T-55 – WalkAround

T-55 – WalkAround
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T-55 Walk Around
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Den T-55 is a Soviet-designed main battle tank (MBT) that holds the distinction of being one of the most widely produced and long-serving tanks in military history. Developed from the earlier T-54, the T-55 series dominated Cold War battlefields, seeing service in over 50 armies worldwide. It remains in reserve or active service in many nations today, a testament to its simple, rugged, and highly effective design.

Development and Characteristics

• Origin: The T-55 was a direct evolution of the T-54, with the main upgrade being a more powerful engine and, crucially, a fully integrated **Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system**. This made it the world’s first mass-produced tank equipped with such defenses, reflecting Cold War fears of tactical nuclear conflict.
• Engine: It was powered by a **V-55 V-12 diesel engine** (producing 580 horsepower). The diesel engine was more fuel-efficient and less prone to fire than the gasoline engines used by many Western tanks of the time.
• Beväpning: The primary weapon is a **100 mm D-10T rifled gun**. This gun was accurate and powerful, capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds. Later modifications often included the ability to launch anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) through the gun barrel.
• Protection: The T-55 features heavy cast armor, particularly thick on the front of the turret (up to 200 mm). Its low profile also made it a difficult target to hit.
• Mobility: Despite its weight (around 36 tons), the T-55 was highly mobile and relatively fast (up to 50 km/h). Its track system was designed for reliability in rough terrain.

Key Features and Upgrades

• Low Profile: Short height, making it easy to conceal.
• Crew: 4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver).
• T-55A: A major variant introduced in the early 1960s, which improved the NBC protection system and removed the loader’s cupola.
• Modernization: Many operators have modernized the T-55 by adding **Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA)**, laser rangefinders, thermal imaging, and fire-control systems, effectively extending its lifespan into the 21st century.

Operational History

The T-55 has seen action in nearly every major conflict outside of Western Europe since the 1960s:

• Vietnam War: Used by North Vietnamese forces.
• Yom Kippur War (1973): Extensively used by Arab armies against Israel.
• Iran-Iraq War (1980s): Used by both sides.
• Yugoslav Wars (1990s): Used by various factions.
• Current Conflicts: T-55 and modernized variants continue to be utilized, particularly by reserve units or forces with limited defense budgets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The T-55 is celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, qualities that ensured its role as the definitive post-World War II tank of the Eastern Bloc and a global export success.

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