50 years of the T-80

The most recent UVZ publication, celebrating 50 years of the T-80, showed several interesting sightings and additions.  

This variant of T-80U-E1 has a retrofitted hull that integrates Relikt. The combination of an existing T-80U-E1 turret with a Relikt integrated hull is interesting, even though Relikt integration is nothing new on older T-80 hulls, such as the T-80BV. Another minor detail is the presence of anti-slip coating on the ERA hull. 

Apart from the more obvious points, the presence of thicker rubber flaps around the turret geometry is something worth discussing. They seem to be twice the size of the original rubber flaps and are much thicker, having the layers bolted together. 

The layered composition is hard to identify in the original video, but it resembles the old flap design, with more layers. It is hard to say why the edges are bolted down. The old design was thermally bonded into aramid-style woven material, which provided rigidity and temperature resistance. These new flaps may be just 3 seperate flaps held together with bolts. They seem to have some sort of flexibility, but this comes from the greater weight. 

Having written about the rubber flaps on the T-80U and their aerodynamic purpose, the thicker version changes the modern rhetoric. With added thickness, their effectiveness against chemical warhead munitions has increased, providing more protection. 

Some new additions can also be spotted on T-80BVM tanks. The presence of handrails for more ergonomic access along the entire hull. Or they could be for fastening ERA containers, which is unconfirmed, but could be a viable assumption. 

Lastly, the commander's HMG has received a ballistic shield addon, which protects the commander in the frontal and side arcs. It is unknown how thick the metal plates are and what they are rated to stop, but they provide an additional layer of protection for crews situated outside the fighting compartment. 

Taken from: 

• UralVagonZavod Official VK Page - Link