A promising variant with a big price tag

 T-80BV-RM 'Object 219M'

Based on the number of tanks of T-80B's and T-80BV's in-tank Park of the Russian Federation and the accumulated scientific and technical grazed to maintain the required level of combat readiness of armoured forces at a minimum strategy manager of funds by the specialists of JSC "Spetsmash" at the end of the first decade of the 2000s has developed a new modernization order of tanks T-80B and T-80BV. The prerequisites justifying this decision were:

• The presence of the T-80BV tank reserved for modernization by weight of about 2 tons.
• Ability to temporarily increase the power of the engine from 1250 HP to 1400 HP.
• The emergence of a computerized power plant control system
• The groundwork for a new-generation fire control system based on a digital information and control system
• Proven, unified with other tank designs of dynamic protection, as well as the development of a combination of dynamic, active and individual protection
• The appearance of a noise-proof wide-band radio station "Azart-BV" and a digital unified control and communication complex with an automated workplace of the commander, which implements the command controllability of tanks on the battlefield
• There is no need to re-manufacture a significant number of tank components (turret, hull, chassis, systems and mechanisms of the weapon systems), which reduces the cost of a tank repaired with modernization by 35-45% compared to a newly manufactured tank with equal combat effectiveness indicators.

In the developed working design documentation and the prototype of the "Object 219M" tank, measures were implemented that improve all the main characteristics of the T-80BV tank:

• firepower, security, mobility, operational characteristics, and command control.
• Firepower increased by:

1.  replacing the 2A46M-1 gun with the 2A46M-4.
2.  replacement of the 9K112 guided weapons system with the highly reliable and small-sized 9K119 complex with a laser guidance channel.

• Replacing the 1A33 fire control system with the 1A45M fire control system, which includes a modified digital control system, a serial 1G46-2 gunner's sight, a commander's TO1-KO4MDT sight with a laser range finder and a thermal imaging channel for the gunner called "PLISA". A 2E42M weapon stabilizer with digital control input, a set of sensors and an information and control system 1B558M, which provides digital control of the named components of the complex, as well as control of the components of the weapons and tank systems: loading mechanism, personal protection complex, thermal imaging gunner's sight, etc.)

The implemented measures provide a significant increase in the search and reconnaissance capabilities of both the gunner and the commander, especially at night and in difficult visibility conditions. Improved firing accuracy and the range of actual live fire increased on average when firing from the spot of the gunner by 15-20%, and from the place of the tank commander by 50-70%, depending on the type of round used.

Due to the more advanced 2A46M-4 gun, it is possible to use all types of ammunition, including the newest ones that were available at the time. It became possible to fire from an anti-aircraft machine gun with the hatch cover closed without the commander leaving the tank. This feature was not very common among the mass-produced T-80 variants, but this feature was present on the T-90 MBT.

The protection of the tank was increased by installing:

• built-in ERA named 4S23 'Relikt'. 
• An active protection system called TO8-A5-1 "Arena-E" with a sizeable angular sector of coverage against projectile threats. 
• Applications of a personal protection system with high-precision detection heads, rotary launchers for aerosol grenades.
• Mounting of the Shtora-1 laser warning system
• Equipped with an electromagnetic mine protection system
• "Nakidka" thermal masking tarp

The upper frontal plate of Object 219M with 4S23 "Relikt" ERA

These implemented modifications increased the protection of the tank from all types of munitions by 40-55% and provided a high probability of protecting the side projections of the tank from ammunition types that have a variable speed of 700 m/s. Automatic detection of tank irradiation by laser rangefinders and target designators is provided after which the high-speed aerosol jamming system blinds the corresponding channels for targeting the tank.

The mobility of the upgraded vehicle is increased due to the new 30hp/t power to weight ratio.

Improving fuel efficiency with a reduction in travel consumption by more than 10% and when in a stationary position, more than twice, as well as improving the ergonomic characteristics of the driver's compartment. This was provided by the modernization of the serial GTD-1250 gas turbine engine, which had the ability to output 1,400 HP in a special "turbo" mode setting, as well as the use of a new digital control system for the power plant based on the on-board information and control system and installation of additional sensors on the power plant unit.

Side view of Object 219M

Improving the performance of the upgraded tank was carried out by simplifying the work of the gunner and tank commander during a combat operation and maintenance due to automation of control operations, which reduced the number of controls and displays by half. In situations of combat and technical damage or crew errors, the information and control system of the 1A45M complex, generates "hints" on the displays, giving the crew recommendations on their actions for further most effective continuation of the combat mission.

Significantly simplified maintenance of the machine by performing a number of operations in automatic or semi-automatic mode. It is also possible to diagnose the condition of the equipment and instruments of the combat compartment and eliminate defects by the crew. Due to the installation of the VZU, the performance of the power plant is ensured in conditions of increased dust.

(ВЗУ) - Воздухозаборное устройство - Air Intake Device

Command control of the tank is improved by providing two-way communication of the digital system

1A45M fire control system and the digital system of the command-and-control software and hardware complex using a multiplex information exchange channel. The use of a new generation of digital communication tools as part of the software and hardware complex made it possible to automate the commander's workplace.

Commanders position in the T-80BV-RM "Object 219M"

Thanks to the implemented innovations, a qualitative increase in the effectiveness of tanks and their more advanced combat systems, and the higher-level command link in the automated mode are provided with information from the tank, which allows you to automate the setting of a combat task. Significantly improved the range, quality, stealth, and stability of digital radio communications. The tank commander was able to quickly and accurately set the combat task.

The huge potential for modernization available in T-80 tanks and the comprehensive implementation of the above-mentioned measures in the repair process qualitatively increases the military-technical level

tank and brings it closer to the level of the world's best models. This will extend the service life of tanks of this type for another 10-15 years while maintaining the required level of combat capability, which will ensure gradual re-equipment for new models of armoured weapons. 

Taken from: Russian weapons magazine "Weapons" 2017 No.10