|
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 |
? |
|
ATGW |
5 missiles |
|
Machine guns |
300 x 12.7, 1 750 x 7.62 |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
diesel |
|
Engine power |
1 200 hp |
|
Maximum road speed |
70 km/h |
|
Range |
? |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Gradient |
60% |
|
Side slope |
40% |
|
Vertical step |
0.8 m |
|
Trench |
2.85 m |
|
Fording |
1.2 m |
|
Fording (with preparation) |
5 m |
|
The M-84AB1
main battle tank is a Serbian upgrade of the previous
M-84. It is also referred as the
M-2001. It was revealed in 2004. Some sources suggest that a small
number of these tanks are in service with the Serbian Army. It is
also proposed for export customers. In 2005 the Serbian M84AB1 was
tested in Kuwait as a part of international tender. It's main rivals
were the Polish
PT-91 Twardy and
Croatian
M-95 Degman. However Kuwait
selected the Degman MBT.
The M-84AB1
is similar to the Russian
T-90 in terms
of capabilities and appearance . This main battle tank uses Russian
supplied Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor, Shtora countermeasures
system, fire control system, Agava-2 thermal imaging system and many
other components.
Composite
armor of the M-84AB1 consists of steel, titanium, tungsten, aluminum
as well as modular Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor plates. It
offers protection against modern tandem warheads. The Shtora
countermeasures system reduces hit probability of enemy anti-tank
guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance. This main battle tank
is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression
systems. However some sources claim that the M-84AB1 looses to the
T-90 in terms of protection.
The M-84AB1
is fitted with improved 125-mm smoothbore gun and a carousel-type
autoloader. This tank is compatible with Russian 9K119 Refleks (NATO
designation 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. Because of improved targeting systems the M-84AB1 is
capable of all-weather, day/night firing.
Secondary
armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another
roof-mounted 12.7-mm MG.
This tank
has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
This main
battle tank is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1
200 hp. It is worth mentioning that the M-84AB1 outperforms the 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.
|
Video of the M-84AB1
(M-2001) main battle tank |
|
|