Poland
PT-91 The PT-91 Twardy (Hard) is a locally derived development of the Russian T-72M1 MET built under license by the Zaklady Mechaniczne Burmar - Labedy SA tank plant, The first prototype was built in 1992 with the first production models completed in 1995. The tank is armed with a 125 mm D8 IT smoothbore gun that fires HEAT, APFSDS and HE-Frag ammunition. The gun is fitted with a carousel type automatic loader carrying 22 rounds. The rest of the 42-round total ammunition load is carried in the hull and turret. The gun is fitted with a dual-axis stabilisation system that uses an electromechanical drive for traverse and a hydraulic drive for elevation. An indigenous Polish computerised fire
control system is fitted together with a gunner's thermal sight and integrated laser rangefinder. A coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is fitted as is a turret roof mounted 12.7 mm NSVT air defence machine gun. The tank is provided with a snorkel for deep fording and ribs for mounting mineclearing equipment. A locally developed ERA package known as Erawa-1 is fitted to the hull and turret. This is complemented by a laser warning system that alerts the tank crew when it is being targeted by a laser device. Stealth technology is also provided by the use of radar absorbing materials on certain parts of the tank structure. A more powerful 1000 hp diesel engine is under development.
PT-91 MET as used by the Polish Army.
