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Whatever the terrain the gas-turbine engine provides the tank with high acceleration and agility

Russia tanks up

Glorious past, exciting future

ZTM, Russia's only specialised vehicle manufacturer, has produced another outstanding tank.

ZTM's plant situated in Omsk manufactures the T-80U and T-80UK tanks, spare parts, and simulators and is the only manufacturer of modern tanks with gas-turbine engines. Also it offers training facilities. In 1997 ZTM celebrated its hundredth anniversary and 55 years of tank building during which time its tanks formed the armoured power of many national and foreign armed forces.
During the 1940s ZTM manufactured 7,000 T 34 tanks that were considered to be the best available in World War II. From the 1950s to the 1970s ZTM produced T-54, T-55, T-55IIC (equipped with a snorkel device) tanks; CY-100, 3CY-57-2, CY-122 self-propelled caterpillar gun mounts; MTY-20 and MTY-72 self-propelled bridges and 8T-25 and 8T-26 specialised autocranes.
During the 1960s and 1970s T-55s were the USSR's and many other countries' main battle tanks. For over 20 years T-55s and spare parts were delivered to countries in Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, giving ZTM considerable experience of tank exporting, operation, repair and maintenance. During the planning, development and testing of the new generation T-80B tank, ZTM expanded quickly to facilitate their manufacture in large numbers. By 1979 speclalised shops fitted with new equipment were built and production modernised. The technical level of manufacture was increased following complex mechanisation and automation of production processes and the introduction of new equipment and working practices. In 1991, after extensive work on new tank parts and units, ZTM produced the T-80U tank with highly technical features that made it very competitive on world markets and the main battle tank of the Russian armed forces. Since 1995 ZTM has manufactured T-8OUK tanks, a modified T-80U with increased protection, improved communication and new more precise firing systems. In 1996 T-8OUs were delivered to the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Cyprus.

Mobility

Multi-fuel 1,250hp GTD-1 250 gas-turbine engines provide excellent power-to-weight ratio, high acceleration/speed and agility. Planetary power transmission, torsion suspension system and telescopic shock absorbers ensure a smooth ride, low vibration loads and comfortable conditions. The GTA-18A (22.4hp) gas-turbine engine ensures tank systems function on shut down of the main engine. An auxiliary power pack decreases the tank fuel consumption compared to traditional diesel tank engines.

Armament

125mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore main gun/ missile launcher capable of firing APDS, HEAT HE-FRAG projectiles and 9M119 laser-guided missiles. Gun ammunition can be fed manually or by automatic carousel loader ensuring 7-9 rounds/min. rate of fire at tank velocity up to 35km/h at any turret position. Two machine guns are mounted: 12.7mm NSVT removable anti-aircraft MG and 7.62mm PKT coaxial MG. High fire accuracy is gained by a computerised fire-control system comprising stabilised sights, ballistic computer, two-plane armament stabiliser; high-velocity projectiles and a barrel thermal sleeve with an adjustment device. Guided missiles hit target at 5km.

Protection

Multi-layer armour with integrated ERA and removable side skirts provide protection against direct-hit and top-attack projectiles, grenades, guided missiles and cluster air bombs. Mine resistance of the hull is augmented with vertical pillars and special driver's seat mounting.

The T-80U is equipped with an automatic fire-suppression and overpressure type NBC protection systems. A removable mine sweeper enables passes in minefields.
To enhance survivability observable signatures are reduced by using in infrared range: thermal insulation of the engine transmission compartment; in visual range: low silhouette, distorting painting, smokeless engine exhaust, smoke screen laying and entrenching equipment; in acoustic range: rubberised noise reduction elements in gear wheels and tracks; low perceived engine noise of approaching tank; in radar range: electromagnetic wave deforming/absorbing coating.

The T-80U is another highly successful tank to add to the ZTM long and illustrious roll of excellence

Maintenance

Field operation and maintenance:

24.Shp auxiliary electric power unit that feeds gun/turret drives, radio sets and battery charging device during engine shut-downs;

air cleansing with automatic dust removal enables long marches over dusty terrains;

one-point refuelling from tanker or helicopter is provided to cut on-site refuelling time;

modular design of power plant, detachable gun barrel and removable road wheel discs help speed field repairs and retrofits.

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