TM-800

   The Romanian TM-800 medium tank is very similar to Soviet T-54/T-55. Production of the TM-800 ended long time ago, but it is still in limited service with Romanian army.

   The TM-800 medium tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 100-mm rifled gun, which is similar to that of the T-54/T-55 tanks. This gun is locally produced in Romania. Gun is loaded manually. The TM-800 is also fitted with ballistic computer and laser rangefinder.

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

   Protection of the TM-800 has been increased over its predecessor. Its hull and turret incorporates composite armor in the frontal arc. There is also and NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   This medium tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   The main external difference of this medium tank is that it has 6 small road wheels rather than 5 larger on the T-54/T-55. The TM-800 is also fitted with side skirts. Vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 830 horsepower. This engine is possibly of Chinese origin.

Variants

   TR-85 - similar to the T-55 but with some minor changes;

   TR-85N - upgraded TR-85;

   TR-85M1 Bizonul - latest upgrade of the TR-85 with many improvements and additional armor over frontal arc of the turret;

   TR-125 - similar to Soviet T-72, only few were built;

   TER-800 - armored recovery vehicle, based on the TM-800 chassis;

   TR-580 - this is believed to have preceded the TR-85 and has a similar hull but the six road wheels are spoked, has side skirts fitted.