el T-72 es una familia de carros de combate soviéticos que entró en producción por primera vez en 1971. Se construyeron alrededor de 20.000 tanques T-72, la versión T-72A introducida en 1979 se considera un tanque de batalla principal de segunda generación. Se exportó ampliamente y estuvo en servicio en 40 países y en numerosos conflictos. La versión T-72B3 introducida en 2010 se considera un tanque de batalla principal de tercera generación.
Successor to T-55/62; less costly alternative to theT-64/T-80.
Technical Specifications (T-72 ‘Ural’ Base Model)
Weight (Mass)
Approx. 41 tonnes (Relatively light for an MBT)
Armamento principal
125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun
Armamento secundario
7.62 mm coaxial MG, 12.7 mm Anti-Aircraft MG
Armadura
Composite armor (Hull Front) and Cast steel (Turret)
Motor
V-46 V-12 Diesel, 780 hp
Top Speed (Road)
Up to 60 km/h (37 mph)
Power/Weight Ratio
~19.0 hp/tonne
Key Design Characteristics
Autoloader:The T-72 uses acarousel-type automatic loader, which allows the tank to operate with a crew of three by eliminating the human loader. This mechanism contributes to the tank’slow silhouetteand small size.
Low Profile:The compact design provides a very small target, a hallmark of Soviet tank design philosophy. However, this sacrifices crew comfort and internal space.
Vulnerability:The design of the autoloader and the storage of ammunition in a carousel beneath the turret floor has historically been a significant vulnerability, sometimes leading to the turret being violently detached upon a critical hit (“jack-in-the-box” effect).
