The T-90 is a Russian third-generation main battle tank that is essentially a modernisation of the T-72B, incorporating many features of the T-80U (it was originally to be called the T-72BU, later renamed to T-90). Although a development of the T-72, the T-90 uses a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore tank gun, 1G46 gunner sights, a new engine, and thermal sights. Standard protective measures include a blend of steel, composite armour, smoke mortars, Kontakt-5 explosive-reactive armour, laser warning receivers, Nakidka camouflage and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. The EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse (EMP) creator has been used in testing but not fitted to T-90s in active service. It is designed and built by Uralvagonzavod, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. Since 2011, the Russian armed forces have ceased ordering the T-90, and are instead waiting for the development of the T-14 Armata that is expected to enter service in 2016source: Wiki

Tank Object 187

Work on the tank “Object 187” conducted Ural Transport Machine-Building Design Bureau in the development work “Improvement of T-72B.” “Improving the T-72B” asked by the Council of Ministers on 19.07.1986, the work on the project was 187 along with work on “Object 188” — the future of the T-90 (with a little ahead of the latter) to the mid-1990s. In contrast, the object 188, it was fully active development design office. Then Ural KB could allow themselves to such “freedom”, of course with an emphasis on financial support from Uralvagonzavod as a potential serial producer. Both cars’Object 187 “and” Object 188 “were forthcoming evolution of tank T-72. But while working on the subject of 187 as opposed to 188, the design team, led by Vladimir Potkin, laid in the design of the tank over the deepest configuration in comparison with the initial design of the T-72B. Managing a particular work on the tank — deputy. head designer KB Shchelgachev AS Constructive solution is to abandon imposed in the late 1960s Tagil Design Bureau “revolutionary” case design of the T-64. Assembling endured a small decompression. This has a positive impact on ergonomics and protection of upper front body parts. Due to elongation bow workplace mechanical driver remains in the depth of the machine body, as a result of observation devices shaft out through the roof of the housing outwardly and not through the upper frontal piece as T-64 and its “successors”. So makarom eliminated the unfortunate weakened, “neck” in the middle of the frontal part. This decision gave an opportunity to place a reservation with more optimal angles for countering modern armor-piercing projectiles. Source survincity.com

3D-model of experimental tank “to 187”

Lateral projection of the most experienced tank “to 187” with a gun 2A66

The 3th generation Russian MBT

In a sense, the T-90 is the first “Russian” MBT and even the first non-soviet tank ever, as back in 1914-1915 in Tsarist Russia neither the giant Lebedenko (Tsar) tank, the equally giant but more conventional Mendeleev or the small, snail-like Porohovschikova light tank had been pressed into service. In between, there was the Soviet era, with a history of building tanks spanning from the early 1920s with copies of the Renault FT to the T-80 MBT in the 1980s. An entire history of tank designs, which after 1941 confounded itself with the survival of the country in the “Great patriotic war”. An immense country which wide, unencumbered steppes providing an ideal terrain for tanks warfare, but at the same time climactic conditions which pushed mechanics to the extremes.

Back in the 1970s, the T-72 set a new standard for MBTs in USSR, a success story that saw many variants, licence production abroad and countless export derivatives. By the 1980s, it was still by far the best and most current soviet proposition for a MBT of reasonable cost and technological level, compared to the T-64/T-80. It was also an excellent base for improvements, and an export success. The T-72B was considered, back in 1983, the very best of the series, and served for gradual upgrades, like the T-72BA fitted with the 227 “Kontakt-1” ERA, T-72B obr.1989g (Kontakt-5 ERA) and obr.1990g from which was derived the T-72BU, the direct ancestor of the T-90. This does not prevent two more upgrades to be brought in post-soviet era, the T-72BM “Rogatka” in 2006 and the T-72B3 in 2013, basically a T-72B upgraded to the T-90 standard.

T-72BM “Rogatka”

screenshot-btvt.narod.ru-2018.08.25-10-23-16

T-72BM “Rogatka” – A. Khlopotov. BTVT . narod . en

A comparison of the TTX of the T-72B tank and the upgraded T-72B tank, the modernized “Rogatka”
Tank			T-72B (v / v). 1985 g .)	“Slingshot” (on. 2006 .)
Firepower
GSP			2A46M	2A46M-4
device to improve the accuracy of artillery fire			no	there is
JMA			Analog ballistic guide	Automated digital with ballistic computer
BUT	Day		sighting complex 1A40-1.	Multi-channel Sosna sight, day sight TPD-K1 as auxiliary.
	Night		sight-aiming device 1K13
The range of detection and identification of the target at night.	Active		1200 m	Thermal imaging channel, over 3000 m .
	passive		600 m .
CT			Passive-active observation device TPN-3
Target detection and identification range			400 (without illumination)
Duplicated fire control			no	there is
The possibility of using TUR at night and at once			no	there is
Protection
A type			Multilayer combined with reflective sheets. Mounted anti-cumulative DZ “Contact-1”	Multilayer combined with reflective sheets. Universal Reliz
Armor resistance BPS / COP		Tower	540/900	800/1200
		Housing	480/900	750/11000
Means of reducing visibility			no	K-s. “Cape”, means of reducing ESR, shielding h.ch., MTO ypr.
COEP			no	“Curtain”
Mobility
Engine			B-84-1 ( 840 l .from.)	B92 ( 1000 l .from.)
APU			no	there is

Source btvt.narod.ru

T-72B3

T-72B3M: Details

T-80U

T-80U – vitalykuzmin.net

The other crossing which inspired the conception of the T-90 was the T-80U, the very elite MBT of the Russian army. The paradox was that being costlier than the T-72, much ended to be built (5400) than the T-90 which was seen at first as a simple evolution of the T-72B, at first called the T-72BU. The T-80 itself was a derivative of the controversial, revolutionary T-64 back in the 1960s. This “elite” lineage came from the Ukrainian KMDB design bureau, and led later to built a purely Ukrainian variant, the T-84. It must be recalled that the T-80 was the first soviet MBT fitted with a turbine, in addition to its regular diesel engine. The latter was rushed out and caused much turmoil and reliability issues, which had to be fixed on the long run. However thanks to this, the T-80 was the fastest Russian MBT ever.

The T-80U appeared in 1985 and was given a full Kontakt5 explosive reactive armour set, along with an improved gunsight and the brand new 9K119 Refleks gun missile system. Five year after its introduction it was given a 1,250-hp engine. It was on this base that the T-90 was partially modelled: Although the core of the T-72B was kept, many components came from the T-80U. By this, engineers Kartsev and Venediktov from the Uralvagonzavod design bureau tried to create a “universal tank”. We know how often these prospects have failed by the past. Indeed the T-90 did not met all the expectations placed in it but was overall more reliable and cheaper to built, maintain and operate than the T-80.

T-90

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Телеканал Страна

Design of the T-90

Mobility

The first production version was given basically the same engine than the T-72BU a proven V12 V-84MS diesel giving an output of 840 hp. It was coupled to a 1 kW AB-1-P28 auxiliary power unit which served several subsystems on board, without starting the main engine. This was enough for this 46 tonnes MBT to reach speeds up to 60 kph and around 45 kph cross-country, due to a power to weight ratio of 18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne). The transmission was manual, with 7 forward gears and 1 reverse. This power was passed onto the ground by the same drivetrain than the T-72B, six doubled cast roadwheels per side, and three return rollers, resting on torsion bar suspensions.

V12 V-84MS diesel

Range was around 550 km with internal capacity of 1.200 L + 400 L auxiliary. Ground pressure was 0.91 kg/sq.cm. Performances were as follows: Fording depth 1.2 m on the move without preparation, and up to 5 m with full preparation and OPVT (snorkel). It was capable to cross a trench 2.8 m wide, a vertical obstacle 0.85 m high, climb a maximum gradient of 30° and stay stable with a maximum tilt of 30°. Like all previous Soviet MBT the T-90 had a simple engine smoke generator. There was also the traditional beam attached to the rear, used for extra grip on the most muddy/snowy terrains. With the addition of additional armour and equipments, the weight rose to 1-2.5 tons and new engines were developed like the 1,000 hp V-92S2 diesel, and eventually the 1,250 hp V-96, giving a 26.3 power-to-weight ratio. Top speed was around 65 kph (governed) but acceleration and torque were much improved

The T-90 rested on a three levels protection. First, there was the original T-72 hull, made of welded steel RHA and 50-150 mm strong in direct line of sight. Second, there was a composite level, integrated into chiefly the turret front and sides, well known by the Western experts “Dolly Parton”. It was extremely efficient as proved by tests made in the early 1990s. However it was not enough for the latest generation of “sabot” rounds, super-high velocity APFSDS ammunitions. Therefore in the 1980s was developed the Kontakt Explosive Reactive Armour suite made of explosive bricks. The T-90 adopted the latest ERA suite, Kontakt-5 of third generation in 1993. At the end, the protection provided against APFSDS was equivalent to 550-650 mm RHA with the basic composite armour, which rose to 800–830 mm with the Kontakt-5 ERA. Against HEAT it was 1,000 mm, but reached 1,150–1,350 mm with Kontakt-5.

Also, there was a supplementary “active” form of protection with the mandatory smoke mortars, using 2×6 81mm electric dischargers, firing a wide variety of 3D17 smoke grenades, acting like decoys against enemy infrared sights and ATGM guidance systems. Most importantly, the T-90 was given the Shtora-1 electro-optical jammer. This system jams semiautomatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) for antitank guided missiles, laser rangefinders and target designators. The Shtora was found most effective when used in combination with a hard kill system such as the Arena. The Shtora is also used by the T-80U/UK and the T-84.

The detection of laser sources takes place around the vehicle in the 360 degree range. In the range of 45 degrees right and left of the cannon by precision laser sensors and in the other sectors 90 degrees left, right or behind the tower by coarse laser sensors. Shtora-1 is capable of reflected laser scatter, muzzle flashes fire Direction weapons, sunlight reflections, light energy from search lights, highly heat-radiating objects can be seen, among other things on the battlefield and filter out as non-hazardous. The system interacts with the fire control system of the combat vehicle, the tower directional drives, the eventual drive the commander’s cupola, the intercom, the speed sensor of the vehicle and the smoke grenade launcher. Recognized laser radiation of the vehicle crew notified visually and acoustically in accordance with their characteristics.On the driver’s seat, a light indicates the optimal direction of movement to dodge in accordance with the vehicle speed and wind direction and wind strength. The used means fog or aerosols also cover the used spectral range of thermal images and laser off effectively. (source:kotsch88.de)

Firepower

It rested on the 125mm 2A46M-2 and later 2A46M-5 smoothbore main tank gun. The latter was assisted by a 2E42-4 Zhasmin two-plane electro-mechanical stabilization system, and could fire 6-8 rounds/min.

Ammunition storage consisted in 43 rounds, 22 ready-rounds in the carousel below the autoloader system and the others into the hull. The autoloader is basically of the same model developed for the T-72B and allowed to reduce the turret size considerably. There is an autoselector which can rapidly select APFSDS, HEAT and HE-Frag rounds depending of the threat. There is also a hunter-killer mode, the commander can instantaneously passed the target coordinates to the gunner/ballistic computer that lays the gun while concentrating on the next target. The estimated FCS performances are a very high first hit capability on the move at 30 kph off-road, and ranges of up to 5,000 m, including low visibility.

The ammunition were also news for the most, here is the detail:

3BM-44M APFSDS (range 4,000 m)
3BK21B (DU liner), 3BK29 (800 mm RHA equ.), 3BK29M (Triple-tandem charge)
3OF26 HE-FRAG with the Ainet fuse setting system

This fuse allows to detonate this ammunition at specific distance by the laser rangefinder for maximal impact on low-flying helicopters and infantry. In indirect mode, this round has a practical range of 10,000 m.

9M119 Svir/9M119M Refleks-M (AT-11 Sniper-B)/9M119M1 (Invar-M)

Russia’s mordenized T-90M gets new gun: Details

The gun was also made capable of firing also ATGMs, the 9M119 Svir and 9M119M Refleks-M (AT-11 Sniper-B). This is a 16.5/17.2 kg projectile with a 4.5 kgs Tandem hollow-charge warhead and an effective range of 4,000/5,000 m. it can fly at 350 m/sec for a maximum of 17 seconds, and is capable of defeating up to 900 mm of RHA equivalent. It is compatible with the 2A45 Sprut sb gun. The Svir/Refleks is also used by the Serb M-84AS, T-80, T-84 and is licence-built for the Chinese PLA Type 98 and the next generation of Indian MBTs. Now it is replaced by the improved 9M119M1 (Invar-M).

12.7 mm Kord Heavy machine gun

The secondary armament comprised the usual roof-mounted 12.7 mm Kord Heavy machine gun, which was however remotely-controlled on an AAMG mount Utjos NSVT, with 300 rounds in store. The coaxial armament was the 7.62mm PKMT light machine gun, with ammunition box carries 250 rounds, and a total of 2000 rounds in store. The main gun was conceived to fit and to be retired from the turret through the mantlet without lifting the turret itself up, quite an advantage on the battlefield.

Equipments

The hull is equipped with the collective full NBC protection system, with a slight overpressure. In addition there is a GO-27 NBC recon system, and for safety the 3ETs13 Inej automatic fire extinguisher. In option, the T-90 could receive a self-dig-in blade the OPVT deep fording equipment, KMT-7 or KMT-8 mine sweeps kits and optional air conditioner for use in the middle east and for the export versions.

The fire control systems count a 1A45T Irtysh computerized system. Night vision systems comprised the TO1-KO1 Buran-PA main sight with the TPN-4-49-23 passive/active II with an effective range of 1.2/1.5 km. In late production models, this system was replaced by the ESSA (Thales Optronique Catherine-FC TI), also shared by the Leclerc MBT.

The gunner sight is the 1A43 rangefinder, coupled with the 1G46 day sight, the 9S517 missile guidance system for the ATGMs. The turret/gun sensor that feed the 1V528-1 ballistic computer is the DVE-BS wind gauge. The tank commander is given a PNK-4S system, comprising the TKN-4S Agat-S day/night sight (range 800/700 day/night), while the driver is given the TVN-5 IR night/low visibility sight. In addition to the already powerful Shtora countermeasures system, there is a “Nakidka” thermal/radar/optical shroud. Radio equipment comprised the R-163-50U emiter/receiver, while a R-163-50U and a long range R-163-50K are installed on the command type T-90K. For navigation, there is a TNA-4-3 for the command tank T-90K inertial system, replaced in later batches by a TNA “Gamma” GPS/GLONASS system.

The gunner sight is the 1A43 rangefinderThe tank commander is given a PNK-4S system, comprising the TKN-4S Agat-S day/night sight (range 800/700 day/night)

Control and computer block

Wind Sensor

Evolution

The T-90 was called T-72BU until the arrival of the T-90A. This first production was supplemented by the T-90K (Command version) equipped with an extra R-163-50K radio set and the TNA-4-3 navigation equipment. The T-90E was the first export version, downgraded accordingly. However no order was placed.

The T-90A appeared in 1999. For the first time, it featured a fully welded turret of the Object 187 experimental MBT; forever breaking the long tradition of cast turret in MBT design. It is called “Vladimir” in honour of T-90 Chief Designer Vladimir Potkin, died the same year. Details of the new protection provided by this configuration (most probably composites) has not been undisclosed. In addition, this version received the new Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant’s 1000 hp V-92S2 diesel engine and a modern Thales ESSA thermal viewer. The T-90AK is the usual command version.

V-92S2 diesel engine

1000 hp V-92S2 diesel engine

T-90M

The T-90M is an upgraded version of the T-90 tank. Sometimes this tank is referred as “Proryv-3” (Breakthrough-3). It was first publicly revealed in 2017. It has a number of improvements and improved operational capabilities over the original T-90. It follows the lines of the T-90MS tank, which is intended for export, and uses some similar components. The T-90M was trialed by the Russian Army in 2017. Deliveries to the Russian Army might begin in 2018.

The upgraded T-90M tank has improved armor protection. It uses Relikt built-in Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) in place of the previous Kontakt-5. It provides protection against tandem warheads and significantly reduces penetration of APFSDS rounds. The T-90M is fitted with rubber side skirts with built-in armor plates. Some areas of the tank are covered by a cage armor and special net, that improves protection against certain types of anti-tank weapons. This tank is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Interior is lined with spall liner.

There is also a countermeasures system, which triggers smoke grenade dischargers once the tank is being illuminated by a laser beam. This system significantly reduces the chance of being hit by enemy anti-tank guided weapons with semi-automatic guidance

The T-90M is armed with a new 2A46M-4 gun, which has longer range and is more accurate than the standard gun of 2A46M gun of the T-90. It uses the same 125 mm ammunition as other Russian main battle tanks. It fires APFSDS, HE and HE-FRAG rounds. The tank can also launch 9M119 Refleks (NATO designation AT-11 Sniper-B) anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary munitions. These missiles have a range of 4-5 km and can also engage low-flying helicopters. A total of 43 rounds, including missiles, are carried for the main gun.

The T-90M uses a proven carousel-type autoloader. A total of 22 rounds are stored in the autoloader and are ready to use.

Secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. There is a also a roof-mounted remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. Both machine guns are operated under armor.

The T-90M has a new fire control system and updated observation and aiming devices. This new Russian tank has a hunter-killer engagement capability. Tank commander uses a panoramic sight with thermal vision to search for targets. Once the target is selected the gun is laid on the target automatically and the gunner completes al the aiming and firing process. During that time commander looks for the next target. Furthermore target acquisition system tracks selected targets automatically. It is claimed that the new tank is 15-20% more accurate than its predecessor.

This main battle tank has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

This tank is powered by a V-92S2 multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 1 000 hp. It is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. Vehicle has a built-in self-entrenching blade and can prepare itself an emplacement within 12-40 minutes, depending on the ground type. There is a provision to equip a mine plow. There is also a deep wading kit, that can be installed by tank’s crew within 20 minutes. Once the kit is attached the tank can ford water obstacles up to 5 m deep. Source military-today.com

T-90A/S MBT: Details

The T-90S is the export version, produced by by Uralvagonzavod. They receive the 1,000 hp (750 kW) engine but were in effect deprived of the Shtora-1 passive/active protection system. They also have apparently two different turret armour arrays. In cyrillic, it is shown T-90C. The T-90SK command version was also proposed to export with upgraded radio and navigation equipments, plus the Ainet remote-detonation system for HEF rounds. The T-90S “Bhishma” is a modified T-90S with Indian specs.T-90S “Bhishma”The T-90AM is the latest occurence (2010s), featuring a complete rebuilding of the turret, equipped with the new advanced FCS “Kalina” completed by a new ballistic computer and integrated combat information and control systems with digital displays for updated battlefield awareness. There is also a new automatic loader, safer and with a faster reloading rate, coupled to an upgraded gun 2A46M-5 main smoothbore gun. The T-90AM is also the first MBT to receive as secondary armament a dedicated rapid-fire remote-controlled anti-aircraft gun “UDP T05BV-1”, of 20 mm caliber. It is capable to engage helicopters and low flying aircrafts.Protection is also upgraded wioth the new ERA set Relikt, replacing the old Kontakt-5. Lastly, it is equiipped with the latest iteration of the venerable deseil, the V96 1130 hp engine. The turet receive extra diital cameras and captors for an enhanced environmental control system especially tailored for urban combat, and a completely upgraded satellite navigation system.T-90AM

: T-90AM

: T-90AM

: T-90AM

Country of origin	Russia
Entered service	Expected in 2018
Crew	3 men
*Dimensions and weight*
Weight	46.5 t
Length (gun forward)	9.53 m
Hull length	6.86 m
Width	3.78 m
Height	2.23 m
*Armament*
Main gun	125 mm smoothbore
ATGW	9M119 Refleks
Machine guns	1 x 12.7 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm
Elevation range	– 6 to + 14 degrees
Traverse range	360 degrees
*Ammunition load*
Main gun	43 rounds
Machine guns	300 x 12.7 mm, 1 250 x 7.62 mm rounds
*Mobility*
Engine	V-92S2 diesel
Engine power	1 000 hp
Maximum road speed	60 km/h
Range	550 km
*Maneuverability*
Gradient	60%
Side slope	40%
Vertical step	0.8 m
Trench	2.85 m
Fording	1.2 m
Fording (with preparation)	5 m

T-90/A/M specifications
Dimensions (L-w-h)	6.55(9,530 oa) x 2.32 x 2.04 m (21.4 x 7.6 x 6.7 in)
Total weight, battle ready	45.7 Tonnes (xxxxx lbs)
Crew	3 (TC, driver, gunner)
Propulsion	See notes. V-84/92/96 12-cyl. diesel 840/940/1250 hp Power/weight 18.1/20.4/26.3 hp/ton
Top Speed (dep. of engine)	42-65 km/h (37-40 mph)
Range (dep. of engine)	550-700 km (340-430 mi)
Armament	Main: 2A46 125 mm sb gun + ATGM Secondary: 12.7mm Kord Heavy machine gun, 7.62mm PKMT
Armor	See notes. Dolly Parton+ERA Kontakt 5+Shtor
Total production	Approx. 2260