Country of origin |
Serbia |
Entered service |
2005 |
Crew |
3 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
45 t |
Length (gun forward) |
9.53 m |
Hull length |
6.86
m |
Width |
3.73
m |
Height |
2.23 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
125 mm smoothbore |
ATGW |
9K119 Refleks (AT-11 Sniper) |
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm |
Elevation range |
? |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
~ 40 rounds |
ATGW |
5 missiles |
Machine guns |
300 x 12.7 mm, 1 750 x 7.62 mm |
Mobility |
Engine |
diesel |
Engine power |
1 200 hp |
Maximum road speed |
70 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 |
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The M-84AB1
Main Battle Tank (MBT) is a Serbian upgrade of the previous
M-84. It is also referred as the
M-2001. It was revealed in 2004. The M-84AB1 is similar to the
Russian
T-90 in
terms of capabilities and appearance. It uses a number of Russian
components. Some sources suggest that a small
number of these tanks are in service with the Serbian Army. It was
also proposed for export customers, however eventually it received
no production orders from export customers. Notably in 2005 the Serbian M-84AB1 was
tested in Kuwait as a part of an international tender. Its main rivals
were the Polish
PT-91 Twardy and
Croatian
M-95 Degman. However Kuwait
selected the Degman MBT instead.
This MBT uses Russian-supplied Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, Shtora countermeasures
system, fire control system, Agava-2 thermal imaging system and many
other components.
The M-84AB1
uses composite armor over the front arc, which consists of steel, titanium, tungsten, aluminum.
The tank also has modular Kontakt-5 add-on explosive reactive armor plates.
The Kontakt-5
offers protection against modern tandem warheads. The Shtora
countermeasures system reduces hit probability of enemy anti-tank
guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance. It detects when the
tank is illuminated by a laser beam, and automatically triggers
smoke grenade dischargers. This MBT
is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression
systems. Though some sources claim that in terms of protection the
M-84AB1 looses to the Russian T-90.
The M-84AB1
is fitted with improved 125 mm smoothbore gun and has a carousel-type
autoloader. Around 40 rounds of ammunition are carried for the main
gun. This tank is compatible with Russian 9K119 Refleks (Western
reporting name AT-11 Sniper) anti-tank guided missiles, launched
from the tank gun in the same manner as ordinary munitions. These
missiles have a range of 4-5 km and can also engage low-flying
helicopters. The M-84AB1 has improved targeting systems and is
capable of all-weather, day/night firing.
Secondary
armament consists of coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. There is also a
roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun.
This tank
has a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver.
This MBT is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1
200 hp. The M-84AB1 outperforms the Russian T-90
in terms of speed and mobility. This MBT is fitted with a built-in
self-entrenching blade. It can be also fitted with a deep wading kit
and is capable of submerged fording. External fuel tanks can be
carried for extended range.
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