T-72, A, B (export) and M series, CIS

T-64 Series

CIS

Originally fielded in 1967 the T-64 did not reach the then groups of Soviet Forces in Eastern Europe in large numbers until 1974. The tank had a number of innovative design features including an autoloader with a 6-8 rpm rate of fire.

From the T-64A the gun main armament fitted is the fully stabilised 125 mm 2A26M2 smoothbore gun that uses a rotating carousel magazine at the bottom of the turret basket. The 24 projectiles are stowed with their noses pointing in towards the centre with the propellant charges standing behind around the edge, A projectile must be lifted into position behind the breech with the propellant charge brought up behind it for the rammer to work. The system is difficult to reload and is almost impossible to manually fire if the autoloader fails for any reason.

The 12.7 mm NVST anti-aircraft machine gun can be fired from inside the turret. The tank is equipped with a PAZ radiation detector and has an integral antiradiation/span liner. Beneath the lower part of the glacis is a toothed dozer/plough with which the tank can dig its own fighting position within 15-20 minutes. It can also be fitted with KMT-5/6 mine roller/plough systems.

From the information released for the CIS talks the Russian designation of the T-64 variants have been identified. T-64 - the original production model with a 115 mm D-68 gun and 40 rounds of ammunition. Of the ammunition carried 30 rounds were loaded in the autoloader. Distinguished by shorter barrel and no fume extractor, some 600 built. T-64 - initial production vehicle with 125 mm 2A26 gun. A total of 38 rounds carried. Most rebuilt to T-64A standard. T-64A - with coincidence rangefinder (effective engagement range 1600 metres but built-in fire-control capacity available for 2200 metres). A total of 37 rounds are carried. A modified T-64A appeared in mid-seventies with addition of 2 x 6 smoke grenade launcher assemblies on each side of turret front, T-64A Rebuilt - rebuild of T-64 and T-64A models. As T-64A but with addition of side skirts to improve hull side protection, glacis plate applique armour, new stowage arrangements and other minor changes. T-64AK - command version of T-64A

with extra radio, second antenna on turret roof and land navigation system but no 12.7 mm NSVT machine gun at commander's station. T-64B - redesigned T-64A, externally resembles the latter but with improved fire control system to accommodate 4000 m range AT-8 Songster ATGW (Russian name Kobra) and enhanced shoot-on-the-move capabilities. The missile's radio guidance box is on the left side of turret beneath the MG position. Also completely new second generation armour package. A total of 36 125 mm rounds and six Kobra missiles are carried. The T-64B was subsequently fitted with smoke dischargers. T-64B1 - T-64B without ATGW capability. T-64B1K - command version of T-64B1 with additional radio, second antenna on turret roof and land navigation system, T-64BV - as T-64B but with bolts over turret and hull for mounting ERA package to give 25% increase in armour protection. Additional protection has also been fitted in the form of bolt-on Kevlar fabric armour pieces over the turret top, sides and rear. T-64B1V - as T-64B1 but with modifications of the T-64BVto accommodate ERA package. T-64B1VK - command version of T-64BV with additional radio, second antenna on turret roof and land navigation system. T-64BM - as T-64B but with 1000 hp diesel engine. T-64R - rebuilt early model T-64s with 125 mm 2A46 gun, ATGW capability and laser rangefmder. No combat support vehicles have been built using theT-64 chassis.

Specification:

First prototype: 1961-62 First production: 1965-1981 (13000 plus built) Current users: Russia and other CIS states

Crew: 3

Combat weight: 38 000 kg (+1500 kg ERA T-64BV/T-64BV1K) Ground pressure: 0.86 kg/cm2

Length, gun forwards: 9.24 m Width (with skirts): 4.75 m Height (without AA gun): 2.2 m Ground clearance: 0.38 m

Max. road speed: 75 km/h

Maximum range (with external tanks):

600km Fording: unprepared 1.4 m; prepared 5.5 m

Gradient: 60% Side slope: 40% Vertical obstacle: 0.8m Trench: 2.7 m

Powerpack: 5 DTP 5-cylinder opposedpiston liquid-cooled diesel developing 750 hp coupled to a synchromesh hydraulically assisted transmission Armament: (main) 1 x 125 mm gun (42 rounds); (coaxial) 1 x 7.62 mmMG; (anti-aircraft) 1 x 12.7 mm MG; (smoke dischargers) 2 x6 (not T-64 Basic)