Country of origin |
Czech Republic |
Entered service |
2003 |
Crew |
3 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
48 t |
Length (gun forward) |
9.8 m |
Hull length |
~ 6.9
m |
Width |
3.76
m |
Height |
2.18 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
125 mm smoothbore |
Machine guns |
1 x 12.7 mm, 1 x 7.62 mm |
Elevation range |
- 5 to + 14 degrees |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
37 rounds |
Machine guns |
720 x 12.7 mm, 2 100 x 7.62 mm rounds |
Mobility |
Engine |
Perkins Condor CV12-1000 TCA diesel |
Engine power |
1 000 hp |
Maximum road speed |
61 km/h |
Range |
700 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
40% |
Vertical step |
0.83 m |
Trench |
2.7 m |
Fording |
1.2 m |
Fording (with preparation) |
5 m |
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The
T-72 main
battle tank was licensed-produced in the former Czechoslovakia. It
entered service with the Czechoslovakian army in 1981. After the
dissolution of the Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s upgrade
programs were developed both in Czech Republic and Slovakia to keep
their fleets of T-72 MBTs operational and combat capable.
In the 1990s
Czech MoD issued request for a substantial modernization program of
the ageing T-72 tanks. One of the requirements was improved overall
protection, and improved protection against NBC threats. Two
prototypes, the T-72M3 and T-72M4 were completed to meet
requirements of this upgrade program. The only major difference
between these two prototypes was the engine. The T-72M4 was powered by a
British Perkins Condor CV12-1000 TCA diesel. Eventually the T-72M3
was dropped in favor to the T-72M4. This tank was accepted to
service with the Czech Republic. Sometimes it is referred as the
T-72M4CZ. Original Czech Army requirement was for 355
upgraded tanks. However due to budget cuts only 30 tanks were
upgraded to the T-72M4 standard. Some sources report that these were
delivered between 2003 and 2005.
Many of the
T-72 systems were upgraded. As a result the T-72M4 is a much capable
combat machine than its predecessor. In terms of capabilities it
approaches the latest main battle tanks.
The T-72M4
has improved armor protection. The tank is fitted with composite
armor and new Polish DYNA explosive reactive armor. It provides
protection against HEAT, APFSDS and HESH rounds. The T-72M4 is
fitted with mine protection system, that neutralizes mines with
magnetic fuse. This tank is fitted with new German automatic fire
suppression system. It also has new NBC protection system. Upgraded
tanks are fitted with laser warning system. It detects once the
vehicle is illuminated by a laser beam and identifies direction of
the threat. Then smoke grenades can be discharged to hide the tank.
The T-72M4
has the same 125 mm smoothbore gun as its predecessor. A muzzle
reference system was added for improved accuracy. The gunner can
quickly check that there is an accurate relation between the gun and
the sight. This tank is fitted with an autoloader. Enhanced 125 mm APFSDS-T rounds were developed for this tank.
Also there
are 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and roof-mounted 12.7 mm machine
gun. The 12.7 mm MG is manually operated by the vehicle commander.
The T-72M4
is fitted with new Italian Officine TURMS-T (Tank Universal
Reconfigurable Modular System) fire control system, new ballistic
computer and a host of new sensors. All of these improvements
reduced time required to engage the target. Also upgraded tanks have
significantly improved first round hit probability. Vehicle
commander uses new panoramic sight allowing hunter-killer target
engagements. Once commander spots and identifies the target, he lays
the gun and lets the gunner complete all the aiming and firing
process. During that time commander looks for the next target. Also
commander can fire the gun from his station. It is claimed that this
tank can recognize targets at night up to a range of 4 200 m and
identify them at a range of 2 100 m. It is significant improvement
over the old Soviet night vision systems. Maximum range of fire at
daytime is up to 5 000 m.
This tank is
operated by a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
The T-72M4
is powered by a British Perkins Condor CV12-1000 TCA turbocharged
diesel engine. It is the same engine, as used on the
Challenger 2 main battle tank, but derated from 1 200 hp to 1
000 hp. Its power is adequate, as upgraded T-72 weights
significantly less than the Challenger 2. It is worth noting that
Perkins engine proved to be reliable. Also it is more fuel efficient
than original engine. New engine is mated to Allison automatic
transmission with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. It is claimed that
the powerpack can be replaced in 2 hours. Due to increased power the
T-72M4 has greater acceleration and improved cross-country speed and
mobility.
Variants
VT-72M4
upgraded VT-72 armored recovery vehicle. It is fitted with engine
and systems of the T-72M4 main battle tank.
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