T-72B(M) Main Battle Tank

Accepted in 1985 and mass-produced since 1988, the T-72B(M) MBT (Ob.187) has protection level comparative to that of the contemporary T-80U, but has a noticably poorer FCS and vision aids and is underpowered. It is the last model of the (in)famous T-72 line, because the T-72BU MBT, successor to T-72B(M), received a new designation, T-90. However, T-72B(M) tanks and older T-72s upgraded to T-72B(M) standard are the most numerous tanks fielded with the Russian military. With the current financial problems, it will likely remain in wide-spread use well into the 21st century.

In addition to the basic model, there exists the T-72BK command variant that has been fielded since 1987. The variant differs in radio and navigational equipment, as well as the presence of an auxiliary power unit.

Dimensions: L9,530/6,860 x W3,460 x H2,226 x 470 clearance Weight: 44.5 metric tons Crew: 3 Engine: 840 hp V-84-1 diesel 1 kW AB-1 aux.unit (T-72BK) Max Road Speed: 60 km/h Max X-country Speed: 45 km/h Power/Weight: 18.9 hp/tn Ground Pressure: 0.9 kg/sq.cm Range: 500 km Obstacle negotiation: Fording depth: 1.2 m on the move/5 m with OPVT (snorkel) Trench width: 2.8 m Vertical obstacle: 0.8 m Maximum gradient: 30° Weapons Main Weapon: 125mm 2A46M smoothbore Stabilization: 2E42-2 Zhasmin Rate of fire: 6-8 rounds/min Ammunition: 45 rounds (22 in carousel) Ammunition Types: APFSDS, HEAT, HEF ATGM through 125mm: 9M119M Refleks-M (AT-11 Sniper-B) Machine Guns: Coaxial PKT 7.62mm (2000 rounds) Manual AAMG mount NSVT 12.7mm (300 rounds) Smoke Screens: 8 902B 82mm mortars with 3D6/3D17 smoke grenades smoke discharger Equipment Night Vision: TPN-3-49/TPN-4 Fire Control: 1A40-1 9K120 Svir missile guidance system Onboard sights and accuracy aids: Commander: PNK-3/PNK-4 sight Gunner: 1V528 ballistic computer 1K13-49 rangefinder/sight (1K33-49 on T-72BK) laying device wind gauge Driver: TVN-4 IR night viewer Radio: R-173 R-113 + R-130 (T-72BK) Navigation: TNA-4 (T-72BK) Other: NBC, 3ETs13 Inej auto-fire-fighting equipment, self-dig-in blade, heating, KMT-6 mine clearing equipment (optional) Front & side armor laminated; front, side and top armor behind Kontakt-5 ERA Armor rating, mm RHA: Front turret 54..76cm vs APFSDS; 80..122cm vs HEAT Glacis 69±2cm vs APFSDS; 94±4cm HEAT details...