T-64A with 3x 'Strela-3' MANPADS

The usage of the "Strela" MANPADS was heavily widespread within motorized unit, tank battalions, and anti-aircraft missile platoons. These special platoons would defend against air-based targets like helicopters and aircraft. At the time, several MBT variants would field 12,7mm anti-aircraft guns, such as the "Утёс" ("Utos" - Cliff), that would be operated by the commander of the vehicle, In the case of the 'Utos', the commander had to manually operate the heavy MG by exposing himself to the potential danger in the battlefield.   

Throughout the years, 'Strela' underwent several modifications, varying from an improved thermal seeker head, which allowed the missile to operate better in cloudy conditions. Later modifications such as the 'Strela-2M' would offer a greater range of about 4000m. 

Of course, these upgrades continued beyond simply improving the actual MANPADS. In 1971 "KB-60" (Design Bureau 60) considered the idea of mounting the 'Strela' system on a T-64A tank. In theory, the idea of installing such a system would greatly improve the tank's ability to defend itself from potential threats from the air. 

Proposed design to mount 'Strela-3' system on a T-64A tank

This concept would greatly improve the range of anti-air capabilities, to 4500 meters against air targets. The 'Strela-3' system would offer reasonable elevation angles from -5° to +50° allowing it to hit air targets that are positioned higher up. With the installation being mounted on a new mount in the rear of the turret, the system can rotate 360° independently from the tank's turret.

Due to the system being lightweight, the whole complex mounted on the tank would weigh 80kg. 

Sadly this concept wasn't approved as a mainstream upgrade, which resulted in the next vehicle variants using the standard 12,7mm anti-aircraft guns, which would either be operated manually such as on T-72 variants or be controlled remotely such as on late T-64A variants and T-64B variants.  


 References used: Bastion