T 80 dimensions. T-80 was a complete disaster

TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIN BATTLE TANK T-80B

Crew, people	3
Combat weight, t	43,7
Dimensions, mm:
body length	6982
length with gun forward	9651
width	3582
height	2219
Armament (caliber), mm:
gun	125
machine gun	1x7.62; 1x12.7
guided weapon complex	9K112-1
Ammunition, pcs.:
shots	38
cartridges	1250x7.62 mm; 300x12.7 mm
Engine power, hp	1100
Maximum speed, km/h	70
Fuel range, km	335

Following the modernization of the armament of the T-64 tank and the creation in 1976. modification of the T-64B, the T-80 tank underwent a similar modernization, which received the designation T-80B (put into service in 1978).

The tank's turret is equipped with a modernized 2A46M-1 smooth-bore 125-mm cannon, the ammunition load of which includes a shot with a 9M119 anti-tank guided missile from the 9K112-1 "Cobra" guided missile system. The complex also includes a guidance station mounted in the fighting compartment behind the gunner. The rocket has a head and tail parts, the dimensions of which do not differ from the dimensions of the projectile and propellant charge, respectively. Thanks to this, they can be placed in any tray of the mechanized ammunition rack of the gun’s automatic loader. In the head part of the rocket there is a cumulative warhead and a powder propulsion engine, and in the tail part there is an equipment compartment and a propellant charge. The rocket parts are docked in the loading mechanism tray when being sent into the gun barrel.

The missile has semi-automatic guidance using a narrowly directed radio beam. The missile is fired from a place and from short stops at a range from 100 to 4000 m. In this case, the probability of hitting an armored target is 0.8.

The T-80B tank is equipped with a new 1AZZ fire control system, which includes a 1G42 rangefinder sight, a 1V517 ballistic computer, a 2726M two-plane weapon stabilizer, a TPN-3-49 night sight, a shot resolution unit and other components. The system allows you to effectively hit targets at any time of the day when firing from stops or on the move.

In addition to improved weapons, the T-80B tank also has more powerful armor, but a radical increase in armor was achieved in its T-80BV version, which was put into service in 1985 and immediately put into mass production at the Kirov plant. The armor protection of the frontal part of the hull and turret of this tank consists of both multilayer combined armor, and from mounted dynamic protection. The rest of the hull and turret armor consists of monolithic welded armor. The habitable premises are sheathed with absorbing material of the system of protection against penetrating radiation, which is a lining on the inner surface of the hull, hatches, mechanized ammunition stowage cabin and other places.

The T-80BV tank is equipped with a new gas turbine engine GTD-YOOTF with a power of 1100 hp. In addition to thermal smoke equipment, 8 902B “Tucha” smoke grenade launchers are mounted on the T-80BV turret.

Previously produced T-80Bs were brought to the level of T-80BV at tank repair plants during their repair and modernization.

All T-80B and T-80BV tanks are equipped with radio communications, systemic protection against weapons of mass destruction and an automatic fire-fighting system. There are also devices for hanging the KMT-6 mine trawl and devices for self-digging.

Modern battle tanks Russia and the world photos, videos, pictures watch online. This article gives an idea of the modern tank fleet. It is based on the principle of classification used in the most authoritative reference book to date, but in a slightly modified and improved form. And if the latter in its original form can still be found in the armies of a number of countries, then others have already become museum pieces. And just for 10 years! Follow in the footsteps of Jane's Guide and skip this one combat vehicle(very interesting in design and fiercely discussed at one time), which formed the basis of the tank fleet of the last quarter of the 20th century, was considered unfair by the authors.

Films about tanks where there is still no alternative to this type of weapon ground forces. The tank was and will probably remain for a long time modern weapons thanks to the ability to combine such seemingly contradictory qualities as high mobility, powerful weapons and reliable crew protection. These unique qualities tanks continue to be constantly improved, and the experience and technology accumulated over decades predetermine new frontiers in combat properties and achievements of the military-technical level. In the eternal confrontation between “projectile and armor”, as practice shows, protection against projectiles is increasingly being improved, acquiring new qualities: activity, multi-layeredness, self-defense. At the same time, the projectile becomes more accurate and powerful.

Russian tanks are specific in that they allow you to destroy the enemy from a safe distance, have the ability to make quick maneuvers on off-road, contaminated terrain, can “walk” through territory occupied by the enemy, seize a decisive bridgehead, cause panic in the rear and suppress the enemy with fire and tracks . The war of 1939-1945 became the most ordeal for all humanity, since almost all countries of the world were involved in it. It was a clash of the titans - the most unique period that theorists argued about in the early 1930s and during which tanks were used in large quantities virtually all warring parties. At this time, a “test for lice” and a deep reform of the first theories of the use of tank troops took place. And precisely the Soviet ones tank troops all this is affected to the greatest extent.

Tanks in battle have become a symbol of the past war, the backbone of the Soviet armored forces? Who created them and under what conditions? How did the USSR, which had lost most of its European territories and had difficulty recruiting tanks for the defense of Moscow, was able to release powerful tank formations onto the battlefields already in 1943? This book is intended to answer these questions, telling about the development of Soviet tanks “during the testing days ", from 1937 to the beginning of 1943. When writing the book, materials from Russian archives and private collections of tank builders were used. There was a period in our history that was deposited in my memory with some oppressive feeling. It began with the return of our first military advisers from Spain, and only stopped at the beginning of forty-three,” said the former general designer of the self-propelled guns L. Gorlitsky, “some kind of pre-storm state was felt.

Tanks of the Second World War It was M. Koshkin, almost underground (but, of course, with the support of “the wisest of the wise leaders of all nations”), who was able to create the tank that a few years later would shock the German tank generals. And not only that, he not only created it, the designer managed to prove to these military fools that it was his T-34 that they needed, and not just another wheeled-tracked "motor vehicle." The author is in slightly different positions, which were formed in him after his acquaintance with the pre-war documents from the Russian State Military Academy and the Russian State Academy of Economics. Therefore, working on this segment of the history of the Soviet tank, the author will inevitably contradict something “generally accepted.” This work describes the history of Soviet tank building in the most difficult years - from the beginning of a radical restructuring of the entire activity of design bureaus and people's commissariats in general, during the frantic race to equip new tank formations of the Red Army, the transfer of industry to wartime rails and evacuation.

Tanks Wikipedia the author would like to express his special gratitude to M. Kolomiets for his assistance in selecting and processing materials, and also thank A. Solyankin, I. Zheltov and M. Pavlov, the authors of the reference publication “Domestic armored vehicles. XX century. 1905 - 1941” , since this book helped to understand the fate of some projects that was previously unclear. I would also like to remember with gratitude those conversations with Lev Izraelevich Gorlitsky, the former chief designer of UZTM, which helped to take a fresh look at the entire history of the Soviet tank during the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War Soviet Union. For some reason today it is common for us to talk about 1937-1938. only from the point of view of repression, but few people remember that it was during this period that those tanks were born that became legends of the wartime...” From the memoirs of L.I. Gorlinky.

Soviet tanks, a detailed assessment of them at that time was heard from many lips. Many old people recalled that it was from the events in Spain that it became clear to everyone that the war was getting closer and closer to the threshold and it was Hitler who would have to fight. In 1937, mass purges and repressions began in the USSR and against the backdrop of these difficult events soviet tank began to transform from “mechanized cavalry” (in which one of its combat qualities was emphasized at the expense of others) into a balanced combat vehicle, simultaneously possessing powerful weapons sufficient to suppress most targets, good cross-country ability and mobility with armor protection capable of maintaining its combat effectiveness in shelling of a potential enemy with the most massive anti-tank weapons.

It was recommended that large tanks be supplemented with only special tanks - amphibious tanks, chemical tanks. The brigade now had 4 individual battalions 54 tanks each and was strengthened by moving from three-tank platoons to five-tank ones. In addition, D. Pavlov justified the refusal to form three additional mechanized corps in addition to the four existing mechanized corps in 1938, believing that these formations were immobile and difficult to control, and most importantly, they required a different rear organization. The tactical and technical requirements for promising tanks, as expected, were adjusted. In particular, in a letter dated December 23 to the head of the design bureau of plant No. 185 named after. CM. Kirov, the new boss demanded that the armor of the new tanks be strengthened so that at a distance of 600-800 meters (effective range).

The newest tanks in the world, when designing new tanks, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of increasing the level of armor protection during modernization by at least one stage...” This problem could be solved in two ways: Firstly, by increasing the thickness of the armor plates and, secondly, by “using increased armor resistance." It is not difficult to guess that the second way was considered more promising, since the use of specially strengthened armor plates, or even two-layer armor, could, while maintaining the same thickness (and the mass of the tank as a whole), increase its durability by 1.2-1.5 times. It was this path (the use of especially hardened armor) that was chosen at that moment to create new types of tanks.

Tanks of the USSR at the dawn of tank production, armor was most widely used, the properties of which were identical in all areas. Such armor was called homogeneous (homogeneous), and from the very beginning of armor making, craftsmen sought to create just such armor, because homogeneity ensured stability of characteristics and simplified processing. However, at the end of the 19th century, it was noticed that when the surface of an armor plate was saturated (to a depth of several tenths to several millimeters) with carbon and silicon, its surface strength increased sharply, while the rest of the plate remained viscous. This is how heterogeneous (non-uniform) armor came into use.

For military tanks, the use of heterogeneous armor was very important, since an increase in the hardness of the entire thickness of the armor plate led to a decrease in its elasticity and (as a consequence) to an increase in fragility. Thus, the most durable armor, with other equal conditions It turned out to be very fragile and often pricked even from the explosions of high-explosive fragmentation shells. Therefore, at the dawn of armor production, when producing homogeneous sheets, the task of the metallurgist was to achieve the maximum possible hardness of the armor, but at the same time not to lose its elasticity. Surface-hardened armor with carbon and silicon saturation was called cemented (cemented) and was considered at that time a panacea for many ills. But cementation is a complex, harmful process (for example, treating a hot plate with a jet of illuminating gas) and relatively expensive, and therefore its development in a series required large expenses and improved production standards.

Wartime tanks, even in operation, these hulls were less successful than homogeneous ones, since for no apparent reason cracks formed in them (mainly in loaded seams), and it was very difficult to put patches on holes in cemented slabs during repairs. But it was still expected that a tank protected by 15-20 mm cemented armor would be equivalent in level of protection to the same one, but covered with 22-30 mm sheets, without a significant increase in weight.
Also, by the mid-1930s, tank building had learned to harden the surface of relatively thin armor plates by uneven hardening, known from late XIX century in shipbuilding as the "Krupp method". Surface hardening led to a significant increase in the hardness of the front side of the sheet, leaving the main thickness of the armor viscous.

How tanks fire video up to half the thickness of the slab, which was, of course, worse than cementation, since while the hardness of the surface layer was higher than with cementation, the elasticity of the hull sheets was significantly reduced. So the “Krupp method” in tank building made it possible to increase the strength of armor even slightly more than cementation. But the hardening technology that was used for thick naval armor was no longer suitable for relatively thin tank armor. Before the war, this method was almost not used in our serial tank building due to technological difficulties and relatively high cost.

Combat use of tanks The most proven tank gun was the 45-mm tank gun model 1932/34. (20K), and before the event in Spain it was believed that its power was quite sufficient to perform most tank tasks. But the battles in Spain showed that a 45-mm gun can only satisfy the task of fighting enemy tanks, since even shelling of manpower in mountains and forests turned out to be ineffective, and it was only possible to disable a dug-in enemy firing point in the event of a direct hit . Firing at shelters and bunkers was ineffective due to the low high-explosive effect of a projectile weighing only about two kg.

Types of tanks photos so that even one shell hit can reliably disable an anti-tank gun or machine gun; and thirdly, to increase the penetrating effect of a tank gun against the armor of a potential enemy, since in the example French tanks(already having an armor thickness of about 40-42 mm) it became clear that the armor protection of foreign combat vehicles tends to be significantly strengthened. There was a sure way for this - increasing the caliber of tank guns and simultaneously increasing the length of their barrel, since a long gun larger caliber fires heavier projectiles with greater initial speed to a greater distance without correcting the aiming.

The best tanks in the world had a cannon large caliber, also has large sizes breech, significantly more weight and increased recoil response. And this required an increase in the mass of the entire tank as a whole. In addition, placing large-sized rounds in a closed tank volume led to a decrease in transportable ammunition.
The situation was aggravated by the fact that at the beginning of 1938 it suddenly turned out that there was simply no one to give the order for the design of a new, more powerful tank gun. P. Syachintov and his entire design team were repressed, as well as the core of the Bolshevik design bureau under the leadership of G. Magdesiev. Only the group of S. Makhanov remained in the wild, who, since the beginning of 1935, had been trying to develop his new 76.2-mm semi-automatic single gun L-10, and the staff of Plant No. 8 was slowly finishing the “forty-five”.

Photos of tanks with names The number of developments is large, but mass production in the period 1933-1937. not a single one has been accepted..." In fact, none of the five tank diesel engines air cooling, work on which was carried out in 1933-1937. in the engine department of plant No. 185, was not brought to series. Moreover, despite decisions at the highest levels to switch tank building exclusively to diesel engines, this process was constrained by a number of factors. Of course, diesel had significant efficiency. It consumed less fuel per unit of power per hour. Diesel fuel is less susceptible to fire, since the flash point of its vapors was very high.

New tanks video, even the most advanced of them, the MT-5 tank engine, required a reorganization of engine production for serial production, which was expressed in the construction of new workshops, the supply of advanced foreign equipment (they did not yet have their own machines of the required accuracy), financial investments and strengthening of personnel. It was planned that in 1939 this diesel would produce 180 hp. will go to production tanks and artillery tractors, but due to investigative work to determine the causes of tank engine failures, which lasted from April to November 1938, these plans were not implemented. The development of a slightly increased six-cylinder engine was also started. gasoline engine No. 745 with a power of 130-150 hp.

Brands of tanks had specific indicators that suited tank builders quite well. The tanks were tested according to new technique, specially developed at the insistence of the new head of ABTU D. Pavlov in relation to combat service in wartime. The basis of the tests was a run of 3-4 days (at least 10-12 hours of daily non-stop movement) with a one-day break for technical inspection and restoration work. Moreover, repairs were allowed to be carried out only by field workshops without the involvement of factory specialists. This was followed by a “platform” with obstacles, “swimming” in water with an additional load that simulated an infantry landing, after which the tank was sent for inspection.

Super tanks online, after improvement work, seemed to remove all claims from the tanks. And the overall progress of the tests confirmed the fundamental correctness of the main design changes - an increase in displacement by 450-600 kg, the use of the GAZ-M1 engine, as well as the Komsomolets transmission and suspension. But during testing, numerous minor defects again appeared in the tanks. Chief designer N. Astrov was removed from work and was under arrest and investigation for several months. In addition, the tank received a new turret with improved protection. The modified layout made it possible to place on the tank more ammunition for a machine gun and two small fire extinguishers (previously there were no fire extinguishers on small tanks of the Red Army).

US tanks as part of modernization work, on one production model of the tank in 1938-1939. The torsion bar suspension developed by the designer of the design bureau of plant No. 185 V. Kulikov was tested. It was distinguished by the design of a composite short coaxial torsion bar (long monotorsion bars could not be used coaxially). However, such a short torsion bar did not show good enough results in tests, and therefore the torsion bar suspension was further work did not immediately pave the way for itself. Obstacles to overcome: climbs of at least 40 degrees, vertical wall 0.7 m, covered ditch 2-2.5 m."

YouTube about tanks, work on the production of prototypes of D-180 and D-200 engines for reconnaissance tanks are not being carried out, jeopardizing the production of prototypes." Justifying his choice, N. Astrov said that a wheeled-tracked non-floating reconnaissance aircraft (factory designation 101 or 10-1), as well as a variant of an amphibious tank (factory designation 102 or 10-1 2), are a compromise solution, since it is not possible to fully satisfy the requirements of the ABTU. Option 101 was a tank weighing 7.5 tons with a hull-type hull, but with vertical side sheets of cemented armor 10-13 mm thick, since. : “The inclined sides, causing serious weighting of the suspension and hull, require a significant (up to 300 mm) widening of the hull, not to mention the complication of the tank.

Video reviews of tanks in which the tank’s power unit was planned to be based on the 250-horsepower MG-31F aircraft engine, which was being developed by industry for agricultural aircraft and gyroplanes. 1st grade gasoline was placed in the tank under the floor of the fighting compartment and in additional onboard gas tanks. The armament fully corresponded to the task and consisted of coaxial machine guns DK 12.7 mm caliber and DT (in the second version of the project even ShKAS is listed) 7.62 mm caliber. The combat weight of the tank with torsion bar suspension was 5.2 tons, with spring suspension - 5.26 tons. Tests took place from July 9 to August 21 according to the methodology approved in 1938, and special attention was given to tanks.

The Soviet main battle tank T-80 became not only the world's first tank with a gas turbine power plant to be put into production, but also the best of its time, surpassing the most advanced Western models.

Nowadays, it surprises with its mobility, maneuverability, ability to effectively jump from springboards, its ease of control has won the hearts of many military personnel, and its protection from weapons mass destruction equals and exceeds the protection of many modern MBTs.

Creation

The idea of replacing a conventional diesel engine with a gas turbine power plant (GTE) has been in the air since 1948, when Starostenko designed heavy tank with such an engine, Chistyakov and Ogloblin returned to it in 1955, developing the Object 278, and in 1957 the first samples of the GTD-1 with a power of 1000 hp were born.

But all these tanks remained projects, both because of the government’s policy towards new weapons and because of the imperfections of the turbines of that time.

Only in 1963 was the gas turbine version of the T-64T released, which received a helicopter gas turbine engine with a power of 700 hp. Engineers expectedly faced the problem of air purification, which still causes trouble today.

Due to the development of the MVT-70 by the USA and Germany, it was decided to create new tank, superior to the Western model. The decree on this was signed on April 16, 1968.

In 1969, the Object 219sp1 appeared, similar to the T-64T, but had a GDT-1000T, developing 1000 hp. The Object 219sp2 received a deeply improved chassis and turret, and on July 6, 1976, after 7 years of refinement, it was born and was adopted by the T-80 MBT.

Design and layout

Even during the tests of Object 219, it became clear that the T-64 taken as a basis would have to be seriously reworked. The chassis was not very suitable for a tank with increased weight; installation of a gas turbine engine required changing the engine and transmission compartment (MTO).

As a result, the T-80 received an original chassis, and the length was increased due to the longitudinal arrangement of the walk-behind tractor weighing 1050 kg, which included a turbine, radiators, filters, etc., and a new turret also appeared.

At the same time, there are many similarities with the layout of the T-64, its fighting compartment and loading mechanism.

The crew still consisted of 3 people - the commander, gunner and driver.

Frame

The body is welded and has highly differentiated protection. The frontal plate consists of combined metal-ceramic armor and is located at an angle of 65°, the remaining parts are made of monolithic steel armor.

The sides of the T-80 are covered with rubber-fabric screens that protect against cumulative shells.

Inside, in the fighting compartment, the armor sheets are covered with a polymer lining special staff, protecting not only from fragments, but also from gamma radiation along with neutron radiation.

Additionally, there is a plate under the driver’s seat that protects him from radiation in contaminated areas.

There is also a semi-automatic collective protection system, consisting of a radiation reconnaissance device, a filter-ventilation unit and hull and turret seals.

Tower

Already 2 prototype received its own turret, different from the T-64. It was produced by casting and had poured rods in the frontal part, and its thickness reached about 450 m at its thickest point.

As in the hull, a lining was installed in the turret to protect the crew from radiation and dynamic protection.

Later, in 1985, the T-80BV received an improved welded turret with a smaller area of weakened zones and additional filler.

Armament

The T-80 inherited the 125 mm 2A46-1/2A46-2 gun from the T-64, capable of firing guided missiles. Cobra, Reflex and Invar depending on the modification. On production tanks, the gun received a thermal casing.

The loading mechanism remained the same, with a hydro-electromechanical drive and 28 projectiles out of 45 in total arranged vertically. Thanks to it, the rate of fire is around 6-9 rounds per minute.

Two machine guns act as auxiliary weapons. A coaxial 7.62 mm PKT gun with 1,250 rounds of ammunition and a manually controlled 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun with 300 rounds of ammunition.

To set up smoke screens, Tucha smoke grenade launchers are used.

Engine and transmission

What distinguishes the T-80 most from other MBTs is its gas turbine-type power plant. Engine GTD 1000T with a power of 1000 hp. was installed from the beginning of production, after which it was replaced several times with more modern versions with power up to 1250 hp.

It is the gas turbine engine that gives the tank both pros and cons, at times forcing adherents of one type to argue power plant.

The turbine starts easily at temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees, while operational readiness is only 3 minutes, practically does not consume oil, has reduced level noise, can operate on almost any fuel and does not stall when the load suddenly increases. A pleasant bonus is easy handling, which allows the driver to be less tired.

The most important disadvantage is the difficulty of air filtration, however, it can be considered solved. Back in the 70s, specialists created a unique cleaning method using air hammers around the nozzle, which shook off all deposits using vibration. The effectiveness of this solution has been repeatedly confirmed, including during tests in Greece and India. T-90 engines, for example, failed Indian tests.

Also considered a disadvantage is increased fuel consumption, however, with the advent of an auxiliary unit that provides power to all systems without starting the main engine, consumption has noticeably decreased and become even lower than that of tanks with a traditional power plant.

The last disadvantage is the cost, which reached 167,000 rubles at the time of the appearance of the GTD-1000T and decreased to 100,000 during mass production. The cost of the T-64A is only 174,000 rubles.

The speed of the gas turbine engine can reach 26,650 rpm, its power is transmitted to the gearbox and transmission. Due to the fact that the engine, along with its components and additional units, is placed in a monoblock, its replacement time is 5 hours, and each gearbox is only 4.5.

For comparison, the T-72 requires 24 hours to replace the engine, and 10.5 to replace the gearbox.

Chassis

A completely redesigned chassis was created for the T-80. Due to the increased power and weight, new drive and idler wheels were needed, and the support and support rollers were also replaced. They also developed tracks with rubber-coated treads and used hydraulic shock absorbers along with improved torsion shafts.

Telescopic shock absorbers are considered the main problem, but they can be easily and very quickly replaced if necessary.

Many consider the T-80 chassis to be the best, superior to those used on the T-72 and T-64. It is likely that this is true, since it was the T-80 track that was transferred to the new versions of the T-72 and T-90.

Modifications

Several vehicles were created on the basis of the gas turbine MBT, for example, Ladoga, Pion, Msta-S and S300-V, and the tank also received many modifications that continue to this day. The most significant of them will be listed below.

The 1978 T-80B received a new fire control system, 2A46-2/2A46M-1 cannons, reinforced armor, a turret, and a GTD-100TF engine.

The 1985 T-80BV received mounted Contact dynamic protection.

T-80U 1985 received missile system reflex, new Irtysh fire control system, new armor and GTD-1250 engine.

The T-80AT received a 2A46M-4 gun, built-in Cactus dynamic protection, a new turret with an automatic loader located in the rear niche, a new control system, an Ainet system, a satellite navigation complex and a GTD-1250G engine.

T-80UD version with diesel engine, withdrawn from service Russian army and found application in Ukrainian.

Epilogue

The T-80 turned out to be controversial. On the one hand, it had excellent characteristics and was repeatedly called one of the best in the world, on the other hand, it took a lot of time to fine-tune the power plant and solve its problems, and the high price prevented mass production.

During the fighting in Chechnya, the T-80s were unable to prove themselves in any way, however, this is easily explained by the inadequate use of armored vehicles without support and cover. Fortunately, this lesson was enough for us to use tanks more thoughtfully in subsequent military conflicts.

It was on the basis of the T-80 that the Black Eagle was created, it is a pity that in the end the project was closed. Now the T-80 remains in service in numbers of about 5,000 and continues to be improved.

The second largest tank in the Russian army is currently the T-80. In total, there are at least 4,500 such armored vehicles in units and storage bases. The most popular modification is the T-80BV, of which there are about 3 thousand units. The production of such tanks continued until the end of the nineties.

Gradually, all existing T-80s will exhaust their service life and will be sent for disposal. In the time preceding this event, it is possible to carry out repairs and modernization of existing machines with an extension of service life. In order for old tanks to remain in service after updating, recent years several modernization options were created with replacement various systems and units.

"Object 219AM-1"

In the course of work on this option for updating existing equipment, the original T-80U received a number of new systems. The modernized tank, in addition to the “object” designation, also acquired a new designation – T-80UA. The greatest changes affected weapons and their auxiliary equipment. Thus, the original gun-launcher was replaced with a 2A46M-4 cannon with a UUI-2 barrel bending device.

To control fire, the tank received a new 1A45-1 sighting system and new sighting systems for the gunner and commander. After modernization, they have the TO1-KO4 (day and night) and TO1-KO5 (night) complexes, respectively. The modernization project also allows the use of thermal imaging sights of other models. The chassis, power plant and chassis of the T-80U tank did not undergo any changes during modernization. The same can be said about the tower.

The absence of any design updates is due to the requirement to update the tank as simply as possible in a repair plant. After modernization, the previous driving performance is compensated by higher combat characteristics. So, maximum speed turning a combat vehicle, during which it is possible targeted shooting, has almost doubled and is now equal to 40 degrees per second.

At the same time, the time it took for the commander to prepare a shot was reduced. Now he spends almost half as much time on all the necessary preparations for a shot. The new 2A46M-4 gun with the UUI-2 device made it possible to significantly improve shooting accuracy. Finally, maintenance and diagnostics sighting system is now performed using a special remote control.

The Object 219AM-1/T-80UA tank was developed in the early 2000s and, after all the necessary tests, was put into service in 2005. Since the production of T-80 vehicles ceased several years before the tank was put into service, it was decided to modernize some of the T-80U model armored vehicles in service. The exact number of converted tanks is unknown.

"Object 219AM-2"

Simultaneously with the development of the T-80UA tank, work was underway on a simpler modernization of the T-80U, aimed at increasing its level of protection. To do this, it was proposed to install the Arena active protection complex on the base tank. It is worth noting that, if successfully completed, such a modernization project would improve the level of protection of all or almost all existing tanks of the T-80 family.

Regarding the progress of the Object 219AM-2 project, all that is known is that in the first half of the 2000s, the only prototype with the Arena system underwent state tests. Their results have not been published anywhere, but from the available information about future fate T-80 tanks, we can conclude that the armored vehicle with the letters “AM-2” was not accepted for service. At the same time, work on equipping tanks of the T-80 family with active protection systems continued.

"Object 219AS-1"

Another project to modernize the existing T-80s involved changing the tank’s power and energy units, refining sighting equipment and improving protection. For this purpose, it was proposed to install a turret with a fighting compartment from the T-80UD on the chassis of the T-80BV tank. In addition, a gas turbine engine GTD-1250 with a power of 1250 horsepower was installed on the Object 219AS-1.

To increase engine efficiency and increase the fording depth, the tank was equipped with a special air intake device. Thanks to it, the Object 219AS-1 is capable of crossing bodies of water up to 1.8 meters deep without prior preparation. During the development of the power plant for the new modernization project, a number of measures were taken to maintain engine power while reducing fuel consumption.

To improve combat qualities, a 1V216M correction input device with 15 preset ballistics calculation algorithms was added to the original weapon control system of the T-80UD tank. Electricity consumption by the tank units generally remained at the same level, but the use of a gas turbine engine with its inherent high fuel consumption forced the installation of an autonomous generator with a capacity of 18 kilowatts on the tank. With this unit, the tank's electronics can operate even when the gas turbine engine is turned off.

The hull, turret and armor of the Object 219AS-1 remained almost the same as on the original T-80BV and T-80UD tanks. Some changes have been made to the design of the built-in dynamic protection. The absence of major modifications to the design of the armored hull and turret made it possible to simultaneously solve several problems. Firstly, it was possible to increase the combat potential of existing equipment, and secondly, it was possible to save on the disposal of turrets of T-80UD tanks removed from service.

In 2005, the Object 219AS was adopted by the Russian army under the name T-80UE-1. According to various sources, at least several dozen T-80BV tanks have been converted to this version to date.

T-80BV tanks. Training and methodological training of the Western Military District, 138th Infantry Brigade, Leningrad region. May 2011

"Object 219M"

One of the most interesting options modernization of the T-80BV tank became “Object 219M”. A careful examination of this project gives the impression that its authors tried to radically improve all the existing characteristics of the combat vehicle, but at the same time tried to keep within the capabilities of repair plants. For this reason, “Object 219M”, while maintaining the main design details, replaced most of the electronic equipment, and also acquired a number of new systems.

Changes in the tank's equipment are visible even at first glance. The upper frontal part of the tank's hull and turret are now covered by modules of the Relikt dynamic protection system. In addition, the antenna unit of the Arena active defense complex is visible on the tower. It is noteworthy that both of these systems were previously repeatedly used on tanks various models, but were first used together precisely on the Object 219M. When developing the modernization project, it was assumed that the combination the latest systems dynamic and active protection will significantly reduce the likelihood of a tank being hit, including by the most modern ammunition.

The armament complex of the new tank has undergone serious modifications. It received a new gun (presumably 2A46M-4) and updated electronics. The exact composition of the weapon control complex has not been published, but it is known that it provides the ability to operate day and night, and also significantly increases shooting accuracy. To use new shells, the gun's automatic loader was modified. The ammunition load apparently remained the same - about 40 rounds.

According to available data, during overhaul and modernization, T-80BV tanks converted into “Object 219M” were to receive a modified version of the GTD-1250 gas turbine engine. Its main feature was the possibility of a short-term increase in power to 1400 hp. Thanks to this, the slightly heavier tank could move at higher speeds or overcome more serious obstacles for a short time.

Several years ago, testing of the only prototype of the Object 219M tank was completed. He showed interesting results on them, but was unable to interest a potential customer. As a result, the idea of a comprehensive modernization of the existing T-80BV remained another not very successful project.

As we can see, just in the last few years, Russian tank builders have created a number of projects for modernizing tanks of the T-80 family. Not all of the updated vehicles reached combat units, but they are of some interest. After the existing T-80s have exhausted their service life, they will be sent for scrap. Therefore, existing modernization projects are doubly beneficial, because if they are implemented, our armored forces will have, at a minimum, equipment that is not outdated for several years.

In this case, when the troops have enough of the latest ones, there will still be a number of modernized T-80s in service that have not exhausted their service life and are capable of continuing to serve. However, according to the current plans of the Russian army command, T-80 tanks will gradually go out of service by 2020. Therefore, modernization projects that remain at the prototype level will remain unattended.

Tank T-80BVK. Training and methodological training of the Western Military District, 138th Infantry Brigade, Leningrad Region. May 2011

It is noteworthy that modernized tanks could become another source of income. For example, Ukraine has been removing from storage for several years now, repairing and modernizing used tanks, and then selling them to third world countries. Obviously, the modernized T-80 with an extended service life will cost significantly less in the export version, and even more so the Armat. Thus, Russia will be able to expand the list of tanks offered for sale and attract small and poor countries. He can. But will it happen?

Main battle tank T-80U "Object 219AS"

"Object 219SB1"

History of creation

In the 70s, the KMDB was held great job to improve the serial T-64B tank, which included the installation of a new 6TD-1 diesel engine with a power of 1000...1200 hp. and improving the characteristics of the weapons control system.

A new fighting compartment was developed, which was then adopted without changes for installation on the T-80U tank. The T-80U tank was structurally different from the serial T-64B tank mainly in two features:

The use of track rollers with external tires (instead of rollers with internal shock absorption);

Installation of a gas turbine engine (GTE) instead of a diesel engine.

The layout of the T-80U tank is similar to that adopted on the T-64 and is based on developments in its modernization.

The T-80 tank with a gas turbine engine arose as an alternative to the T-64 tank with a two-stroke diesel engine (5TDF).

Therefore, designer N.S. Popov was categorically against installing the 6TD-1 engine in the T-80 tank, even as backup option. The T-80 tank, which entered service in 1976, was constantly improved, but the main developments the latest achievements protection and weapons control were carried out at the KMDB, while the developments of the Spetsmash designers were mainly occupied with the problems of integrating the gas turbine engine into the design of the tank and ensuring its operability.

In the early 80s, the influence of supporters of the gas turbine power plant in the highest ranks of the government, including the top officials of the state. In order to unify the tank fleet, a decision was made to produce at the plant named after. Malyshev (Kharkov), Leningrad Kirov plant and Omsk plant "October Revolution" main tank T-80U. The decision was made without a sufficient scientific and economic basis and was based on the opinions of a number of influential statesmen of the USSR, primarily D.F. Ustinov and N.S. Popov, with the support of a number of influential statesmen.

The time of creation of the T-80U was 1979...1990.

The main problem of the T-80 and its modifications remained high fuel consumption, which exceeded that of diesel engines equal power 1.5...1.7 times.

In the late 70s and early 80s, LNPO named after. Klimov actively worked on the creation of the VGTD-1000FM engine with reduced fuel consumption; for the production of this engine, a new plant was built in Kharkov.

But the tasks to be solved were too complex, the engine could not stand the test. Negative test results were the main reason for repeated postponements of the official presentation of the engine to acceptance tests. For this reason, it was not presented in July 1983 - the next deadline, which was also not met.

Even the biggest supporters of the gas turbine engine were faced with the question: in which direction should we move forward?

It became obvious that there was no point in further persisting in fine-tuning the VGTD-1000FM. In Kharkov, it was believed that it was necessary to stop work on the gas turbine engine and begin organizing mass production of the 6TD-1 engine with a power of 1000 hp. But this would mean the defeat of the GTD supporters, and the top officials of the state were drawn into this scam.

To discuss the current situation, a meeting was held at the CPSU Central Committee, where it was decided at the plant. V. A. Malysheva to organize the production of the modernized GTD-1100F engine, produced by the Kaluga Experimental Motor Plant, boosted to 1200-1250 hp.

In terms of specific fuel consumption, the GTD-1100F was inferior to the VGTD-1000FM engine. These proposals were soon officially approved by Resolution No. 604-137 of June 11, 1984.

The funds spent on the design and manufacture of equipment for the economical VGTD-1000FM in the amount of approximately 30% of the original cost, the manufacture and fine-tuning of the engine and the tank with it were thrown away. Billions of rubles were wasted.

Started new race- now for the modernized GTD-1100F engine, which was significantly different from the previous VGTD-1000FM engine.

The transition to a new engine significantly simplified the task of fine-tuning it at LNPO. V.Ya. Klimov, since it was based on a serial engine, but complicated the task for the plant named after. V.A. Malysheva, since the construction of production lines had to be started from scratch. Time has shown that serial production of the T-80U with the GTD-1250 could not be quickly established. The first two engines were submitted for acceptance tests in April 1985 and showed a low service life. With the indicated engines produced by the Kaluga Experimental Motor Plant, the plant named after. V. A. Malyshev produced an installation batch of T-80U tanks in the amount of 45 units. Thus, the plant named after V.A. Malysheva began to implement the Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee.

This ended the production of tanks with gas turbine engines in Kharkov. The situation began to change after the death of D.F. Ustinova December 20, 1984 January 23, 1985 With the departure of D.F. Ustinov, the opinion of many GTD supporters who held high positions also changed.

By Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated September 2, 1985 No. 837-249, it was accepted for mass production with the wording “T-80U tank with 6TD engine.” But there was a Resolution on development at the enterprise “Plant named after V.A. Malyshev" tank T-80U with gas turbine engine.

Results of comparative tests of T-80U tanks with GTD and 6TD-1 engines with a power of 1000 hp. were reported by representatives of the 38 Research Institute of Armored Vehicles. A tank with a 6TD-1 engine was not inferior in its characteristics to a tank with a gas turbine engine, and in terms of fuel consumption it was much more economical.

Left the assembly shop on December 27, 1987 last tank T-64. It was goodbye to an entire era, which left a deep mark on domestic tank building. Its place was taken by the T-80UD tank.

Despite the fact that the T-80U with a gas turbine engine was put into service earlier, its production actually began only in the late 80s. Large-scale production of the T-80U tank with a more powerful GTD-1250 engine began in 1990. A protection device was also introduced power plant from overheating and measures to improve fuel efficiency. Even with these measures, the T-80U did not reach the level of fuel efficiency of a tank with a 6TD-1 engine.

For the period of the mid-90s, MTO with a gas turbine engine with a capacity of 1250 hp. was tested for mass production and provided the required level of reliability, and was exported. A fundamental solution to the issue of fuel efficiency in mass production of gas turbine engines has not been achieved.

However, in the absence of real alternatives in the form of modern and powerful diesel engines of the B2 and 2B series in Russia, at the moment the development and modernization of gas turbine engines may be promising.

Firepower

Like everyone else domestic tanks, starting with the T-64A, the T-80U tank is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon.

The T-80U is equipped with its improved modification 2A46M-1. Rate of fire up to 8 rounds per minute while moving. The loading mechanism conveyor contains 28 shots, the total ammunition load is 45 shots. The main anti-tank weapons of the T-80U are 3BM-42 armor-piercing sabot shells with a tungsten alloy core and ZBM32 rounds with a depleted uranium core. A special place occupied by the Reflex guided weapons complex with 9M119M and 9M119M1 missiles, which ensure the destruction of tanks at a distance of up to 5000 m.

The Reflex complex can be used against low-flying targets - helicopters. The 9MI19 missile, guided by a laser beam, provides a range to hit a “tank” type target when firing at a range of 5000 m with a probability of 0.8 and at a range of 4000 with a probability of 0.9.

The tank is equipped with a 1A45 fire control system, which includes:

Daytime sight fire control system including:

Daytime gunner's sight 1G46 with independent field of view stabilization in two planes and a laser rangefinder;

Weapon stabilizer, consisting of an electro-hydraulic drive VN (vertical guidance), an electromechanical drive GN (horizontal guidance), a stabilizer control unit and sensors;

Ballistic computer 1B528, consisting of two blocks and a ballistics switch,

A set of sensors for firing conditions, consisting of sensors: cross wind, roll, tank speed, heading angle (cosine potentiometer);

Gunner's night sight "Buran-PA" with dependent stabilization of the field of view in two planes (the device is connected to the gun by a parallelogram, stabilization of the field of view is ensured by stabilization of the gun and turret, guidance of the field of view is carried out when aiming the gun and turret). The sight is equipped with a mechanism for manual range measurement with a “base on target” and manual range entry using ballistic scales in the field of view. Firing is carried out only when the ballistic computer is turned off (TVP "Agava-2" for products 640A).

Day-night commander's sight TKN-4S with independent stabilization of the field of view along the VN and dependent stabilization of the field of view along the GN (stabilization of the field of view is ensured by stabilization of the turret). TKN-4 is equipped with a mechanism for manual range measurement with a “base on target”, manual range entry on ballistic scales in the field of view, firing through which is carried out with automatic shutdown of the ballistic computer (DOUBLE mode).

Equipment for installing UVI time intervals, including a PUVI control panel, a control unit, a docking device and a KV-SU limit switch, which ensures the firing of remote detonation shells along the flight path (for 640A products).

Day and night sights are located at the gunner's position, and day-night sights are located at the commander's position.

Day optical sight 1G46 "Irtysh" with a built-in laser rangefinder allows the gunner to detect small targets. Regardless of the gun, the sight is stabilized in two planes. Its pancreatic system changes the magnification factor of the optical channel within x3.6…12.0.

At night, the gunner searches and aims using the Buran-PA active-passive sight, which also has a stabilized field of view. Target recognition range at night - 1200 m.

The gun commander conducts observation and gives target instructions to the gunner using the PNK-4S sighting and observation day-night complex, stabilized in the vertical plane.

The digital ballistic computer takes into account corrections for range, flank speed of the target, speed of its tank, angle of inclination of the gun trunnions, wear of the barrel bore, air temperature, atmospheric pressure and side wind.

Anti-aircraft machine gun mount on T-80U open type with a pedestal installation, which is a serious disadvantage compared to the T-80UD.

Protection

When creating the T-80U tank, significant attention was paid to enhancing its security. Work was carried out in several directions. Due to the use of a new camouflage paint that distorts appearance tank, it was possible to reduce the likelihood of detection of the T-80U in visible and IR dnapatones.

The first series of the tank were equipped with the Kontakt-1 mounted dynamic protection kit. Later, the Kontakt-5 universal dynamic protection complex was installed on the tank. This type of reactive armor works both against cumulative weapons (CS) and against armor-piercing sabot projectiles (APS). The cover of the EDS block, made of thick high-strength steel, when the BPS hits it, generates a stream of high-speed fragments, which detonate the EDS. The impact of a moving thick cover on the BPS is sufficient to reduce the armor-piercing characteristics of both cumulative weapons and BPS.

Built-in dynamic protection covers more than 60% of the surface at firing angles of ±20° (on the hull) and ±35° (on the turret). The combination of advanced multi-layer combined armor and explosive reactive armor reduces the threat of damage to the tank by the most widespread cumulative and kinetic weapons, such as the M829 and M829A1.

An important advantage of the T-80U was its perfect system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, superior to similar protection of the best foreign tanks NATO.

The tank uses a lining and a lining of hydrogen-containing polymers with the addition of lead, lithium and boron, local protection screens made of heavy metals and a system for automatic sealing of habitable compartments and air purification.

Increased survivability is facilitated by the use of a self-entrenchment system on the tank with a 2140 mm wide bulldozer blade and a smoke screen system using the Cloud system, which includes eight mortar grenade launchers 902B. The tank can also be equipped with a mounted KMT-6 track trawl, which prevents mines from being detonated by the bottom and tracks.

A significant innovation was the use of an auxiliary power unit GTA-18A with a power of 30 hp on the tank, which allows saving fuel while the tank is parked, during defensive battles, and also in an ambush. The life of the main engine is also saved.

The auxiliary power unit, located at the rear of the vehicle in the bunker on the left fender, is “built-in” into the overall operation system of the gas turbine engine and does not require any additional devices for its operation.

Protection eq. (mm.)
	tower	frame
from BPS with VDZ "Contact-V»
from KS with VDZ "Contact-V»	1100	900…1100

Mobility characteristics

The T-80U, adopted by the SA in 1985, was equipped with a GTD-1000TF gas turbine engine with a power of 1100 hp. , subsequently a more powerful gas turbine power unit of 1250 hp was installed on the T-80U tank.

The engine used a “cyclone” method to clean the air from dust. Highly efficient combined direct-flow cyclone with a central conical grille (the most important element of the air purifier) with an air cleaning efficiency of up to 98.5%. But they still settle in the flow part unfiltered dust particles. To remove them when the tank is moving under particularly difficult conditions, a procedure is provided for vibrating the blades and blowing the flow part with compressed air.

The air cleaner and radiator unit is installed transversely to the tank body and is attached to the front support of the engine monoblock. The air for the cleaning system is taken in through louvres covered with mesh on the roof of the engine compartment. The cleaning and cooling system fans are driven by the main engine.

The improvement of the GTD-1000T engine took place in stages in the direction of increasing its power by increasing the temperature of the gases without increasing the overall dimensions. First, the engine was boosted to 1100 hp. (GTD-1000TF) and installed on T-80B, T-80BV and T-80U tanks of early production. In 1990, production of the T-80U tank began with a new version of the GTD-1250 engine with a power of 1250 hp. When the question arose about additional measures to provide the engine with cleaner air, the most real option it seemed like a fence clean air at the height of the tank turret.

The design adopted for implementation was an oval box, expanding at the bottom, mounted on the tower using brackets. In the lower part of the box there was a two-position drive sealing device, providing two docking positions with the entrance blinds. During normal operation, sealing was ensured only with the help of a soft collar along the entire contour of the blinds. Such a docking did not interfere with the rotation of the turret and the firing of the cannon. And when overcoming water obstacles, an additional seal was put into operation to ensure sealing of the joint. With this device, the tank was able to overcome water obstacles up to 1.8 m deep.

The advantage of the T-80U is the presence of the GTA-18A auxiliary power unit, which made it possible to significantly reduce the total fuel consumption per 1 hour of operation of the tank systems ~ 60 l/h (the total operating time of the tank is 50% in place and 50% in motion).

A significant factor in fuel saving was the installation of an additional GTA-18A power unit in the engine and transmission compartment (MTO) of the tank. This unit consists of a single-shaft gas turbine engine and a DC generator with a power of 18 kW paired with it. The main purpose of the power unit is to provide power to those consumers who will operate while the machine is parked. The developer and manufacturer of the power unit was the special design bureau "Turbina", which began mass production power units.

Power unitprovides an increase in motor life by 1/3, reduces unmasking noise and heat radiation, increases the frequency of maintenance and service life of batteries.

10 tanks with reduced operating fuel consumption were manufactured.

Five of them were equipped with a system for automatically turning on the parking idle mode and a system for automatically reducing the engine operating mode. Also, a restriction on the movement of the manual throttle sector lever (not higher than low throttle) and a system for opening the power turbine RSA to the position of the maximum flow area during startup were introduced. The other 5 tanks, in addition to the above measures, have GTA-18A auxiliary power units installed.

For comparison with the experimental ten tanks, 5 conventional vehicles were allocated. An experimental tank company was created on the basis of the training regiment, which included 15 tanks. The head of the Group's armored service was appointed chairman of the testing commission. Soviet troops in Germany, Major General Vladimir Ivanovich Vladimirov. Tests were carried out in various road conditions, in different times days and repeatedly performed all types of combat training.

The average operating time of the tank under military operation conditions was 3000 km, the engines worked 290 hours. Let me emphasize that on tanks with power unit The average operating time was 197 operating hours of the main engine and 106 operating hours of the auxiliary unit. Tanks participated in all types of shooting and exercises. The marches took place in a dense network of automobile and railways and, thanks to good organization, without incident.

The test results showed that the tanks that took part in the tests had fuel consumption 1.5 times less compared to production tanks. After experimental testing of the effectiveness of measures in the GDR, a decision was made to introduce our proposals into mass production on T-80U tanks.

For a tank with a diesel engine without an auxiliary power unit with a capacity of 1500 hp. s, fuel consumption is 120…150 l/h. The main disadvantage of turbines is their low fuel efficiency.

During comparative tests, the range when driving on mountainous, dirt and asphalt roads for the T-80U was 350 km, and for the Leopard-2A5 - 370 km, which are generally comparable figures.

Performance characteristics
Parameter	Unit of measurement
Gross weight		46 (46,5)
Crew	people
Power density	hp/t	27,2 (26,8)
Engine (GTD-1250)	hp	1250
Power unitgas turbine (GTA-18A)	hp
Tank width
Specific ground pressure	kgf/cm 2	0,91
Operating temperature	°C	40…+55 (with power reduction)
Tank length
with the gun forward	mm	9654
housing	mm	6900
Tank width
on the caterpillar	mm	3400
on removable protective screens	mm	3670
Tower roof height	mm	2202
Support surface length	mm	4290
Ground clearance	mm
Track width	mm
Travel speed
Medium on dry dirt road	km/h	40…45
Maximum on paved roads	km/h
In reverse gear, maximum	km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km
On a dry dirt road	l, up	450…790
On a paved road	l, up	430…500
on main fuel tanks	km
with additional barrels	km
Ammunition
Shots to the cannon	pcs
(of which in the loading mechanism conveyor)	pcs
Patrons:
to a machine gun (7.62 mm)	pcs	1250
to a machine gun (12.7 mm)	pcs
Aerosol grenades	pcs