T-80 rubber flaps - Part 3
Over half a year ago, I promised to write an article about T-80 rubber flaps and their purpose, which would have completed the trifecta article collection: T-80 aerodynamic features and T-80 MBT engine air filtration and dust prevention systems . This article builds up on the T-80 aerodynamic features topic and will conclude this series. Unfortunately, I have come across zero primary sources, that directly mention the purpose of these rubber flaps, which makes it difficult to write an article with primary sources. There are 2 disputed arguments on this topic; one argument states that the flaps on the T-80s are meant to redirect airflow and reduce air contaminants like sand and dust from entering the engine. The other argument is that these flaps are used as additional protection to prematurely detonate HEAT warheads. I will discuss this topic by only talking about the presence of the flaps on T-80s. Firstly the rubber skirt, present on the lower frontal plate of T-80s. Its primary f
