Modernization and retrofit of discontinued tank variants

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From the end of the 1970s until the early 1980s, the Soviet Union created plans to modernize its ageing fleet of 2nd generation post-war tanks: the T-55, T-55A and T-62. The modernization programs would focus on tanks undergoing significant repairs, improving firepower, mobility, survivability and protection without significant changes to base vehicles. These vehicles would rival the Western bloc tanks such as the M48, M60, M60A1, Leopard 1 and the Chieftain Mk.2/Mk.3. Post-modernization, the T-55, T-55A and T-62 would be turned into T-55M, T-55AM and T-62M. The new modernized vehicles would rival more advanced upgrade versions of the previously mentioned Western bloc vehicles like the M60A3, Leopard 1A4 and Chieftain Mk.5.

The following upgrade features were applied to T-55, T-55A and T-62 tanks. 
  • Tank barrel thermal sleeves 
  • More powerful munitions 
  • Ability to utilize barrel-fired ATGMs to improve engagement ranges
  • New FCS with laser rangefinder, electronic ballistic computers, improved stabilisation system and other minor changes to improve combat capabilities and target engagement. 
  • Integration of passive/active IR sight for the gunner 
  • 12,7x108 NSVT-12,7 heavy machine gun
  • Improved communication systems 
  • Improved armour protection on the upper frontal plate and turret cheeks, rubber side skirts and additional anti-mine protection under the driver
  • Smoke grenade launchers
  • Improved protection against napalm attacks along with OP-2A fire prevention system
  • Improved anti-radiation protection
  • New V-55U engine
  • Revised suspension system with more dynamic roller movement, tracks with rubber pads and increased carry capacity. 

Simplified characteristics chart 

Such improvements increase the weight of newly modernized vehicles by around 3-4 tons and also decrease the power-to-weight ratio as seen in the chart above. After conducting state trials, new modernized vehicles entered service in 1983. 

References: 

  • Вестник бронетанковой техники, № 5, 1987 - "Из опыта модернизации танков, снятых с производства"
  • Тагильская школа. 80 лет в авангарде мирового танкостроения : фотоальбом / Д. Г. Колмаков

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