The T-72M1M with Arena APS was only shown once during the Russian Arms Expo in 2002, Lower Tagil. It was a modernized T-72M1 that featured the latest technological advancements at the time. While primarily being offered as an export variant, it was also considered that the vehicles modernization package would also be offered to nations that already have T-72M1 and want to upgrade them.
This vehicle featured several major improvements over baseline T-72M1 tanks. The first major improvement was its Fire-control-system. Previously installed TPN1-49-23 gunners night sight was replaced with a multi-channel thermal sight with an integrated laser rangefinder and ATGM guidance channel. Having the ability to guide ATGMs the vehicle also came with the 9K119 ATGM complex. The old TPDK-1 gunner's sight was not replaced but was used as an auxiliary sight in the case the main multi-channel sight fails. T-72M1M also improved on the T-72M1 by featuring a ballistics computer and automatic target tracking.
The commanders previous TKN-3 day-night observation device was replaced with the PNK-4M observation device that featured independent vertical plane stabilization. For command override, the commander received his own duplication screen that was linked to the gunner's multi-channel thermal sight.
The T-72M1s 2E28M 2-plane electrohydraulic stabilizer was replaced with a 2-plane stabiliser with electromechanical horizontal drives and electrohydraulic vertical drives.
T-72M1 units came with a 902A "Tucha" smoke launcher system, the T-72M1M replaced this system with the TShU-1 laser warning system with automatic smoke launcher deployment, a system that is still present on T-90 tanks.
The driver position also received new navigation equipment, instead of the old GPK-59 a digital satellite navigation system was installed.
Communication equipment was improved, the old R-123 radio station was replaced with R-163-50U or R-168-25U radiostations and R-163UP or R-168UP radio receivers.
One of the major additions is the Arena APS, utilizing the Doppler effect to detect and track incoming threats such as HEAT-FS rounds and ATGMs. The countermeasure charges are placed behind the ERA mounts on the turret. Each individual charge has its own angular sector which it covers when being deployed to counter an inbound threat.
Due to the vehicle being offered as an export variant, customers who would be interested in buying said units had the ability to customize their vehicle. Customers could change their weapon systems, protection systems, communication systems and change the suspension of the vehicle. The FCS, engine and main armour enhancements like ERA came standard with the modernization package.
Red circle: standard configuration of modernization package - Green circle: additional upgrade options for customers to choose from.
The T-72M1M in its standard configuration weighs 45 tons, while the T-72M1 weighs 43 tons. The additional weight of the vehicle does not matter as much, because customers can choose either a V-84MS 840hp engine or a V-92S2 1000hp engine.
References used: Том 7. Бронетанковое вооружение и техника - 2003 - "Tom 7. Armored weapons and equipment - 2003"
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