General Main Battle Tank Technology Thread:

Mike E wrote:I have come up with an idea...why don't we all name our favorite *non-Russian* modification of the T-72 (I'm bored xD). 

For some reason, to me, the M-84 has always seemed to be a solid vehicle. As such it, namely the M-95D and M-90 Vihor would have to be my personal favorite.

flamming_python wrote:Always had a soft-spot for the PT-91 variants

PT-91Ex Twardy
The PT-91Ex grew out of the PT-91Z Hardy and the PT-91E, both of which resulted in the PT-91M Pendekar that was sold to Malaysia. As a result, the PT-91Ex is very similar to the PT-91M Pendekar, though technologically more advanced. The PT-91Ex is equipped with a French-designed Savan-15 fire control system that offers more advanced ballistic computers. The powerpack is similar to that of the PT-91A, an S-1000R with a fully automatic transmission. A new communication system has been installed. The weapons have been changed to a more advanced 125mm 2A46MS gun with an FN MAG coaxial and an M-2HB commander’s machinegun. The PT-91Ex has a GPS system with an inertial navigation backup.

Other improvements includes slightly heavier armor, an updated laser warning system, more advanced Erawa-3 2nd generation ERA, German-designed Wegmann grenade launchers on either side of the turret (same capabilities), and German-designed tracks. The PT-91Ex gives the commander has his own sensor head that gives the tank a hunter-killer capability. The PT-91Ex has a Battlefield Management System as is present on many of the more modern tanks; this allows the PT-91Ex to keep track of friendly and enemy units, receive and transmit situation information, and send and receive updated orders and requirements. The PT-91Ex has a 2kW APU for use in silent watch operations, and an NBC overpressure system.

PT-91Ex Twardy
The basic model of the PT-91Ex tank is a midweight vehicle with the overall weight of 47.5 tons. Its crew is made up of three soldiers. The on-board equipment of that tank is more advanced and updated as compared to the PT-91 Twardy model, which is the outcome of development efforts carried out by native industry in collaboration with foreign entities.

The PT-91Ex tank is provided with a series of up-to-date systems that improve its operational efficiency on modern battlefields, including the Power-pack integrated driving unit, APU generator of electricity that enables to on-board systems to operate independently on power supplied by the main driving unit and a large turret basket for auxiliary equipment of the tank crew.

The advanced Shooting Management System implemented to the PT-91Ex tank facilitates the gunner and the tank commander to shoot the gun and to reduce the time between aiming the target and firing the gun with consideration to weather conditions that affect accuracy of shooting. It is the solution that improves efficiency of the gun fire in both day and night times from stand-by position and in motion.

Capabilities and features of the system:

observation of the surrounding area both in day and night times;

thermovision images for both day and night observations;

measurement of the distance to the target both in day and night times;

stabilization of the aiming system in two axes for both the cannon and the coupled machine gun;

firing the cannon;

firing the machine gun.

stabilization of the cannon aiming to the target

The modern driving system with the Power-pack arrangement makes it possible to improve traction properties of the tank and facilitates its operation with such benefits as the tank ability to spin on spot (turning radius of B/2), increased ratio between the engine power and the vehicle weight as well as easier and faster maintenance of the driving unit with quick full replacement of it.

KLW-1 ASTERIA thermal camera
Cooled thermal camera KLW-1 operating in 8-12 μm – MCT detector of III generation, screen resolution 640x512 pixels.

The camera may be used in:
• systems controlling on-board armament firing,
• surveillance and recognition systems.

Distinctive features of the product:
• high quality of cooled detector of III generation,
• choice of fi eld of the analysis of image automation system.

Serbia Develops State-of-the-Art, Armata-Style Battle Tank
17:25 10.07.2015

Serbia has presented a concept of the М-20UP-1, the country's "tank of the future", at the Partner 2015 military exhibition in Belgrade. Designers said that they were inspired by the Russian-made Armata tank when developing the М-20UP-1, according to the Serbian news website Vecernje Novosti Online.

The project cost of the production of one M-20UP-1 stands at five million euros.
Goran Stojanovic, head of the working group to develop the tank, said that the М-20UP-1 will not compete with the Armata tank.

"Our tank will be closer to the [Russian-made] T-90 tank in terms of combat capabilities. We are short of money, and our economic potential is not developed enough to let us compete with the Russians. But by using a design [resembling] those of advanced tanks across the world, we have developed the weapon of the future: cheap, modern and efficient," Stojanovic said.

As in the T-14 Armata battle tank, the М-20UP-1's crew of three is securely enclosed in a multi-layer armored capsule, separated from the ammunition container.

The Serbian tank also features an unmanned, digitally controlled turret, which is remotely controlled by a crew member located in the aforementioned capsule.

The tank's 125mm smooth-bore gun is also digitally operated from the capsule via high-resolution cameras. The turret carries a total of 48 rounds of ammunition, including ready-to-use ones. The gun can also fire laser-guided missiles.

The М-20UP-1 is equipped with electric transmission, which engineers said will help significantly reduce the power loss and will add to the tank's stealth characteristics.

It reportedly took eight months to finalize the М-20UP-1, which was developed both by young and veteran Serbian engineers, who were engaged in the creation of the M-84 battle tank.

Serbian M-84AB1 main battle tank offers same protection and fire power as Russian T-90 MBT.
International Fair of Armaments and Defence Equipment 23 - 26 June 2015 Belgrade, Serbia

The M-84AB1, the latest upgrade of M-84 MBT (Main Battle Tank) series in service with the Serbian armed forces offer the same level of protection and fire power as the Russian-made main battle tank T-90. The M-84AB1 is fitted with active optoelectronic protection system - SOFTKILL, based on integration of laser detection device, radar detection device and smoke grenade launcher with efficient smoke grenade in the visible spectrum, IR, thermal and milimeter radar spectra.

Model M-84 AB1 represents the last - the actual variant of modern combat tank which development is based on the modification and modernization of the basic version M-84 i.e. M-84 AB.

The upgrade has improved a main tank performance parameters: fire power, protection and maneuverability, as well as has improved tank combat readiness and reliability and gives a new features and performances regarding possibility for MBT integration in to modern network-centric battlefield.

The main armament of the M-84AB1 consists of an improved 125-mm smoothbore gun which uses a carousel automatic loader. Second armament includes one Remotely Controlled Weapon Station armed with a 7.62mm machine gun.

The M-84AB1 is equipped with a new fire control system (FCS) which enables rapid preparation for fire engagement, high accuracy in range measurement and high first round kill probability either in motion or standstill, both day and night. The new FCS solution enables the commander to take the gunner’s role in case of emergency and to fire at selected targets.

Standard armour of the M-84AB1 includes explosive-reactive armor of second generation providing far better protection against heat and subcaliber projectiles.

To increase its self-protection, the M-84AB1 is fitted with the Shtora, an electro-optical active protection system designed to disrupt the laser target designation and rangefinders of incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

The M-84AB1 is also equipped with the UORZ, an advanced digital broadband band radar warning receiver which automatically detects, identifies and alerts the crew to each threat. It determines the emitter’s direction and mode of operation such as search, track and missile guidance. As a part of a threat warning system, it is central hub for integrating other Electronic Warfare (EW) sensors and countermeasures.

M-84AB1 main battle tank at Partner 2015 defense exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia.

UORZ -Radar warning and direction finding system

The UORZ is an advanced digital radar warning receiver (ADRWR) that automatically detects, identifies and alerts the crew to each threat. It determines the emitter’s direction and mode of operation such as search, track and missile guidance. As a part of a threat warning system, it is central hub for integrating other Electronic Warfare (EW) sensors and countermeasures.

The UORZ can be rapidly deployed and can operate as a portable unit, or a stationary fixed based operation, or mounted on a different platform/vehicle, such as ground surveillance vehicle, tanks, radar stations... Because of its law weight, it is very capable, compact system suited to low-fliers such as helicopters and transport aircraft where engagement ranges can be short, and rapid reaction is required.

The UORZ identifies emitters and systems by matching measured data to a pre-loaded, user-controlled library initiating warnings and countermeasures, if necessary. Recordings of the intercepts can be stored for post mission analysis and updating of central database.

The UORZ lightweight equipment provides proven situational awareness and self-protection capability. With a virtual 100% probability of intercept and rapid time to intercept, UORZ is as ideally suited to today’s low altitude, short range engagements as it is to long range engagements. Using its system controller, UORZ has been shown to co-ordinate integrated sensors and countermeasures to provide full protection to the platform and crew. With an extensive emitter and tactics programming capability, as well as the ability to record the electromagnetic environment, UORZ is truly adaptive to today’s battlefield providing vital protection and engagement intelligence.

PP1200 main battle tank powerpack unit

ENGINE V46-TK-1
Engine V46-TK-1 is also a multi-fuel, four-stroke Diesel engine with direct injection, turbo-charger and autonomous air intercooling, developed based on certain re-designing of V46-TK engine and integration of new (improved) units for fuel and air supply, lubrication and cooling. These improvements led to the engine rated power of 882 kW.  

Air supply system
Air filters are the same as the filters for V46-TK engine, and the system consists of a cyclone dust separator and dry (fine) filter. Dust from the cyclon part is continually discharged during engine operation, and the dry filter allows for easy and reliable regeneration.
Turbo-chargers remained the same, and some adjustments were made in the exhaust system design and charger drive in order to achieve high engine efficency and flexibility in torque.

Air intercooler is an integral part of the engine. It is highly compact and its most advanced technology provides for high efficiency and low resistance. The air is cooled with water from an independent unit, separated from the engine cooling system. This system includes a pump for forced water circulation and coolers which are packed together with other coolers in the transmission compartment cover. This way the engine gets low temperature air, which increases engine power without the increase of thermal loads.

Fuel injection unit
High pressure pump P-507 is a modern compact pump, made by modification of P-505 pump. It allows for greater fuel quantites and high pressure injections, which is one of the prerequisites for higher engine power and efficiency.
The pump drive has been fully re-designed to achieve more precise injection.

Lubrication unit
The lubrication unit concept has been re-designed only in the filter section. The filters are now integreted with the engine, while the other assemblies remained unchanged, as in V-46 TK engine.
                     
Cooling unit
The new cooling unit with two fans is compact, small and light. Heat exchanges of all working agents - for cooling, engine and transmission oil and engine air – are integrated in a common housing making a unique modular pack with the fan spirals.
The pack has been designed for application on this modular power pack with this engine, and has reliable operation in all operating modes at temperatures of -30 to +530C.

Regular wrote:Tank and ifv is quality but is few. North Kim tank attack easy win

Werewolf wrote:

Regular wrote:Tank and ifv is quality but is few. North Kim tank attack easy win

higurashihougi wrote:

Werewolf wrote:

Regular wrote:Tank and ifv is quality but is few. North Kim tank attack easy win

I don't pay high regards to South Korean K1 or even K2 and even JPN Type 10 or Type 90.

These tank are very big, as big as Leopard 2, but is 10 tons lighter. That means they have roughly 10 tons less armour.

A big tank means huge amount of surface area means very thin armour. Especially the turret where the armour should have been thickest. SK and JPN turrets are much much bigger than Russian-type North Kim turret.

higurashihougi wrote:

Werewolf wrote:

Regular wrote:Tank and ifv is quality but is few. North Kim tank attack easy win

I don't pay high regards to South Korean K1 or even K2 and even JPN Type 10 or Type 90.

These tank are very big, as big as Leopard 2, but is 10 tons lighter. That means they have roughly 10 tons less armour.

A big tank means huge amount of surface area means very thin armour. Especially the turret where the armour should have been thickest. SK and JPN turrets are much much bigger than Russian-type North Kim turret.

Werewolf wrote:Just because Leopard 2 weights 10 tons more does not automatically equate it to armor, there are many things on tanks that need weight and even that kind of armor is just a flimsy thing just like the Leo2's turret side armor, non existent to be precise even WW2 Panzerschreck will go through it like through butter.

K2 follow Ru tank design

K1 never ERA or APS. but K2 do

Werewolf wrote:Every tank follows russian/soviet tank designs since decades.
Angled armor non existent on german tanks, later adjusted to what others have done before.
Following russian composite armor use rather than RHA or HHA steel, APS, ERA, smoothbore gun, APFSDS, GLATGM, autoloaders and more all follow the russian tank designs and adopt to russian inventions more then ever was or ever will be the other way around. They still have to catch up to standards that were set quite some time ago.

Mike E wrote:K-2 has a horrible reputation online and I still do not know why... Early Leo-2 variants had next to no side turret armor, but the later ones got an add-on NxRA module like the Abrams.