New T-72B3M modernization batch

-


A live news report was published recently, covering the work process of the 130th Factory Assembly hall (Lower Tagil). The video report showcased the assembly of new T-90M and T-72B3M tanks. At first glance, UVZs aim is to unify certain features across several MBT variants.  

One of the first notable changes is the integration of a spring-loaded housing for the thermal sight, which was previously present as a standard feature on BMPTs and T-90M variants exclusively. 

Another significant change, additional ERA bricks have been placed in parallel with the gun barrel. These ERA bricks traverse together with the gun and seem to protect the mantlet and breech. Two additional ERA bricks were placed next to the upper mantlet part to protect the weakspot from potential top attacks. This design choice might have been influenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Along with the reactive protective measures, UVZ seems to have integrated several short antennas mounted on the left and right sides of the turret. It is worth speculating that these could be for a new electronics suite or communication package. 

1: unified front mudguards and barrel mounted ERA, 2: antenna, 3: spring-loaded sight housing

ERA bricks placed along the barrel and 1 ERA brick placed next to the mantlet. 

As previously mentioned the unification of features includes more changes. UVZ has integrated the same front mudguards onto the T-72B3M as on the T-90M. 

2: horizontally placed ERA bricks mounted to the gun barrel, 3: additional ERA slab to protect bare armour point above coaxial MG, 4: antenna

T-90M 

It is rumoured that the unified mudguards have ERA slabs inserted to add additional front arc protection against KE and CHEM munitions. 


UVZ also has added ERA protection around the commander's tower, protecting some of the weaker cast armour spots. 


Lastly, a 2x2 ERA brick layout has been mounted over the left smoke dispenser array, an almost identical design choice as on the T-80BV. 


Taken from: UVZ VK

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"AGAVA" - "AGAVA-2" and its confusing history

-
Image
When covering Soviet sight technology there are always some interesting designs and approaches to solving an issue. It is a common fact that the Soviet Union in the 1980s-1990s was quite behind in thermal sight technology. Only in the 1990s, but to be specific in 1992, the Soviet Union now Russia started to field small batches of thermal sights on their tanks, primarily T-80Us and some of the early T-90 variants, which just recently entered service. Russia's journey through creating its own domestic thermal sight traces back to 1982.  The 1980s were quite an important time for the 'Krasnogorsk Factory named after S.A Zverev', which is still to date an Optical Engineering and Optoelectronics factory. The factory is primarily known for making domestic Soviet cameras back in the day. However, that's not the only thing that the factory has produced back then.  Close to the mid-1980s, the facility was contracted to develop new thermal sight technology for the Soviet Ministry...
Read more

T-90A - a short history of sights

-
Image
  In 2004, the T-90A (Object 188A1) tank joined the Russian armed forces. It included many fire control system upgrades, a new welded turret, and improved mobility. The T-90A Obr. 2004 tank was fitted with a T01-K05 Buran-M Obr. 2004 3rd generation night vision sight, which improved over the previous T01-K01 Buran-PA sight from the T-90 Obr. 1992. --Picture of T-90A with Buran-M Obr. 2004-- In 2005, the tank received an upgrade for the sight, which became T01-K05 Buran-M Obr. 2005, with noticeable differences in the sight's housing. --Picture of T-90A with Buran-M Obr. 2005-- --Picture of T-90A diagram with Buran-M Obr. 2005-- --Picture of two T-90As, one with Obr. 2004 and one with Obr. 2005 Buran-M sights-- Above: T-90A with Buran-M Obr. 2004 sight, and behind it, T-90A with Buran-M Obr. 2005 sight. In 2006, the T-90A had to be brought to more modern standards, so the production of this model with new second-generation thermal imaging sight began. The sight was named ESSA, wh...
Read more

Object 490 "Тополь" - "Poplar"

-
Image
      The project of a promising tank developed in the 1980s by E.A. Morozov. Object 490 "Тополь" - "Poplar" mockup                          The design had some primary characteristics which are worth mentioning. A crew consisting of two people - the gunner commander and the driver.  Reducing the crew to two and placing them in a compact, well-protected capsule.  The use of a hydropneumatic suspension.  In addition to solving the main task - increasing average speeds by improving the smoothness characteristic, it makes it possible to control the tank's clearance, which increases the manoeuvrability and survivability in battle.  In addition, the controlled hydropneumatic suspension by changing the trim of the machine allows you to increase the gun pointing angles in the vertical plane. Reducing the crew to two people and placing them in a compact, well-protected capsule with the ...
Read more