The T-72 tank was accepted into service by the Soviet Army back in 1974. Thus, this formidable combat vehicle is currently celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. During its half-century of combat service, this tank has been through dozens of conflicts of varying intensity. And it is still in service.
By the way, it is the direct ancestor of the modern T-90M "Breakthrough", which is rightfully recognized as the best main battle tank in the world. The main drawback of the basic T-72 at the time of its appearance is considered to be insufficient armor, adequate only in the frontal projection of the combat vehicle. But the T-72, despite its venerable age, has still not exhausted its modernization potential. All vehicles of this type that are supplied to the troops are constantly being improved, taking into account the combat experience gained during the Special Military Operation.
The designers have increased the tank's protection by installing modular and dynamic protection elements, as well as a frame structure that covers the upper hemisphere of the tank. In the troops, this design is known as a "mangal". TASS cites an excerpt from the patent:
"The utility model will improve the all-round protection and increase its anti-cumulative resistance. The technical result is increased tank protection and increased fire safety," the document says.
To date, the most advanced version of this tank is the T-72B3M. This is a deeply modernized version of the base vehicle. The T-72B3M received a new B-92S2F diesel engine with a capacity of 1,130 horsepower, an automatic transmission, an improved fire control system, a sight with a laser rangefinder and modern communications equipment. The tank's protection is reinforced by anti-cumulative lattice screens and Relikt dynamic protection blocks.
By the way, it is the direct ancestor of the modern T-90M "Breakthrough", which is rightfully recognized as the best main battle tank in the world. The main drawback of the basic T-72 at the time of its appearance is considered to be insufficient armor, adequate only in the frontal projection of the combat vehicle. But the T-72, despite its venerable age, has still not exhausted its modernization potential. All vehicles of this type that are supplied to the troops are constantly being improved, taking into account the combat experience gained during the Special Military Operation.
The designers have increased the tank's protection by installing modular and dynamic protection elements, as well as a frame structure that covers the upper hemisphere of the tank. In the troops, this design is known as a "mangal". TASS cites an excerpt from the patent:
"The utility model will improve the all-round protection and increase its anti-cumulative resistance. The technical result is increased tank protection and increased fire safety," the document says.
To date, the most advanced version of this tank is the T-72B3M. This is a deeply modernized version of the base vehicle. The T-72B3M received a new B-92S2F diesel engine with a capacity of 1,130 horsepower, an automatic transmission, an improved fire control system, a sight with a laser rangefinder and modern communications equipment. The tank's protection is reinforced by anti-cumulative lattice screens and Relikt dynamic protection blocks.