operation of the diesel engine without reducing power to ambient temperature air +55 0 C. Thanks to the preservation of the standard fan cooling system, it was possible to significantly reduce the cost of modernization, despite its number of disadvantages compared to the ejection cooling system.

Layout of components and systems of the power plant with 5TDFMA-1

1 - main diesel (OD); 2 - gearbox; 3 - final drive; 4 - drive wheel; 5 - high pressure compressor; 6 - compressor; 7 - pipe; 8 - flame tubes; 9 - air cleaner; 10 - oil tank OD; 11 - starter-generator OD; 12 - oil tank for the hydraulic control and transmission lubrication system; 13 - APU starter-generator; 14 - APU; 15 - diesel APU; 16 - heater; 17,19,20 - pipes; 18 - ejection valve; 21 - exhaust pipe; 22 - turbine OD; 23 - cooling system; 24 - bevel gearbox; 25 - guide ribs; 26 - centrifugal fan; 27 - fan housing; 28 - spring; 29 - OD transfer

The tank's protection has also undergone significant modernization. Instead of the outdated DZ, modern highly effective dynamic protection was installed based on KhSChKV devices used in the “Knife” and “Duplet” complexes.
Although the Donetsk Chemical Products Plant produces 4S22 devices at the enterprise, more demanding customers choose modern KHSCHKV devices that are 1.5-2.5 times more efficient.

In addition to modernizing its mobility, the T-72UA1 tank received a deep modernization of protection with the replacement of the outdated “Contact” mounted dynamic protection system with the modern “Knife” developed by BCKT Microtek. On the tower, the KHSCHKV devices are placed in new modules developed by BCKT Microtek. On the frontal and side sections of the hull, KHSCHKV devices are installed in modified standard containers of the mounted DZ complex. On the sides of the hull, the old configuration for installing containers, used on the T-72B, with fastening directly to rubber-metal screens, has been preserved. This decision is explained by the limited financial capabilities of the customer.

In general, the modernization of the T-72B with the installation of a new MTO with a two-stroke 5TDFMA-1 engine and modern dynamic protection "Knife" provides great prospects for further improvement of the extensive fleet of obsolete tanks of this type in many countries around the world. Modernization is especially relevant for countries with warm climates, where the standard engines of T-72 tanks and its modifications such as B-46, B-84, B-92 experience a significant reduction in power.

Additional sources for installing 5TDFA-1 on T-72 and T-55 tanks:

1. S.A. Alekhin, Ph.D. tech. Sciences, V.V. Saltovsky, engineer, V.I. Prokopovich, engineer POWER PLANT FOR ARMORED VEHICLES
2. Vakulenko V.V., Zaryanov V.A., Gorozhanin Yu.G., Zhmenko R.V., Kuzminsky V.A., Chuchmar I.D. METHODS FOR INCREASING THE MOBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE T-72 TANK DURING ITS MODERNIZATION
3. S.A. Alekhin, Ph.D. tech. Sciences, G.K. Popov, engineer, V.V. Saltovsky, engineer PROMISING AUXILIARY POWER UNIT VEHICLE

EQUIPMENT AND WEAPONS No. 10/2009, pp. 17-31

TANK T-72BA: MEDIOCRY MODERNIZATION OR MODERNIZATION BY MEANS?

Alexey Khlopotov

History of appearance in the Armed Forces Russian Federation The modernized T-72BA tank dates back to the early 1990s. In 1991, the Nizhny Tagil Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) continued production of the T-72B tank (“object 184”) and its export modification T-72S; Together with UKBTM, work was carried out to modernize and improve the T-72B, and serial production of the T-90 (“object 188”) was being prepared. At the same time, work was underway on more promising machines. At the same time, the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant (ChTZ) was also engaged in the production of “Bash-ki”.

However, the collapse of the Soviet Union dashed these plans. The abrupt cessation of funding for defense programs has brought enterprises to the brink of survival. Serial production of the T-72B was discontinued at both plants. Moreover, tank production at ChTZ ended forever. For some time, UVZ continued to assemble export products, engineering vehicles and cherished hopes of deploying a large series of T-90s. But the landslide conversion of 1992 forced Uralvagonzavod to take up a new business for itself - to master the repair of T-72B tanks, as well as T-72A (with modernization to the T-72B level).

This seemingly simple task required considerable elaboration. It was necessary, first of all, to determine the workshop where the machines should be dismantled. To develop defect detection technology, develop measures for organizing and sending components and assemblies to workshops and third-party repair plants, organize the draining of fuel, oils and much more. After all, UVZ is, first and foremost, a manufacturing plant. Tank repair in the USSR was carried out by special tank repair plants (TRZ) of the Ministry of Defense, for which technologies, equipment, equipment, tools were created and long ago mastered, and there were specially trained personnel.

During 1992, UVZ repaired 10 vehicles in the T-72B and B11 variants for experimental purposes. At the same time, the cost of repairing the T-72A with modification to the level of the T-72B or B1, according to various estimates, amounted to 44-58% of the cost of a new tank.

The quality of repairs directly at the manufacturer was considered higher than repairs carried out by the TRZ MO, but its high cost compared to the same TRZs was daunting. This was explained simply: UVZ is a gigantic enterprise, with a huge level of overhead costs and all kinds of costs. With the mass production of tanks, these costs were proportionally “spread out” over the entire series, but in this case, with a sharp reduction in the serial production of tanks, all costs had to be written off on the tiny number of vehicles that went through repairs. In addition, so-called “purchased” products contributed to the increase in costs. Uralvagonzavod had to fight with component suppliers for every penny. And this despite the fact that in the conditions of a collapsed government procurement system, many contractors simply began to curtail production. Nevertheless, the management of Uralvagonzavod, represented by the General Director of B.C. Seryakov was in good hopes, planning to carry out repairs of up to 40 cars per month in 1993. Together with UKBTM, three options for deep modernization were developed:

Option “B” - with the installation of built-in dynamic protection (EDP) and KOEP “Shtora”;

Option “B1” - with the installation of VDZ, KOEP “Shtora” and KUV “Svir”;

The so-called “ideal” option is with the installation of the 1A45 control system, closed charger, VDZ, KOEP “Shtora” and KUV “Reflex”2.

But these good intentions were not destined to come true, since the deep modernization program was not continued due to the complete lack of funds from the customer. Instead, in 1993, simple repairs were carried out in small batches with minimal modifications to the products. From 1994 to 1997 inclusive, modernization and repair of the T-72 were not carried out. It must be emphasized that the actions of B.C. Seryakov during this period brought the association to the brink of existence. With the change of the General Director (Nikolai Aleksandrovich Malykh assumed this position in July 1997), work in the field of repair and modernization of the T-72 resumed.

In 1998, to practice modernization skills, it was decided to take 20-30 tanks for overhaul. In March 1998, the ideology of the improvements was determined. For “object 172M” it consisted mainly of replacing the V-46 engine with a V-84, installing an automated control system, a thermal imager and a Kontakt-V VDZ3. By the end of the year, the first vehicle, modernized according to this scheme, went into service, and the second was completed by installing the turret on the hull. Both cars were supposed to be shown at an exhibition in Abu Dhabi4. However, this option was again considered too expensive. In addition to this vehicle, which became a prototype for further development of export modernization options, 15 “objects 184” and “172M” were overhauled. The scope of improvements on them, like 5 years ago, was small.

The vehicle underwent a major overhaul with modifications at UVZ in 1998. It is equipped with a V-84MS engine and an “old” track with a sequential RMSh. Noteworthy is the dismantled weather sensor DVE, although its mounting is located

in its regular place.

The vehicles, which underwent a major overhaul with modifications at UVZ in 1998, can easily be confused in appearance with the T-72S tanks that entered our army in 1993 after a number of export deliveries were disrupted. The only external difference between the eSka and the repair T-72B of 1998 is the absence of an anti-neutron bumper on the turret. The second distinctive feature - the smaller number of NDZ containers on the side screens - is not indicative: the troops may well hang up standard screens from the T-72B, or do without them altogether. The “head” of the DVE sensor on these vehicles was most often dismantled by the troops (probably the crews had no idea how to work with it, and out of harm’s way they removed it, preferring to do it the old fashioned way).

In 1999, Uralvagonzavod already repaired 30 T-72B and T-72B1 tanks, which had a number of differences from the 1998 repair vehicles. These tanks received an updated chassis with a track with a parallel RMSh, and some vehicles were equipped with the Kontakt-V VDZ complex . As part of the development work carried out by UKBTM, the tasks of increasing firepower, improving the security and mobility of production vehicles were solved. Considering the wide range of tasks, the large number of co-executors involved and difficulties with financing, the topic dragged on for long years, ultimately representing an endless series of individual stages.

This work was brought to an end by state tests carried out to verify modernization measures and, above all, the modernization of the control system. The tests took place in three stages, from October 15 to November 26, 2000.5 The main enterprise for organizing work and conducting state tests was JSC VNIITM. At the first stage, stationary and firing tests took place. The second stage included climatic tests, and the third - run tests. All tests were completed on time with positive results, which confirmed the characteristics laid down in the tactical and technical specifications. The main goal of modernizing the control system was to increase the accuracy of its operation with minimal modifications to facilities that must be carried out at the operational sites. And this task was completed. After successful completion of the tests, the modernized T-72B tank was adopted by the Russian Army under the designation “T-72BA” (“object 184A” according to in-plant documentation).

The specification for the T-72BA provided for the installation of a 1A40-1M fire control system, modernized by the Krasnogorsk Zenit, on the vehicle. Distinctive features of the modernized complex are:

Availability of a tank ballistic computer (TBC) on a microprocessor;

Taking into account side wind, roll, angular velocity of the target, individual departure angles and deviation of the initial velocity of projectiles;

Automatic input of aiming angles and lateral lead when firing from a cannon and a coaxial machine gun;

Semi-automatic tracking of a moving target;

Calculation of aiming angles and lateral lead for the commander's sight6.

Externally, the vehicle with a modified control system is distinguished by the presence of a DVE-BS atmospheric conditions sensor in the rear part of the turret. The transcription “DVE-BS” stands for “capacitive wind sensor with an interface unit.” It is the interface unit that is responsible for the integration of this sensor into the 1A40-1 control system. The control system provides fully automatic operation; the total correction is entered using the 1B217 device.

Installing this complex increases shooting efficiency due to adjustments to the following parameters:

Side wind component;

Air temperature;

Atmosphere pressure;

Wear of the bore;

Relative speed of target movement;

Taking into account individual launch angles and ballistics of all types and indices of projectiles.

The 1A40-1M includes the Svir KUV with 1M119, 1M119M and 1M119M-1 missiles. The guided projectile guidance device is built into the 1K13-49 periscope passive-active night sight.

The obsolete TKN-3 commander's observation device was replaced with a modernized TKN-ZMK7 device using EOPII +, which can significantly increase the combat capabilities of T-72B tanks at low target illumination. Target identification through the night branch is ensured throughout the entire field of view, while in the previous generation TKN-3 and TKN-ZM devices, confident identification is possible only in central zone, not exceeding 20% ​​of the visible field. To improve operating comfort and ensure the safety of personnel, the device is equipped with various replaceable filters, eyepiece heaters and a special night channel diaphragm. The TKN-ZMK night device is structurally interchangeable with its predecessors TKN-3 and TKN-ZM and is installed in a standard mounting location on armored vehicles.

The turret of the T-72BA tank, demonstrated at the arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil URAL EXPO ARMS-2000. The remote sensing system has not yet been installed on the car.

The TKN-ZMK device is a periscope combined electro-optical passive-active device that is installed in a standard seat in the commander's cupola of T-72B tanks.

To improve the working conditions of the driver at night, a mechanic's device TVN-58 is mounted on the car. It is a monocular electro-optical passive-active observation device with a viewing range in passive/active operating modes of 80/180 m, both in natural night light conditions (in passive mode) and when illuminated by a headlight covered with an infrared filter (in active mode). Headlight illumination is also used under unfavorable conditions for observing the road (low transparency of the atmosphere, low-contrast terrain).

To illuminate targets when operating night sights and surveillance devices, instead of outdated IR illuminators such as OU-3 and L-4, it is planned to use the PL-1 infrared laser projector, which will not only increase the visibility range in the active operating mode, but also increase noise immunity and efficiency operation of the complex as a whole under operating conditions9.

Above: the modernized 125 mm 2A46M5 gun and its distinctive features.

Left: 125-mm 2A46M cannon installed on modernized T-72BA tanks,

with an experimental option for mounting a barrel bending metering device.

The PL-1 floodlight is characterized by lower energy consumption and increased service life compared to existing analogues, and has less weight and dimensions. This eliminates such defects of lamp spotlights as lamp explosion, non-ignition, instability of brightness, destruction of the reflector and light filter when the lamp explodes, etc.

The standard weapon stabilizer 2E42-2 “Jasmine”, two-plane with an electric machine drive in the horizontal and electrohydraulic in the vertical planes, provides an average value of stabilization accuracy in the main mode vertically 0.4 td., horizontally 0.6 td.

As part of measures to increase shooting accuracy, it is planned to install a 2A46M-510 gun. This gun is a modernized version of the well-known D-81TM (2A46M) gun. During its modernization, the outer profile of the pipe was optimized, the difference in the wall of the muzzle of the pipe over a length of 1 mt of the muzzle cut was reduced from O.8 to O.4 mm. Fastening of the trunnion clips in the turret using a reverse wedge has been introduced. The rear support of the sliding parts is located in the frame part of the cradle. The neck of the cradle is extended by 160 mm. In the neck of the cradle, the rigidity of which has been increased, there are two additional backlash selecting devices. Both guide cradles are made as prisms.

These measures made it possible to reduce the average technical dispersion for all types of projectiles by 15% compared to the table values.

Increased firepower is provided through the introduction of new, so-called “long” (L = 740 mm) BPS into the ammunition load. Instead of the ZVBM17 shot with the ZBM42 "Mango" BPS, increased-power shots ZVBM22 with the ZBM59 "Svinets-1" BPS and ZVBM23 with the ZBM60 "Svinets-2" BPS are introduced. The use of these ammunition increases armor penetration while simultaneously increasing the actual firing distance. To ensure the use of the new BPS, the automatic loader has undergone some modifications. Changes were made to the cassette lifting mechanism, the rotating conveyor, the conveyor drive and its housing, and the receiving tray of the automatic loader were improved.

View of the T-72BA turret equipped with the Kontakt-V KDZ.

Based on the results of the analysis of combat operations during the counter-terrorism operation in the Chechen Republic, measures were developed to increase security and survivability. First of all, this concerned the use of the Kontakt-V dynamic protection complex on all vehicles coming out of repair. It was planned to introduce local protection for the crew and ammunition, for which, instead of the fire-hazardous anti-neutron lining and lining (and in low temperature conditions, in addition producing secondary fragments), it was planned to introduce anti-fragmentation screens on the internal surfaces of the hull and turret made of ballistic material such as “Kevlar” developed by the Scientific Research Institute of Steel, as well as installation of protective guards for the rotating conveyor A3. An emergency mechanism for opening the driver's hatch was developed for his speedy evacuation in the event of serious combat damage to the vehicle. In the area where the driver's seat was located, the bottom PMZ was reinforced, similar to that used on the T-72B tanks of late production series and T-90. The hull bottom, the edges of the outward-opening emergency hatch, and the turret plate have been reinforced. Next to the driver’s seat, two removable spacer struts are installed to reduce bottom deflection, and the seat itself is suspended from the roof of the hull12.

Installing thermal protection elements on the tank, similar to those used on the T-90S and T-90A tanks, especially in combination with the Cape camouflage kit, reduces the visibility of the vehicle in the infrared range by 1.5 times, and also significantly reduces the likelihood of detection and capturing a tank with infrared seekers.

To combat fires, an automatic fire extinguishing system ZETS13 was used. The 2-fold fire extinguishing system includes four cylinders with a fire-extinguishing mixture of freon 114B2 and 13B1, 10 optical sensors OD1-1S in the habitable compartment and 15 thermal sensors TD1 in the MTO. It provides automatic and manual activation method. In addition, there are two manual fire extinguishers. The time from detection of a fire in the fighting compartment to the release of 90% of the composition is no more than 150 milliseconds. The basic principle of operation is based on the fire extinguishing effect of halocarbons, i.e. on the inhibitory (braking) effect, which consists in introducing a negative catalyst for the hydrocarbon oxidation reaction into the flame zone13. In addition, the system includes a Doping-2BT fire extinguishing aerosol generator in the power compartment, which ensures guaranteed fire extinguishing.

The picture of measures to improve protection is completed by proposals for the use of additional rubber-fabric and lattice screens on the turret and hull of the tank, a new deformable coating, and personal protective equipment for tank crews 6B15 “Cowboy” with a TTTT-.S “Lunokhod” headset.

In order to unify it with the new T-90A tanks and improve mobility, the T-72BA uses a MTO with a four-stroke turbodiesel V-92S2 with a power of 1000 hp. (735 kW). Compared to the previously used V-84-1 and V-84MS engines, this engine provides an increase in the specific power of the tank (up to 22.5 hp/t) and average speed driving on dry dirt roads (from 35 to 40 km/h), as well as improving acceleration characteristics by up to 12% (at a distance of 400 m). The V-92S2 has better characteristics in terms of torque (4150 Nm versus 3400 Nm) and adaptability coefficient (1.25 versus 1.13) compared to the V-84MS engine and at the same time has lower specific fuel consumption (156 g/hp h. versus 182 g/hp h.)14.

It should be noted that the MTO with the B-92S2 is not monoblock, as required by modern armored fashion. This is a serious drawback of the vehicle, but more in marketing terms than in combat and technical terms. A direct comparison of the speed of engine replacement in the V-92S2 MTO with monoblock installations, it would seem, is clearly not in favor of the Ural design. However, we should not forget that the MTO V-92S2 has many times greater reliability, maintainability and, which is important in the current situation, a significantly lower cost. High speed indicators for replacing monoblock MTO in difficult field conditions, on marches, in the absence of mechanized technical support cannot serve as a serious argument. At the same time, the crew of a Russian tank can always fix a malfunction or perform simple repairs on their own, without waiting for technical support vehicles to arrive, and continue performing the combat mission.

Considering the importance of reducing the time for installation (dismantling) of the power plant, UKBTM designers developed organizational and technical measures that made it possible to shorten this cycle for the B-92S2. Thus, the engine dismantling time was reduced to 3.5 hours, which was clearly demonstrated on the territory of a foreign customer15. As an example, we can note the introduction of quick-release pipeline connections. Along with the new engine, the unified MTO included a modernized input gearbox (guitar), a reinforced onboard gearbox (FGT) and an improved cooling system.

Strengthening the gearbox consists of increasing the number of friction pairs in the friction control elements, the linear dimensions of the rollers on the axes of the satellites and the number of satellites in the planetary gear of the final drive, and replacing the sun gear support bearing with a bearing that has a higher dynamic load capacity. The sealing of the clutch pins has been strengthened, and the cuffs and balls of the clutch unloading devices have been unified.

The cooling system uses new aluminum water and oil radiators with increased heat transfer. Compared to copper-brass radiators with a tubular-tape type core, which are used on T-72B tanks in cooling and lubrication systems, plate-tape type radiators provide greater heat removal within the dimensions of standard radiators. In addition, the cooling system fan clutch has been upgraded.

The design features of the V-92S2 engine made it possible to redesign the exhaust gas exhaust system, which led to a significant reduction in exhaust resistance (from 0.22 kg/cm2 to 0.15 kg/cm2), as well as to achieve better aerodynamic conditions for the passage of air in the area between the air cleaner and turbocharger.

The modernized T-72BA chassis, unified with the T-90S/A chassis, includes the following elements:

Hydraulic shock absorber with increased energy intensity by 30-40%, filled with special shock absorber fluid 132-316;

High-strength torsion shaft with an increased level of permissible values ​​due to the use of DSM treatment (strain aging of martensite) to ensure increased full strokes of the support rollers;

- widened support roller 750x190U with an increased level mechanical properties, with a reduced level of thermal stress, with an external reduced mass of rubber 4E-1386, with fastening of the rubber mass with Chemosil adhesives;

A drive wheel with a special supporting surface that acts as an ice pick to keep the track tracks free of ice formation during periods of sub-zero temperatures;

Guide wheel with reinforced discs with modified ice axes, with horseshoe-shaped flanges around the windows and variable height stiffeners located under the ice axes, with greatest height at the hub;

A caterpillar with an increased service life, parallel rubber-metal joints (RMH), with stamped tracks, making it possible to install asphalt shoes, with steel needles on the track fingers, ensuring electrical conductivity and removing static electricity from the RHM when the tank moves;

A bump stop to prevent the track from moving off the drive wheel towards the final drive (side); an arc-shaped stop is welded on the body in the area of ​​the chassis, located opposite the entrance of the caterpillar to the drive wheel16.

During repairs, the fenders are modified to the version adopted on the T-72B since 1989, while the front metal mud flaps are replaced with “soft” rubber-metal ones17.

To ensure command control, the tank is equipped with the Paragraph communication equipment complex, which includes the R-173 VHF radio station, the R-173P radio receiver, a block of antenna filters and the R-174 AVSK. The radio station provides a communication range of at least 20 km both on the spot and while moving over moderately rough terrain.

The above measures are undoubtedly progressive in nature and significantly increase the capabilities of the modernized T-72B tank, but do not forget that most of them are just the embodiment of the developments and groundwork of ten, or even 20-25 years ago! Moreover, the realities of life in modern Russia have made significant adjustments to the specified specification. Thus, the first series of tanks that underwent repairs in 1998-2000 were mostly equipped with the Kontakt mounted dynamic protection system, and only a part of them had a built-in Kontakt-V ERA. All vehicles undergoing repairs from 1998 to 2002 were equipped with a MTO with an 840 hp V-84MS engine, not a V-92S2. Such engines were first installed on the export version of the T-72B - the T-72C "Shilden" tank in 1991. The chassis unified with the T-90S with a caterpillar track with parallel RMSh and the ability to install asphalt shoes on the T-72BA was introduced during repairs only with 1999 (the most interesting thing is that the troops have at least one vehicle that underwent repairs in the mid-2000s, has the MTO with the B-92S2, but with an old chassis!). A unified MTO with a 1000-horsepower V-92S2 diesel engine, tested on the T-90S of the Indian order, appeared on the T-72BA only in 2003 (this is explained by the virtual lack of availability of these engines - 100% of their production was then used to secure an export contract) . In 2005, after further modifications, it was put into service and the 1A40-M218 sighting system began to be installed.

Unfortunately, during the modernization repairs in full, it was possible to introduce only unified MTO with the B-92S2 and the chassis, as well as a modernized control system, which, however, by the end of the first decade of the 21st century has long been obsolete. Measures related to increasing firepower and increasing the level of security and survivability remained unrealized.

All tanks leaving the factory after modernization are painted with standard protective paint. Camouflage, if necessary, is applied to combat units. At the same time, the deformation painting schemes are variations of the schemes prescribed by the instructions back in 1978. Modern deformation painting schemes developed by the Steel Research Institute together with UKBTM are not used for unknown reasons (exceptions include events associated with large ceremonial events - only in these cases is it applied to the cars camouflage).

The demonstration of the T-72BA under covers on the KZKT “Rusich” tractor, equipped with the corresponding commentary, gave rise to the myth about the demonstration of the “promising T-95 tank” (video capture of the ORT channel broadcast).

The first public demonstration of an early version of the T-72BA at the arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil URAL EXPO ARMS-2000. A distinctive feature is the presence of a modernized chassis. The car has not yet been equipped with a remote sensing system and on-board screens.

The best developments in the direction of improving the T-72B tanks were subsequently implemented during the creation of the modernized T-72B tank (ROGATKA-1) under the designation “Object 184M”19. During state tests completed in 2006, this unique vehicle clearly demonstrated the highest level and compliance with the best world standards in the field of tank building20. However, there are still no orders for this modern and fully-fledged modernization option from the Ministry of Defense.

T-72BA tanks, overhauled in 2000, at the parade in Yekaterinburg. May 9, 2008

The tankers celebrated the next anniversary of the Victory in new form from Valentin Yudashkin and helmets of the new model TSh-4 (in common parlance “Cheburashka”). Despite the very aesthetic appearance, such equipment still does not protect the crews.

The customer’s reduction of the original design specifications predetermined the appearance in the production documentation of the designation of these submodifications as “Object 184A1” (military name “T-72BA1”).

It should be noted that T-72B tanks of various production series and submodifications are received for overhaul and modernization. At the same time, during the repair process they are “depersonalized” and brought to a single standard. For example, in 2006, two tanks produced in the spring of 1991 according to the specification “Object 184 with TShU” were received for repair. During the inspection of the machines, it was decided not to restore the TSU complex, but to carry out repairs according to standard repair documentation.

The only differences that remain between vehicles that have undergone repair and modernization work relate to the level of protection. Thus, during the serial production of the T-72B from 1985 to 1991, the design of the combined hull and turret VLD barrier was repeatedly changed. The repair documentation for “Object 184A” and “Object 184A1” does not provide for interference with the existing armor structure. If there is combat damage to the hull and turret, they are repaired; in extreme cases, the turret can be replaced with a similar one removed from a previously scrapped tank.

Cases of repairing vehicles with battle damage are not that rare. As a clear illustration, we can recall the repair work of five vehicles with “holes” in the hull and turrets that arrived at Uralvagonzavod in 2005. Among them was the “seventy-two”, which took part in the 1996 battles for Grozny. During the battle, at the moment when the gun was already loaded, the tank “caught” an RPG grenade in the side projection of the turret. The crew in the tower died. The car was sent first to a collection point and then for storage. There, at one of the repair plants, the car stood for almost 9 years with OFS in the barrel. In the spring of 2005, as part of a batch of approximately 30 vehicles, it arrived at Uralvagonzavod for repairs. A gun and a kind of “gift” were immediately discovered in the gun chamber. The vehicle was evacuated to the artillery and ammunition range of the FKP “Institute for Metal Testing”, where, in compliance with necessary measures security, the projectile was neutralized.

Unfortunately, the modernization and repair scheme that exists today leads to higher costs in relation to the production of a new machine. Technologically, modernization is essentially equivalent to creating a new car. The difference in costs lies only in the fact that in the case of modernization there are costs for disassembling the machine and preparing the hull with the turret for subsequent installation work, and in case of new production there are costs for procuring materials and manufacturing the hull and turret. It may seem that making from scratch is a more labor-intensive and expensive process. However, it is not. The design of Soviet-generation machines provides for conveyor-line serial production with a high level of automation and mechanization of work. This leads to a significant reduction in the cost of hull work and, as a consequence, the entire machine. In addition, the state, through the institution of military acceptance, very strictly controls the cost of work performed and the level of their profitability, even in our modern, quite market conditions. The work of dismantling and disassembling a machine that has come for major repairs is mostly manual and labor-intensive. The modernization process requires a lot of labor and manual work - cutting and welding. All this makes a simple overhaul completely unprofitable for the manufacturer, and repairs with modernization unprofitable for the customer. It is no coincidence that for the purpose of major repairs in the USSR, a whole network of centrally subordinate tank repair plants was created within the Ministry of Defense. The lower cost of repairs for them was due to the absence of commercial costs for the enterprise and the minimum level of planned profitability. Spare parts and equipment necessary for repairs were supplied either from storage and the State Reserve, or through mass serial orders. In addition, these TRPs, as a rule, did not perform complex hull work.

A roughly similar scheme for carrying out major repairs and modernizations exists abroad, in particular in the USA. There, in addition to the fact that all work related to the repair and modernization of armored vehicles is carried out at state arsenals, their profitability is also determined by the higher commercial cost of the new vehicle. The paradox of the situation is that in the USSR and Russia, saving on the purchase of new equipment, strictly controlling its cost, we ourselves make further improvement of the machines and their modernization during overhauls impractical from an economic point of view. Although the modernization of the same “seventy-two”, but supplied for export (say, to India or Algeria), is quite a profitable undertaking for both the contractor and the customer. But only because the cars were initially sold at a higher, “commercial” price.

Another very paradoxical and alarming situation is the withdrawal of existing tank repair plants from the system of the Ministry of Defense, their corporatization and transfer to a commercial basis, carried out this year. The consequences of this step are obvious: repairs of armored vehicles at these enterprises will become significantly more expensive in the very near future, and the volume of work in the context of an ever-shrinking fleet of combat vehicles at these plants will drop to a critical point. The Russian Army is simply losing its tank repair base!

However, let's return to the modernized T-72BA. His first appearance in public took place in July 2000 during the Ural Expo Arms-2000 arms exhibition at the Nizhny Tagil artillery range "Staratel". To demonstrate the capabilities of the Kurgan Rusich tractors, Uralvagonzavod, as a hospitable host, provided a machine to “load” the conveyor. This vehicle turned out to be a T-72BA, which was preparing to be handed over to the troops. At that time, the NDZ complex had not yet been installed on it, and there were no on-board screens. So that the “seventy-two” would not confuse the public and distinguished guests with its somewhat “unfinished” appearance, the car was carefully wrapped in a tarpaulin, so much so that only part of the barrel could be distinguished. Therefore, there was a curiosity: a video from this demonstration shown in one of the TV programs of the “Strike Force” series of Channel 1, accompanied by comments about the imminent appearance of a new promising tank in Russia, gave rise to a wave of rumors that a fundamentally new one was hiding under the tarpaulin. fighting machine. The reality was much simpler and more banal...

From 2000 to 2009, more than a hundred tanks were modernized in Nizhny Tagil using the T-72BA and T-72BA1 variants21. Currently, most of the modernized T-72BA are located in PUrVO22 units. At the moment, T-72BA tanks have appeared in the 276th infantry regiment, 239th infantry regiment of the 34th infantry division, as well as in the 81st infantry regiment and 152nd infantry regiment of the 27th infantry division. Almost every year they can be seen at demonstrations of military equipment dedicated to the Victory Day holiday in Yekaterinburg and Samara. T-72BA regularly participate in PUrVO exercises, including such large-scale ones as “Southern Shield” 2006", summer 2008 exercises in Ashuluk, autumn maneuvers "Center-2008". Moreover, the following fact was noticed during the exercises: T-72BAs, as a rule, are the vehicles of platoon commanders. In accordance with the new structure and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, T-72BA tanks are equipped with the PUrVO23 mechanized brigade. Further deliveries of T-72BA, judging by some reports, are planned in parts of the North Caucasus Military District (Vladikavkaz, Buynaksk and Maikop24).

To train crews of T-72BA tanks, a containerized computerized training complex was developed, designated “MKT-184A”25. At the time of publication, it is known that at least two sets of this complex have been supplied to military units stationed, respectively, in Yekaterinburg and Vladikavkaz. The TTV-172K training complexes for driving the T-72BA tank in 2008 were supposed to arrive in Vladikavkaz (1 unit), Buynaksk (1 unit), Maykop (1 unit), Totskoye (3 units) - total 6 units26.

It is quite difficult to assess the T-72BA modernization option. In terms of its ideology, it is 15 years out of date, but is fully consistent with the modern technical level, adjusted for operating conditions in the modern Russian Army. Particularly strong criticism, apparently, should be subjected to the fire control system for the absence of a thermal imager in its composition. However, this version of the control system was implemented by UKBTM in several more advanced versions of the T-72 modernization. But one should not blame UVZ and UKBTM for their conservative approaches and technical backwardness. At the moment, they are only fulfilling customer requirements with very meager funding.

Notes:

1Shpak M. T. Fifty years of work at the Ural Carriage Works 1950-2000- Museum UVZ.FPI. Eg.xp.34.

2 Shpak M. T. Decree op.

3 Shpak M. T. Decree op.

4 In reality, only one vehicle was completed with modernization, shown in August 2000 under the name “T-72M1” to the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Stepashin.

5 Kolmakov D.G. The legendary thirty-four.- N. Tagil, 2006.

6 Weapons and technologies of Russia. Encyclopedia XXI century. Optical-electronic systems and laser technology. T.P.-M., 2005.

7http://www.npzoptics.ru/market/shopping/Ud=104. http://otvaga2004.narod.m/otvaga2004/caleidoscope/report_2005_04.htm.

8 Weapons and technologies of Russia. Encyclopedia XXI century. Optical-electronic systems and laser technology. T.P.- M., 2005.

http://lzos.ru/index.php.

9 http://st. ess.ru/"publications/"2_2005/volkov/"volkov.htm.

10 RF Patent RU 2218536 C2.

Magazine "Equipment and Weapons" No. 8/2007. "RF Patent RU 2204776C2.

12 Tank protection. Ed. Grigoryan V.A.- M., 2007.

13 Armored vehicles. 4.1. T-90 / Ed. Yamova V.A. (advertising edition).

14 Designer of tank diesel engines I.Ya. Trashutin. Ural School of Engine Engineering. Putin V.A. and etc.- Chelyabinsk, 2006.

http://chtz-uraltrac.ru/catalog/items/19.php.

15 Main battle tank of Russia. A frank conversation about the problems of tank building. Vavilonsky E.B., Kuraksa O.A. Nevolin V.M.- N. Tagil., 2008.

16 RF Patent RU2177421C1.

17 Catalog of components and spare parts for the T-72S tank.- UVZ, 2002.

18Patriot newspaper 07/20/2006.

19 Magazine "Equipment and Weapons" No. 8/2007.

20 Nevolin V.M. Armored vehicles in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict of 2008 // Equipment and weapons.- 2009, №8.

21 Ibid.

22 Russian military power at the Center-2008 exercises Zheltonozhko O., Belogrud V.- M., 2009.

23 http://www.ryadovoy.ru/forum/index.php?topic=340.420.

The 24131st Omsbr is currently re-equipped with the latest T-90A1 tanks and redeployed to Gudauta and Ochamchir- Republic of Abkhazia.

25 http://www.gostorgi.ru/2006/239/10. l.xml.

26 http://ru.dgmarket.com/tenders/np-notice.do~2317685.

To comment you must register on the site.

A digital fire control system, enhanced dynamic protection "Relikt" and the power of a new 1000-horsepower turbodiesel - two dozen T-72B3 tanks modernized by the Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Corporation (UVZ) have already been loaded onto railway platforms and are ready to be sent to the troops.

A source in the military-industrial complex reported this to RIA Novosti. The word “modernization” in this case means not just cosmetic repairs, but a complete re-equipment of a combat vehicle with new generation systems and units. The honored tank was taught to “see” better, move faster and shoot more accurately. About how exactly the T-72B3 stands out from the T-72 family and why it has become less vulnerable to NATO tanks is in the RIA Novosti material.

T-72B3 tank at a training ground in the Minsk region during the joint strategic exercises of Belarus and Russia “Zapad-2017”

Cheap and with Relict

Initially, the B3 modification was conceived by the Russian Ministry of Defense as an inexpensive and quick way“refresh” the extensive fleet of “seventy-second” aircraft in service with the army, developed back in the early 1970s. They did not intend to greatly alter the car, planning to limit themselves to replacing the most outdated components with modern ones. As a result, we got carried away and quite seriously “shook up” the tank, bringing it almost to the level of combat capabilities. However, UVZ recommended not to compare these cars - they are different generations.

Previously, the media had already reported that NPK Uralvagonzavod had received a government order for the modernization of 150 T-72B tanks to the T-72B3 level in the amount of more than 2.5 billion rubles, and it was planned to invest 17 million rubles in each tank. Modernized tanks are being delivered to the troops in batches.

The main advantage of the Ural family of tanks is exceptional reliability and reliability even in the most difficult conditions operation, be it heat, frost, dust or high humidity air. It is almost impossible to “break” the T-72, so the changes affected not so much the modification of the basic design, but the protection and fire control systems.

T-72B3 tanks during field training of tank units of the motorized rifle formation of the Southern Military District at the Molkino training ground in the Krasnodar Territory

The updated tank was reliably covered with all-aspect protection, which increased its survivability and efficiency. Including in combat with the massive use of anti-tank weapons. Onboard lattice screens and Relikt dynamic protection modules on multi-layer armor turned the combat vehicle into a mobile fortress, resistant to hits from cumulative and, most importantly, sub-caliber armor-piercing shells.

« Thanks to Relikt, the protection of the T-72B3 from armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles has significantly increased, notes military expert, editor-in-chief of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, Colonel Viktor Murakhovsky. - The fact is that the previous generation of dynamic protection worked mainly against cumulative ammunition, but not effectively enough against kinetic ones. If we talk about NATO tank formations, their main emphasis in the fight against heavily armored targets is on sub-caliber shells«.

The expert noted that the T-72B3 can also be equipped with a system active protection, similar to the export Arena-E, but this configuration makes the vehicle more expensive, so the Ministry of Defense is not ordering it yet, adhering to the optimal “cost-effectiveness” criterion.

Driver-mechanic of the T-72B3 tank of the 58th Army motorized rifle brigade at the Gvardeets training ground in the Shalinsky district

New barrel and shells

The tank's combat capabilities were significantly expanded by replacing its main weapon - the cannon. The T-72B3 was equipped with a 125-mm smoothbore gun capable of firing the new Svinets and Svinets-1 armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles.

“The key element of the upgrade to the T-72B3 version is a significant increase in firepower, primarily through a radical improvement in the fire control system,” Murakhovsky told RIA Novosti. “An all-weather Sosna-U sight has been installed, which ensures that the gun is aimed at maximum ranges day and night.”

T-72B3 tank during exercises at the Pogonovo training ground in the Voronezh region

The tank was “taught” to hit targets much more accurately thanks to a digital ballistic computer, sensors for firing conditions and an automatic target tracking system. The computer is a mini-computer that calculates the trajectory of a projectile, taking into account corrections for the movement of the target and the speed of the tank itself, takes into account the temperature of the air, the charge and many other parameters. In fact, the gunner had a reliable electronic “assistant” at his disposal, due to which the aiming time was reduced several times. At night, guidance devices operate through the thermal imaging channel of the main sight.

Breakout weapon

Having rearmed the car, the Urals did not forget about the chassis. The armored veteran survived the “heart transplant” well, and now the V-92S2F engine from the T-90 growls inside him, producing a record 1,130 “horses” versus 780 for the old B-46, which was equipped with early versions of the T-72. The new “omnivorous” diesel engine with direct fuel injection and turbocharging is designed in such a way as to minimize heating of the body from the exhaust system and reduce the visibility of the tank in the infrared range. Due to a significant increase in power, the tank has become much more dynamic, maneuverable and speedy.

T-72B3 tanks at a training ground in the Minsk region during the joint strategic exercises of Belarus and Russia “Zapad-2017”

“Tanks don’t fight tanks. There are anti-tank units for this. And the task of tanks is to break through the enemy’s defenses, not independently, but in close cooperation with infantry, artillery and under the cover of the military air defense system. Mechanized armored formations make it possible to develop tactical success, quickly reach the enemy’s flank and rear, and destroy his headquarters, airfields, and communications centers,” notes Murakhovsky.

To prevent a powerful diesel engine from overheating and “swallowing dust,” the designers provided a highly efficient cooling system and purification of air coming from outside. Due to this geography combat use the machine has expanded significantly: now it will not stall even at the epicenter sandstorm in extreme heat of +50 Celsius.

The crew of the T-72B3 tank of the 58th Army motorized rifle brigade at the Gvardeets training ground in the Shalinsky district

An important difference between the latest T-72B3 and the basic versions is automatic transmission gear shift, similar to that installed on the T-90MS. In addition, there is an automated control system for the driver mechanic with a digital display and a rear view camera, which itself warns of any malfunctions or damage to the chassis.

Tank T-72B3 at the Alabino training ground

Commanding Ground forces Colonel General Oleg Salyukov previously announced that all military units of permanent readiness will eventually switch to modern tanks T-72B3, T-80U and T-90A. By 2020, it is planned to provide 71 percent of modern tanks in the army. In total, according to data for 2016, Russia has 2,700 tanks in service, with more than 10 thousand tanks in storage.

The T-72B “object 184” is an improved modification of the T-72A tank; mass production began in 1984.

The vehicle was equipped with mounted dynamic protection, a V-84-1 (V-84M) diesel engine with a power of 840 hp, and a 9K120 “Svir” guided weapon system with laser-guided missiles at the target.

Already at the time of its creation, the T-72B turned out to be outdated in terms of the fire control complex (1A40-1).

There was no automated control system on it at all. The T-72B lagged behind both the foreign Leopard-2 and Abrams tanks and the domestic T-80BV, T-64BV, T-80U and T-80UD.

The tank's protection was developed taking into account the tests in the USSR of the Israeli M111 BPS, which pierced the upper frontal part of the T-72A tank. The design abandoned fiberglass and replaced it with a structure made from a set of steel plates. Later the so-called “semi-active” reservation with “reflective” sheets.

The tank's mobility also increased very slightly (from 760 hp on the T-72A to 840 hp)

In general, the increase in the tank's performance against BPS was 20% compared to the T-72AV, and engine power - 10%. Due to restrictions on the growth of the tank's weight and the lack of a modern engine, the weak potential of the design bureau itself, the improvement of the T-72A tank proceeded very slowly. As a result, in the mid-80s, an obsolete tank entered service. The main achievement of the new modification of the T-72 was the guided weapons system.

The complex was an effective and simple tank missile armament, which was comparable in characteristics to the Cobra, but was much simpler in design and operation.

Layout

The tank has a classic general layout with a crew of three and a transverse engine. The layout completely replicates that adopted on the T-72 and T-72A tanks, which was borrowed from the T-64.

Frame. Front right view: 1 - upper nasal leaf; 2 - booms for installing remote control containers; 3 - headlight guard bracket; 4 - front towing hook; 5 - lower nasal leaf; 6 - balancer bracket.

Frame. Rear left view: 1 - turret protective bar; 2 - track bumper; 3 - outlet pipe; 4 - brackets and stops for laying cables; 5 - beam with exit blinds; 6 - bracket for fastening barrels; 7 - bracket for fastening the spare parts box for trawls and PSK cassettes; 8 - log fastening bracket; 9- holders for fastening spare tracks; 10 - fan hatch cover; 11 - stern sheet; 12 - towing hook; 13 — housing of emergency socket and side light; 14 - caterpillar finger striker; 15 - gearbox housing; 16 - balancer stop; 17 - support roller bracket; 18 - hydraulic shock absorber bracket; 19 - guide wheel crank bracket.

Tower: 1 - commander's turret; 2 - overcut; 3 - roof; 4 - housing for installing the gunner’s observation device; 5 - flange for mounting the 1K13-49 sight; 6 - tubes for electrical wires;

7, 25 - headlight mounting brackets; 8 - protective head of the sight-rangefinder; 9, 15, 18, 27 - mounting hooks; 10 — bar; 11 - arched cheeks; 12, 13 - groove for attaching the outer protective cover of the gun; 14 - bracket for the L-4A spotlight; 16-clamp for fastening a box with ammunition for the NSV machine gun; 17, 19, 22, 24—mounting brackets for OPVT boxes; 20 - antenna mounting flange; 21,

26 - copiers; 23 — hatch for ejection and removal of the pallet; 28 - installation bracket launchers smoke grenades; 29 - gunner's hatch; a - hole for the rear suspension of the rangefinder sight; b - boring for the axle; c — embrasure of the PKT machine gun; d - hole for installing a landing socket.

Firepower

The main armament is a 125-mm smoothbore gun-launcher 2A46M. The design of the gun allows the barrel to be replaced in the field without removing it from the turret. To improve shooting accuracy, the cylinders of the two recoil brakes are fixed symmetrically relative to the barrel bore in the upper right and lower left corners of the breech.

Tank gun 2A46M: 1 - thermal protective casing; 2 - trunk; 3 - cradle; 4 - shutter; 5 - fence; 6 - lifting mechanism; 7 - brake of sliding parts; 8 - knurl; 9 - bar; 10 - screw; 11 - wire; 12 - compensating load; B - gap 8-13 mm; B - gap 8-12 mm.

Shooting is carried out with separate-case loading shots with armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells and shots with a guided missile, which has a cumulative warhead.

The automatic loader is similar to that used on the T-72; the mechanized ammunition capacity is 22 rounds.

This is less than

and is located in a very vulnerable place to mines, which, if detonated, will disable the tank beyond repair

Location of nodes A3: 1 - rammer; 2 - cassette lifting mechanism; 3 - ejection hatch; 4 - trap; 5 - ejection hatch drive; 6 - drive to the catcher; 7 - manual drive handle to the VT stopper; 8 - electromagnetic stopper VT; 9 - VT flooring; 10 - roller; 11 - frame; 12 - support roller; 13 - upper shoulder strap; 14 - lower shoulder strap; 15 - glass; 16-cassette; 17-capture; 18 - pallet stop; 19 - frame; 20 - electromagnetic stopper of the catcher; 21 - cable.

The cyclogram characterizes the process of the full cycle of automatic loading of a tank gun.

From the cyclogram it is clear that in order to reduce the cycle duration, and therefore to increase the technical rate of fire, the action of some mechanisms is partially or completely combined in time. For example, bringing the gun to the loading angle, locking it and rotating the VT.

The cyclogram shows that the full cycle of loading and firing when turning the VT on two cassettes lasts< 8 с.

If the next shots are located on the loading line, then the technical rate of fire will be higher, since in this case the full cycle of loading and firing without turning the VT will be > 7 s.

The gun's ammunition load is 45 rounds and is stowed as follows: 22 rounds in the rotating conveyor of the automatic loader, 23 in non-mechanized stowages.

In VT, shots by type can be stacked in any ratio. In a non-mechanized stowage, shots are stacked regardless of their type, with the exception of places specifically stated. As the ammunition from the VT is used, the crew replenishes the VT with shots from the ammunition racks, if the situation allows, or loads the gun manually directly from the ammunition racks.

Shots placed:

5 shells in the turret, of which: 2 - on the rotating floor behind the commander's seat, 1 - armor-piercing sub-caliber on the rotating floor behind the gun and 2 - armor-piercing sub-caliber in the turret niche behind the gunner's seat;

18 shells in the case, of which: 3 - high-explosive fragmentation or cumulative - in the front tank-rack, 4 - stowed on the MTO partition on the starboard side, 4 - stowed on the MTO partition on the left side, 3 - on the left side behind the gunner's seat , 1 - armor-piercing sub-caliber at the rear of the AB rack, 3 - on the left side behind the AB rack;

4 charges in the tower, of which: 1 - in front of the commander's seat, 2 - behind the commander's seat, 1 - in front of the gunner's seat;

19 charges in the case, of which: 1 - at the front tank rack on the starboard side, 3 - in the front tank rack, 12 - in the middle tank rack near the MTO partition and 3 - at the rear of the AB rack.

The ammunition load for the PKT machine gun is 2000 rounds (8 belts of 250 rounds each).

The ammunition load for the AKMS-74 assault rifle is 300 rounds, 120 of which are loaded into four magazines of 30 rounds each and placed in a standard bag. 180 rounds are in a box on the starboard side of the turret outside. F-1 hand grenades (10 pcs.) are packed in five bags. The ammunition load of the NSV-12.7 anti-aircraft machine gun is 300 rounds.

Ammunition layout: 1- charge; 2 - projectile; 3 - box with cartridges for the PKT machine gun; 4 - cartridges for the AKMS-74 assault rifle; 5 - bag with F-1 hand grenades; 6 - boxes for 120 rounds of ammunition for the NSV-12.7 machine gun; 7 - placement of cartridges in a box for cartridges and clothing - 180 pcs.; 8 - bandoleer with cartridges for a signal pistol

As auxiliary weapons, a 7.62-mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7-mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun (with manual control from the tank commander) are used. Anti-aircraft machine gun does not have a remote control, the tank commander is forced to crawl out of the tank up to his waist to use it, exposing himself to danger.

Anti-aircraft machine gun installation: 1 - NSV-12.7 machine gun; 2 - balancing mechanism; 3 - cradle; 4 - tape collector; 5 - sight box; 6 - handlemachine gun platoon; 7 - trunnions; 8 - fork; 9 - machine gun mounting pin; 10 - recoil damping spring; 11 - gear sector of the cradle; 12 - clamping screw of the hatch socket; 13 - fixation boltplugs in socket; 14-magazine for cartridges; 15 - vertical guidance handle; 16 - machine gun release lever; 17 - handle stopper; 18 - cable; 19 - machine gun release key; 20 - horizontal guidance handle; 21 - cradle stopper; 22 - middle shoulder strap stopper; 23 - flywheel brake button.

Sighting system 1A40-1

The T-72B tank is equipped with a 1A40-1 sighting system, the basis of which is the TPD-K1 laser sight-rangefinder, used on T-72A tanks, with a field of view stabilized in the vertical plane.

1 - sight-rangefinder (control device); 2 - blockindications; 3 - range input block; 4 - electrical unit; 5 -power unit; 6 - protective glass; 7 - plate (nomograms); 8 - single set of spare parts; 9 -desiccant; 10 - correction potentiometer; eleven -parallelogram mechanism.

The sighting system includes a ballistic correction device, which automatically introduces corrections for the temperature of the charge and air, Atmosphere pressure, angular speed of the target and the tank, the speed of the tank and other shooting conditions, which increases the probability of hitting with the first shot. However, the ballistic correction device does not take into account all changing shooting conditions, as happens when there is an automated control system with a ballistic computer in the tank, because takes into account only the total correction, which is entered into it manually before firing, calculated from nomograms attached to the breech of the gun by the tank commander.

Shooting at night is carried out using the 1K13-49 combined sight, which can operate in active or passive mode.

Target detection at night in passive mode (at ENO 0.005 lux) is ensured at a distance of at least 500 m, in active mode when the target is illuminated by an infrared spotlight - up to 1200 m.

Spotlight L-4A: 1 - base; 2 - bracket; 3 - landing socket; 4 - axle; 5 - adjustable draft; 6 - unregulated draft; 7 - bonk; 8 - axis; 9 - sliding coupling; 10, 12 - locknuts; 11 - installation bolt; 13 - set screw; 14 - bolt; 15 - rear cover; 16 - front frame; 17 - screw; 18 - protective cover; 19, 21 - screws; 20 - jumper; 22 - DC lamp with L-250; 23 - cartridge; 24 - IR filter; 25 - pressure ring; 26 - captive bolt; 27 - mirror parabolic reflector.

Sight-guidance device 1K13-49

Hull armor

The upper part of the T-72B hull of the first modifications consisted of spaced barriers made of high-hardness steel. Subsequently, a more complex version of the reservation was used using “reflective sheets” on a principle of operation similar to the package used in the tank turret. The equivalent resistance of passive armor has increased compared to the T-72A from 360 to 490 mm.

Photo of T-72S hull assembly in Iran. The VLD filler package is visible.

Since 1988, the VLD and the tower have been reinforced with the Kontakt-V DZ complex, which provides protection not only from cumulative PTS but also from BPS.

On board the T-72, the DZ containers were installed directly on rubber-fabric screens. This had a negative impact on its operation; the remote sensing containers on the side screens fell off during operation, and the screens became deformed.

Vulnerable areas

The dimensions of the turret armor of the T-72B tank have increased compared to the T-72A due to the installation of massive filler. This led to an increase in weakened areas of the tower roof.

Schemes of weakened zones of the main armor of the T-72B frontal projection: 1 - weakened zone when fired by a 100-mm BPS BM-8; 2 - weakened zone when fired by 125-mm BPS BM-26

The durability of weakened zones is significantly lower than the durability of the main armor parts, so they are penetrated from long distances and with a large reserve of armor penetration, which leads to severe, often irreversible damage to the combat vehicle. As shown by shelling tests on the hull and turret of the T-72B tank, carried out with BM-26 shells with armor penetration of 200 mm of medium-hard steel armor at an angle of 60° from a distance of 2 km and BM-22 shells with armor penetration of 170 mm/60° from 2 km, weakened zones made their way from distances:
Driver's area (by midline weakened zone) - 1,700 m.
Tower roof - 3,700 m.
Commander's hatch - 3,900 m.
The zone weakened by the gun trunnions is 1,650 m.

The gun embrasure is protected only from a 12.7 mm B-32 armor-piercing bullet from a distance of 100 m.

Dynamic protection

Increased resistance against cumulative ammunition was achieved by installing a mounted dynamic protection complex. There are 227 containers installed on the tank, of which 61 are on the hull, 70 are on the turret, and 96 are on the side screens.

Moreover, the containers are installed directly on the tower without giving them an angle that ensures the most efficient operation of the remote sensing system.

It is known that the effectiveness of the impact of the dynamic protection device on the cumulative jet significantly depends on the angle of impact of the cumulative jet with the container. At meeting angles (the angle measured from the normal to the surface of the container) of 60...70 degrees, the greatest efficiency of the influence of movement is achieved metal plates container onto a cumulative jet.

At meeting angles close to the normal to the container surface, the device loses most of its effectiveness and, as a rule, cannot protect the main armor barrier from a cumulative jet. As a result, the effectiveness of the remote sensing system installed on the tower was significantly reduced.

Built-in universal remote sensing “Kontakt-5”

Since 1988, built-in dynamic protection has been used on production T-72B tanks.Tanks equipped with built-in Kontakt-5 dynamic protection, according to the Steel Research Institute, provide protection against the M829 armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile.

Installation of dynamic protection on the tower: 1, 2 - blocks; 3, 4, 12, 16 - covers; 5 - M8 bolt; 6 - M16 bolt; 7 - bonk; 8 - M12 bolt; 9 - gasket; 10 - dynamic protection element; 11 - body; 13 - bulletproof strip; 14 - axis; 15 - cotter pin.

Installation of dynamic protection on the bow plate of the tank: 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - sections of dynamic protection; 9, 10 - covers; 11 - element;

12 - pallet; 13 - nut, 14 - screw; 15 - rubber stop; 16, 20 - plug; 17 - spring washer; 18 - bolt; 19 - gasket

Installation of dynamic protection on board: 1 - screens; 2 - side shields; 3 - loop; 4 - pallet; 5 - armor cover; 5th element; 7 - plug;

8 - bolt; 9 - torsion bar; 10 - stopper axis; 11 - bracket; 12 - spring cotter pin; 13 - bar; 14 - axis.

Mobility

The tank is equipped with the V-84-1 engine, which is a modernization of the previously used V-46-6 engine. Both engines are interchangeable in installation.

The V-84-1 engine is distinguished by increased power, additional inertial charging due to the division of each intake manifold into two sections and piston configuration.

The V-84-1 engine is multi-fuel, the main fuel is diesel. The engine also runs on T-1, T-2 and TS-1 fuels, low-octane gasoline.

The engine is installed in the power compartment of the tank perpendicular to its longitudinal axis on a foundation welded to the bottom. The engine feet are attached to the foundation with eight bolts and nuts. The first left bolt and nut are elongated. Shims of varying thicknesses can be installed under the feet to help center the toe of the engine crankshaft with the guitar's drive gear.

Starting is carried out using an electric starter, a system air launch, as well as from an external current source or from a tug. For emergency starting of a cold engine in winter, there is an intake air heating system.

A mechanical planetary transmission consists of an input gearbox, two final drives and two final drives.

The suspension system uses an individual torsion bar suspension with lever-blade type hydraulic shock absorbers on the 1st, 2nd and 6th suspension units of each side. The track roller disks are made of aluminum alloy. The track rollers have external rubber lining, and the support rollers have internal shock absorption. To protect the caterpillar from being thrown off when the tank turns, restrictive disks are welded to the drive wheels.

The total capacity of the fuel system with two barrels with a capacity of 275 liters. is 1750 l. The capacity of the internal fuel tanks is 705 liters.

Fuel supply system: 1 -right bow tank; 2.4 - filler necks; 3, 6, 7, 11, 14 - external tanks; 5 - front tank rack; 8 -heater fuel pump; 9 - fuel filterheater; 10 - shut-off valve for external tanks; 12 -expansion tank; 13 - float valve; 15 - adapter for connecting barrels; 16 - equipment for connecting barrels; 17 - barrels; 18 - nozzle; 19 - high pressure pipeline; 20 - pipeline for combined drainage of fuel from the injectors; 21 - fuel pump NK-12M; 22 - fine fuel filter; 23 - fuel pump NTP-46; 24 - middle tank rack; 25 - coarse fuel filter; 26 - left bow tank; 27 - manual fuel priming pump; 28 -fuel priming pump BCN-1; 29 - fuel distribution valve; 30 - drain fitting; 31 - air release valve; 32, 36 - hoses; 33 - fitting; 34 - sludge drain hose; 35 - tee; 37 - fuel meter

Means of communication

The tank is equipped with equipment for underwater driving, allowing it to overcome water obstacles up to five meters deep and about 1000 meters wide. The tank uses the Paragraph communications equipment complex, which includes a VHF radio station R-173, a radio receiver R-173P, a block of antenna filters and a laryngophone amplifier. The radio station operates in the frequency range 30-76 MHz and has a memory device that allows ten communication frequencies to be prepared in advance. It provides a communication range of at least 20 km both on the spot and while moving over moderately rough terrain.

Performance characteristics T-72B

During the recent tank biathlon competition at the Alabino training ground, the main focus was on the original sport. However, the event program included other events. Thus, at one of the sites of the training ground, a display of Russian armored vehicles currently in use by the troops took place. Among other exhibits at this small exhibition was a new modification of the T-72 tank, called T-72B3. It should be noted that this model of combat vehicle was presented to the general public for the first time. Prior to this, people interested in armored vehicles, but not directly related to the armed forces or industry, had to be content with only general information and a set of photographs.

As eyewitnesses note, the new T-72B3 tank did not cause much excitement among the guests of the event. The T-90A standing nearby attracted much more attention. In addition, probably not all of the equipment present at the display were able to identify the model of the tank by its appearance. Since the T-72B3 is a relatively simple upgrade of the T-72B tank, created in the late eighties, the appearance of these armored vehicles differs only in a few small details. However, even such “little things” can have a noticeable impact on the characteristics and capabilities of a combat vehicle.

The T-72B3 project was created as a way to budget modernize the existing fleet of T-72B tanks and therefore has a number of characteristic features. The cost of upgrading one old tank to the T-72B3 state, according to available data, does not exceed 52 million rubles. At the same time, most of the finances (about 30 million) are spent on the overhaul of the combat vehicle, and the remaining funds are spent on the purchase and installation of new equipment.

During the overhaul and modernization, the serial tank model T-72B, when converted to T-72B3, receives a number of new devices. First of all, it is necessary to note the new multi-channel gunner's sight "Sosna-U". This device allows the gunner to find targets using optical and thermal imaging channels. In addition, Sosna-U is equipped with a laser rangefinder and an anti-tank missile control system. Thus, with the help of only one device, the gunner can perform several functions necessary in combat. Unfortunately, when creating the T-72B3 project, tank designers used an ambiguous or even controversial technical solution. The external units of the Sosna-U sight are placed inside a lightly armored casing that protects them from bullets and shrapnel. IN stowed position The front window of the casing is closed with a lid. The latter is attached to the casing using bolts. Because of this, before firing, the crew must leave the vehicle and manually remove the sight cover. Covers of the sight casing on domestic tanks usually equipped with devices that allow them to be opened from the crew's workplace. For what reason such an original but strange solution was used in the T-72B3 project is unknown.

As for the gunner's sight 1A40-1, which was used on the base model of the T-72B, it remained in its place on the new armored vehicle, but now serves as an additional means of aiming the gun. The tank commander's workplace is equipped with a TKN-3MK device with the "Double" system. Thanks to the use of these means, the commander also gets the opportunity to aim the gun and fire.

The driving performance of the T-72B3 tank remained at the same level as that of the T-72B. The fact is that in order to reduce the cost of modernization, it was decided to leave the power plant without any changes. During repairs and re-equipment, the T-72B3 retains the V-84-1 diesel engine with an output of 840 horsepower. At the same time, the chassis and tracks underwent some changes. The latter now have a parallel hinge, which is expected to improve performance and increase service life.

The specific nature of the modernization of T-72B tanks to the “B3” level, which implies large expenses for major repairs of equipment, affected the level of protection. Thus, the hull of the updated tanks still has built-in dynamic protection of the Kontakt-5 type. According to some reports, the T-72B3 could receive new protection “Relic”, but in the future it was decided to leave the system used previously.

However, the overall level of protection of the T-72B3 tank has increased slightly compared to similar parameters of the base vehicle. Previously, the T-72B tanks used an active-passive night sight, which in some operating modes used the L-4A “Luna” infrared searchlight. The T-72B3 does not have a searchlight due to the use of a new sight with a night channel. The space to the right of the gun mantlet, which was previously occupied by a searchlight, on the new tank is covered by an explosive reactive armor module. This made it possible to solve the long-standing problem of fully protecting the frontal projection of the tank turret. However, the use of the old Kontakt-5 dynamic protection raises relevant questions about general level protection.

The armament complex of the T-72B3 tank has undergone minimal changes. The 2A46-5 launcher gun received an updated automatic loader, modified to use new ammunition. The gun itself, as far as is known, remained the same. Also, the anti-aircraft machine gun mount was not finalized. The updated tank, like previous models, is equipped with an open turret with an NSV machine gun. According to some reports, a remotely controlled machine gun installation, with which the crew could fire without leaving the fighting compartment, became a “victim” of cutting the cost of modernization.

As a result of the conversion of T-72B tanks into T-72B3, their combat potential increases, but the difference in the capabilities of the basic and modified vehicles can give rise to serious disputes. Major repairs and installation of new equipment can have an impact on the condition of equipment and tank forces as a whole. On the other hand, the use of not the newest and most advanced devices in combination with a number of ambiguous solutions (a sight window cover or an open machine gun turret) in some situations can completely neutralize all existing advantages. However, the selected devices and ideas fit into the estimate determined by the customer. Thus, the T-72B3 actually represents a compromise between price and capabilities, adjusted for the state of the tank forces and the upcoming appearance of new equipment.

Based on materials from sites:
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://russianarms.mybb.ru/
http://armor.kiev.ua/
http://otvaga2004.ru/