In 2017, at one of the events of the Ministry of Defense, the upgraded T-90M tank was shown for the first time. By now, this technique has managed to pass the main tests, and should soon go to the troops. The T-90M project provides for almost the largest modernization of the base machine of all time, due to which it should receive increased characteristics and expanded capabilities. Let's consider what solutions the new project offers, and also determine what they will give the updated tank.
Recall that the T-90M MBT was created as part of the Proryv-3 development work. This ROC provided for the combination of the experience of previous projects and the use of new solutions. All this provides a significant increase in performance. So, earlier it was reported that in the course of real exercises, the modernized T-90M tank significantly surpassed the T-90A combat vehicle in terms of combat effectiveness. Back in 2017, a contract was signed for the serial production of such equipment, and the delivery of the first vehicles to the army is expected in the near future.
The armor is strong
The key characteristic of any tank is its survivability. The T-90M project provides for the use of a number of new means and components that provide an increase in the level of protection and a reduction in the negative consequences of damage to the vehicle.
Prototypes of the T-90M were demonstrated several times with the "Cape" kit. Special multilayer covers on the hull and turret are designed to reduce the visibility of an armored vehicle in different ranges, which reduces the likelihood of its detection by enemy aircraft or ground means. As a result, the tracking distance is reduced and the overall effectiveness of the attack decreases.
In order to repel the threat "on distant approaches", the tank can be equipped with the "Arena-M" active protection complex. Such a system should automatically monitor the situation, detect incoming ammunition and destroy them with a retaliatory shot. However, it is not yet completely clear whether the serial T-90M will receive a new KAZ. It is quite possible that they will have to work without such equipment - like other tanks in our army.
The standard combined armor of the hull and turret forehead is complemented by a new overlay protection. The frontal projection and some other surfaces are equipped with modern reactive armor of the "Relic" type. Other parts of the tank are covered with screens. According to known data, the Relikt DZ is several times more effective than the Contact-5 DZ used on the T-90 before the current modernization.
The internal volumes of the tank have been significantly redesigned and refined in order to reduce the risks in case of defeat. So, new screens-lining are introduced, designed to keep secondary fragments and protect the crew or main devices. Also, some hazardous elements have been removed from the internal compartments. The horizontal conveyor of the automatic loader is kept inside the hull, while the rest of the stowage has been moved to the aft compartment of the turret. Also, a storage tank was removed from the bow of the hull, which reduced the risk of fire.
The T-90M tank received a deeply modernized turret with a number of characteristic features. First of all, such a tower has a developed aft niche, in which the stowage for the ammunition is organized. Under normal conditions, the firing compartment is isolated from the fighting compartment and the crew.
Thus, the T-90M is seriously different from the previous armored vehicles of its family in terms of survivability. In the presence of KAZ, anti-tank ammunition has minimal chances of breaking through to the tank. If he succeeded, the penetration of the remote sensing or lattice screens and the reservation under them is not guaranteed. If this happens, the crew and equipment are protected from the stream of debris. Dangerous zones, falling into which threatens with fatal consequences, have been drastically reduced.
Our tanks are fast
Once again, the modernization of the T-90 provides for the completion of the power plant. The T-90M project uses a V-92S2F diesel engine with a capacity of 1130 hp. Together with the transmission units, it forms a monoblock system, which in a known manner facilitates maintenance and repair. The combat weight of the tank does not exceed 50 tons, thanks to which the V-92S2F engine gives it a specific power of at least 22.5 hp. per ton. As a result, an advantageous ratio of mobility and fuel consumption is achieved.
According to previously published official data, the maximum speed of the T-90M on the highway reaches 60 km / h. The power reserve is 550 km. The cross-country parameters are kept at the level of the previous armored vehicles of the family.
In accordance with the current trends of recent years, the T-90M receives an auxiliary power unit. This diesel generator is designed to generate electricity and ensure the operation of electronic equipment when the main engine is off.
Recycling of internal volumes affected the external equipment of the tank. In connection with the removal of the front storage tank, a new fuel tank had to be provided. In order to achieve the maximum possible power reserve, it is proposed to use three external tanks. Two fuel barrels are mounted on the aft hull sheet, and on the left fenders next to the engine compartment there are mounts for a third.
It should be noted that the installation of a third external tank-barrel has already become a reason for criticism. The inconvenience of working with such a container, due to the considerable height of its installation, is noted. In addition, the third barrel on the shelf can interfere with the circular aiming of the gun at low elevation angles. However, the fuel from this barrel can be used first, and by the time the battle starts, get rid of both the container itself and the problems associated with it.
There is no exact information on the modification of the chassis. Apparently, the T-90M retains the suspension, rollers and tracks of existing vehicles. These units were designed with a certain margin, and in the new project, their replacement is not required.
Thundering fire
The T-90M receives an updated weapon system based on modern components. However, the update did not affect all of its elements. So, in the past, it was argued that the modernized tank will receive a smooth-bore gun-launcher 2A82. However, later, at the insistence of the military department, the time-tested 2A46M gun was retained in the project. At the same time, a number of other new systems were introduced in the project.
The turret retains an automatic loader that is compatible with modern tank ammunition with separate-case loading. In the conveyor of the machine, 22 shots are placed, the remaining ammunition is transported in the aft niche of the tower, separated from the habitable compartment. According to various sources, the machine gun can work with modern APCR shells, which have increased dimensions and show increased characteristics.
The improved tank receives the Kalina fire control system, which has already been used in projects of the T-90M family. Such a control system includes a combined day-night sight of the gunner "Sosna-U" and a panoramic sight of the commander of the PK PAN. There is a target tracking machine, a two-plane weapon stabilizer, friend or foe identification means, navigation aids, etc. The OMS is integrated with the tactical echelon information and control system, which makes it possible to transmit and receive data on targets on the battlefield.
With the help of such fire control means, the tank is capable of fighting at any time of the day and in any weather conditions. Target detection with subsequent attack or target designation to other tanks is provided. Also, data on the situation can come from the outside. A characteristic feature of the Kalina FCS is a high degree of automation, which accelerates the response to incoming threats and reduces the workload on the crew.
The auxiliary armament of the tank consists of two machine guns. One of them is paired with a cannon, the second is installed on the roof of the tower on a remotely controlled combat module T05BV-1. A PKT machine gun of 7.62 mm is used as a coaxial one. The combat module can be equipped with weapons of normal or large caliber. Thanks to the use of DUMV T05BV-1, tankers have the ability to fire from all available weapons without leaving the protected volume.
Our people are full of courage
The T-90M project also provides for a major overhaul of the habitable compartments, associated with the improvement of their equipment and increased ergonomic characteristics. The crew of the tank, as in previous upgrades, consists of three people. Their placement has not changed either: the driver takes a place in the bow of the hull under his own hatch, the commander and gunner work in the turret, on the sides of the gun.
The crew workplaces in the turret have all the necessary equipment to work with the LMS and other systems. The T-90M differs from its predecessors in some new devices that make up its MSA. In addition, new features are envisioned. So, the commander is invited to monitor the situation with the help of viewing devices on the hatch or a panoramic sight. When a target is detected through one of the triplexes, the commander can use an automatic system to turn the panoramic sight to the desired sector. This speeds up the identification and attack of targets. In addition, for the first time in the T-90M line, the commander receives an ammunition selection panel for loading into a gun. Previously, the type of projectile was set only by the gunner.
One of the driver's periscopic devices at night is proposed to be replaced with a TVN-10 three-channel viewing device. This product has one optical and two television channels with signal output to a monitor. Driving a tank in different conditions is also simplified by using a set of video cameras that form an almost continuous field of observation around the tank.
Internal communication between tankers is provided by an intercom for three subscribers. The radio station R-168-25U-2 "Aqueduct" with two independent modules is responsible for the external one.
Russian tankers will be commissioned
The contract for the supply of the first batch of serial MBT T-90M to the Russian army was signed in August 2017. Under its terms, NPK Uralvagonzavod is to transfer 30 armored vehicles of a new type to the armed forces in 2018-19. It was reported that 10 tanks will be built from scratch, and the remaining two dozen vehicles will be converted from the T-90 of the previous modifications, temporarily decommissioned.
Last year, at the Army-2018 military-technical forum, another contract was signed for T-90M tanks. This time it was about 30 new-built armored vehicles with the delivery of the entire batch in 2019. Thus, to date, the army has managed to contract 60 T-90M tanks. Two-thirds of this equipment needs to be built anew, and the remaining 20 tanks will appear as a result of the modernization. The last of the ordered 60 vehicles should go to service before the beginning of next year.
Perhaps the process of modernizing existing tanks or building new ones ran into certain difficulties. Because of this, the first T-90Ms were unable to enter the army last year. However, in February, there were reports in the domestic media that the first T-90Ms will enter the troops this year. In the absence of any serious problems, both parties of 60 tanks can go into the army this year.
What will happen after the fulfillment of two actual orders is unknown. It is very likely that NPK Uralvagonzavod will receive new contracts for the modernization or construction of T-90M tanks, and the army will continue to increase the number of such equipment. However, the details of such plans have not yet been officially published.
It is known that about 350 T-90 MBTs of two modifications are in operation in parts of the Russian army. Another 200 armored vehicles are in storage. Thus, the newest modernization project with the letter "M" has good prospects in terms of quantity. With the appropriate desire of the Ministry of Defense, as well as with the necessary financial capabilities, several hundred tanks can be upgraded. In parallel, massive construction of completely new equipment can be carried out.
Tank of the future
The developers and the military department regularly publish separate information about the newest T-90M tank, but a significant part of the data is still not subject to disclosure. However, even the available information shows an increase in the main characteristics and capabilities of the improved tank, which should positively affect the capabilities of the troops as a whole.
From the available data, it follows that the T-90M is a completely modern armored combat vehicle that meets current requirements and is capable of continuing to serve for a long period. It is capable of becoming a successful and effective replacement for the older versions of the T-90, as well as a good "colleague" for the modernized T-72B3 and the newly built T-14. Modernized equipment of two types for some time will form the basis of armored units and make a key contribution to the combat capability of the ground forces.
The first MBT of the T-90M modification will enter service this year. 60 tanks have been contracted, which are to be built or modernized in the very near future. In the future, we can expect the continuation of their production. Thus, the Russian armored units await a new large-scale renewal of the fleet of equipment, designed to positively affect their combat effectiveness, and it will be carried out with the help of a modern and decent armored vehicle.
