PT-91 Twardy

   The PT-91 Twardy (Hard) is an improved variant of the Soviet T-72 main battle tank. The PT-91 was developed in Poland in the early 1990s. Currently Polish Army operates a total of 230 PT-91 Twardy MBTs, alongside 590 T-72M1 tanks.

   Twardy's protection is enhanced by utilizing indigenously developed ERAWA explosive reactive armor blocks. There is a total of 394 ERAWA blocks covering front of the hull and the turret. These blocks are placed virtually without gaps to each other. It is worth mentioning that explosive reactive armor blocks on the Soviet of the Cold War era usually have 15 mm gaps or even more, thus reducing overall protection. Tests shown that ERAWA blocks improve tank's protection by 30-70% depending on the ammunition type used. However armor of the PT-91 can not withstand modern Western 120-mm tank gun ammunition fired from 2 000 m range.

   The PT-91 Twardy is armed with a 125-mm main gun, which is similar to that, used on the T-72. The gun is fitted with an autoloader. The PT-91 Twardy has new gun stabilization system and new fire control system. Other systems and sights have also been improved.

   Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and roof mounted 12.7-mm machine gun.

   Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   The PT-91 has more powerful engine, comparing with the T-72. It is fitted with the S-12U diesel engine, developing 850 horsepower. There was also developed a S-1000 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 000 horsepower.

Variants

   PT-91A main battle tank, fitted with the S-1000 engine, developing 1 000 hp;

   PT-91A1 command tank;

   PT-91M Pendekar export version supplied to Malaysia. This MBT is fitted with improved 125-mm gun, S-1000 engine, new hydropneumatic transmission, French fire control system, new communication system and some other changes;

   PT-94 Goryl, further development of the PT-91 Twardy MBT. This programme was cancelled due to funding problems;

   Loara self-propelled anti-aircraft gun;

   WZT-3M armored recovery vehicle;

   WZT-4 armored recovery vehicle for Malaysian Army, based on the PT-91M tank,

   MID armored engineering vehicle;

   PMC-90 armored bridgelayer.