Vickers Defence Systems Khalid, Jordan

PT-91

Poland

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.

Specification

First pro to type: 1993 First production: small numbers only 199 4-current Current users: Iran (100 ordered), Poland

Crew: 3

Combat weight: 45 300kg Ground pressure: 0.8 kg/cm2

Length, gun forwards: 9.53 m Width (with side skirts): 3.59 m

Height (without AA gun): 2.19m

Ground clearance: 0.4m

Max. road speed: 60 km/h

Maximum range (with external tanks):

640km

Gradient: 60% Side slope: 40% Vertical obstacle: 0.85 m Trench: 2.8 m

Powerpack: Multi-fuel S-12U watercooled diesel developing 850 hp coupled to a manual transmission. Armament: (main) 1 x 125 mm gun (42 rounds); (coaxial) 1 x 7.62 mm MG; (anti-aircraft) 1 x 12.7 mm MG; (smoke dischargers) 2 x 12

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PT-91 showing blocks of its ERA package around hull front and turret.