James Bingham - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
14 August 2017
Ukraine’s defence export agency UkroBoronProm has
unveiled a new upgraded variant of the T-72 main battle tank (MBT) known as the
T-72AMT. Developed as a private venture by the Kiev Armoured Plant, the new
design incorporates a number of lethality, survivability and systems
enhancements. Testing of this upgraded version is due to begin by the end of
August.
The T-72AMT has been adapted to fire the 125 mm Kombat
(Combat) gun-fired laser-guided missile, which is capable of penetrating 550 mm
of armour itself protected by explosive reactive armour (ERA). Equipped with a
tandem warhead, the missile is also operable with Ukraine’s BM Oplot and T-84
MBTs and is guided by the gunner using semi-automatic command to line-of-sight
guidance. The sighting and guidance unit for this is mounted on the top of the
turret, to the left side of the main gun sight.
Slat armour is mounted around the rear of the turret, as
well as on the rear portion of the vehicle, providing additional protection for
the engine, transmission and other components against shaped-charge weapons
such as rocket-propelled grenades. Nozh (Knife) ERA is mounted over the front
of the tank using linear-shaped charges to degrade the impact of incoming
shaped-charge anti-tank projectiles.
Original post: janes.com
TANK T-72 AMT: KYIV ARMORED PLANT IMPLEMENTS COMBAT
EXPERIENCE IN ATO ZONE
14.08.2017
UKKROBORONPROM SE "Kiev Armored Plant" – using
net working capital – developed T-72A modernization up to T-72AMT. In the given
sample, maximum attention was paid to experience, Ukrainian troops received in
the ATO zone. This allowed to make the vehicle more protected and efficient.
During the ATO, UOP armored plants transferred 130
restored and modernized T-72 tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The given
vehicle effectively oppose Russian military equipment, aimed at strengthening
of the terrorists in the East of our country.
Specialists of the "Kyiv Armored Plant"
reinforced T-72AMT with new generation dynamic protection – "Knife",
which is already used in Bulat and Oplot tanks. This dynamic protection negates
enemy’s HEAT and KEP – the main means for destroying tanks. It is also
effective against EFP.
For additional protection, T-72 AMT is equipped with
anti-cumulative gratings, "cutting" HEAT and protecting the most
vulnerable zones of the tank. Effectiveness of such protection has been
repeatedly proved during combat operations, not only in the ATO zone, but also
worldwide.
The tank is equipped with night vision devices with modern
third-generation image intensifiers, installed for all crew members. In
addition, the gunner received night vision sight, allowing to fire GM
"Combat". The given GM is developed by UOP SE “State Kyiv Design
Bureau “Luch”; it has a semi-automatic guidance by laser beam and can penetrate
750 mm armor at the distance of 5 km; tandem main part allows to overcome
dynamic protection. "Combat" power is enough to destroy even the most
protected enemy tanks.
New digital radio stations from the Turkish company Aselsan
and Ukrainian "Lybid K2" will not only enhance communication quality,
but also will protect it. Besides, these radio stations allow tank crews to
maintain direct contact with infantry units, which is of great importance for
battlefield interaction. In addition, T-72AMT modification received modern
satellite navigation equipment. Improvement of the crew environment is another
aspect of modernization. Even an ordinary rear view camera greatly facilitates
driver’s work.
"We made this T-72 AMT modification, basing on the
needs and experience of Ukrainian fighters. And we did it at the expense of our
plant, with the intention to make the most efficient use of available spares.
At "Kiev Armored Plant", as well as at other UOP enterprises, we
constantly cooperate with the military, we established dialog and an exchange
of ideas. Today T-72 AMT is transferred to one of the military units of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine. On the Independence Day, this combat vehicle will be
demonstrated in the center of Kiev, where everyone will have a chance to see
it. After the official part, T-72 AMT will be sent to a special proving ground,
where appropriate tests will be conducted to test all the systems ", –
said the director of the plant Vadim Shkavro. Source
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