T-90 demonstrator and its uncommon sight

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 As previously mentioned in my earlier posts about "AGAVA-2", there was a T-90 variant that did, in fact, mount that sight. 

The year is 2000-2002, by that point, Russia made several T-90 variants, including some export variants. Those being: T-90 Obr.1992, T-90K Obr.1994, T-90S Obr.1992, T-90C Variant No.1 Obr.1992, T-90S Obr.1999, T-90SK Obr.1999, T-90S "Bhishma" Obr.2000. The mentioned variants have at some point either been exported to countries in batches, created as proposed export designs or have been sent out for tank trials. 

But Russia created another T-90S variant that came with some non-standard equipment. That being a T-90S being shown during a semi-closed demonstration of vehicles back in 2000-2002.


The tank featured its standard OEAPS "Shtora-1" but came with an unusual sight that was very rare for early T-90 and T-90S tanks. That being the TO1-PO2RT "AGAVA-2RT" thermal imaging sight. The sight itself had several different upgrade variants through time. Those being TO1-PO2, TO1-PO2T, TO1-PO2RT and TO1-PO2TI. The "TI" variant has almost no information apart from its mentions of existing at some point. There is some information regarding both T and RT variants. 


TO1-PO2T "AGAVA-2T" variant was the second major upgrade of the "AGAVA-2" series of thermal sights and saw use on different vehicles. The main users of the "T" upgrade were: Object 219E, T-80U, T-80UK and T-80UM. The main difference between the 1st variant and the "T" upgrade was the addition of a 2nd telemonitor which was given to the commander. Which enabled the commander to take control of the FCS from his position. Additionally, the 2nd monitor would duplicate the image output so both the commander and gunner would see the same video feed. The new feature allowed the commander to basically take up the same function as the commander, making overall FCS control and targetting much smoother.


And the last variant, TO1-PO2RT "AGAVA-2RT" is known to be mounted on 1 specific T-90 variant. As previously mentioned, on the T-90S demonstrator during a semi-closed showcase in 2000-2002. The sight itself was an upgrade on the already existing TO1-PO2T "AGAVA-2T" sight. Technical data and improvements are not entirely known since, by the time the sight came out, Russia was already working on the "Nocturne" sight which was an improvement on the "AGAVA-2" sight. The "RT" variant probably retained the already existing upgrades for the "T" variant and would simply add additional features or overall improvements to the entire system. Such as new electronics and the overall stability of the sight in different climates and weather conditions. 

2-3 years prior, there was a public vehicle expo named "OMSK VTTV-99". The exhibition featured a T-90S with a cast turret. Interestingly enough, the vehicle featured a familiar-looking auxiliary sight. Sadly not matching the same housing of the aforementioned TO1-PO2RT sight, but matched the same general looks of a T-90K "Object 188K" that was accepted into service on July 3rd 1994 and was produced in very small batches. The T-90K featured TO1-PO2T "AGAVA-2" as one of the sights. 

T-90K "Object 188K" with AGAVA-2 housing

T-90K during Omsk VTTV-99 vehicle expo

Considering the quality of the video camera used, it's fairly easy to identify the identical housing roof cover and its distinct bent shape, the placement of the main optics lens and the height of both sights. 

Omsk VTTV-99 clip of T-90 with AGAVA-2

Lastly, sight abbreviations are also quite interesting to talk about. These are only assumptions as to what the upgrade letters might have stood for since the full names were never released. 
TO1-PO2T "AGAVA-2T" as mentioned earlier the upgrade primarily featured a 2nd monitor which would be operated by the commander. Giving both turret crewmembers full control over the used FCS 1A45T, making the whole control scheme work in Tandem, where both crewmembers can operate on targetting and observation. This leads to thinking that "T" stands for Tandem. Or that the sight itself was paired with the 1A45T FCS and the T was carried over for both FCS and thermal imaging sight. 
TO1-PO2RT upgrade, being based on the TO1-PO2T variant, "R" could only be related to the actual upgrade and what it offered. Since it makes sense to give an abbreviation for a substantial upgrade. 


Taken from: "TankoMaster" - Special Release 2002 "T-90 Russia's first serial production tank"


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