T-55 and T-62Tank Upgrades

Tank Upgrades

Purpose

Dozens of thousands of the T-55/T-62 MBTs are in service with armies of over 50 countries. Programmes for partial and comprehensive modernisation of these tanks are developed. The upgrading can considerably improve their combat effectiveness as far as firepower, armour protection, mobility and combat controllability are concerned. Modernisation programme

The modernisation programmes provide for introduction of an advanced fire control system, additional armour with integrated last generation explosive reactive armour, a more powerful engine, upgraded transmission and new communications and navigation equipment.

Basic specifications

T-55 upgrade T-62 upgrade Combat weight, t 43 43 Crew 3 3 Dimensions, mm: length (gun forward) 9,100 9,460 width (over skirts) 3,400 3,400 height (to turret top) 2,260 2,390 ground clearance 470 430 Specific ground pressure, kg/sq. cm 0.88 0.89 Armament: gun type and calibre, mm rifled, 100 (smoothbore, 125) smoothbore, 125 or NATO standard, 120 or NATO standard, 120 number and calibre of machine guns, mm 1 x 7.62; 1 x 12.7 1 x 7.62; 1 x 12.7 guided weapons sysytem installed installed Fire control system automated with digital ballistic computer Loading system autoloader in rear armoured turret bustle Gun combat rate of fire, rds/min up to 12 up to 12 Ammunition allowance for the gun, rds 22 in autoloader Gun stabiliser two-plane, electromechanical Protection integrated ERA, T-80U class Anti-mine electromagnetic system none installed Engine type multifuel diesel multifuel diesel power, hp 690 690, 730 or 1,000 Max speed, km/h 50 50 Endurance, km 500 610