At the MSPO-2011 defense industrial exhibition in Poland, the Polish association Bumar presented a new version of the modernization of the T-72M1 tank, specially designed for operations in urbanized areas and zones of local conflicts, and designated RT-72U. The direct developer and manufacturer of the machine is ZM Bumar Łabędy SA.
The modernization package was developed at the request of the Polish Ministry of Defense based on the study of the combat experience of the Polish contingent and contingents of other coalition members in Afghanistan. However, it is not yet clear whether the Polish army will order modernization options under the PT-72U program, so the project seems to be viewed by Bumar mainly as an export project.
The PT-72U is equipped with a reactive armor kit, as well as lattice screens designed by Bumar Łabędy, covering the aft hull and turret of the tank. The set of screens weighs 420 kg. The Polish web resource www.altair.com.pl reports that the use of screens was adopted based on the experience of the defeat of the Georgian T-72 tank in Tskhinvali on August 8, 2008, knocked out by Barankevich from the RPG-7 into the rear of the tower.
The bottom and nose of the PT-72U tank (including the location of the driver) have enhanced mine protection based on composite materials.
A round-the-clock autonomous remote-controlled turret ZSMU-127 developed by the ZM Tarnów plant was installed, equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, as well as an ODR-HV ODF Optronics circular observation system, which has 8 television cameras providing all-round visibility, as well as an ODR PTZ panoramic thermal imaging device. The tank has a new communication system.
Radmor RRC9310AP, TPU Fonet-IP and TIUS Trop. Other enhancements include a 17-kilowatt auxiliary power unit, air conditioning, an updated electrical system, and an upgrade to the autoloader.
This upgrade package is offered not only for T-72M1 tanks, but also for RT-91 tanks (in this case, the tank receives the designation PT-91U) and export PT-91E (designation PT-91UE).
Demonstrator RT-72U (c) ZM Bumar Łabędy SA
Demonstrator RT-72U (c) www.armyrecognition.com
Demonstrator RT-72U (c) mr_ffox
TV cameras of the ODR-HV ODF Optronics system (c) ZM Bumar Łabędy SA
