T-72 M1 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Type | Main battle tank |
| Production | 25000 1973-2005 |
The T-72 is a family of Soviet main battle tanks that first entered production in 1971. About 20,000 T-72 tanks were built, The T-72A version introduced in 1979 is considered a second-generation main battle tank. It was widely exported and saw service in 40 countries and in numerous conflicts. The T-72B3 version introduced in 2010 is considered a third-generation main battle tank.
Source: Tank T-72 on Wikipedia
| T-72 M1 | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 68 |
| T-72 MBT Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Stephen Sutton |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 38 |
| T-72M1 Main Battle Tank Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Bill Maloney |
| Localisation | Patton Museum |
| Photos | 18 |
| T-72M-M1 Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Matthew Flegal |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 51 |
| T-72M1 Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 126 |
| T-72 Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknowl |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 19 |
General Overview
| Type | Main Battle Tank (MBT) |
|---|---|
| Place of Origin | Soviet Union (Russia, Ukraine) |
| Service History | 1973–Present |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver) |
| Designer | Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) |
| Production Built | Over 25,000 (Widely produced and exported) |
| Role | Successor to T-55/62; less costly alternative to the T-64/T-80. |
Technical Specifications (T-72 ‘Ural’ Base Model)
| Weight (Mass) | Approx. 41 tonnes (Relatively light for an MBT) |
|---|---|
| Main Armament | 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary Armament | 7.62 mm coaxial MG, 12.7 mm Anti-Aircraft MG |
| Armor | Composite armor (Hull Front) and Cast steel (Turret) |
| Engine | 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 a carousel-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’s low silhouette and 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).
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