T-90S tank: specifications, photo, export

After the appearance of "Armata" at last year 's Victory Parade, the thoughts of many amateurs of armored vehicles are chained to the novelty of domestic tank building. At the same time, the Russian T-90S "Tagil" practically went to shade. And in vain, since the tank is wonderful, which is clearly demonstrated by the latest Syrian events. By the degree of protection and combat effectiveness, it significantly exceeds even the latest modifications of the T-72. It remains to be regretted that in our troops this technique is almost less than that of foreign buyers.

Machine advantages

However, enough lyrics. What is the T-90S, which until recently was the best car of the armored forces of the Russian Federation? Firstly, at the first glance at "Tagil" it becomes clear that it has far gone from the simple T-72B3: the impressive "birdhouse" on the tower indicates the presence of a remotely controlled combat module, the neat and ubiquitous arrangement of dynamic protection plates hints at serious work In the field of increasing combat survivability.

The appearance of the car is very "sleek" and neat, the look of "Tagil" is in no way inferior to modern Western cars. But to pay attention to the exterior would be foolish ... if the inner contents did not match it either.

"The continuity of generations"

This tank is characterized by following the basic canons of domestic tank building, including the minimum possible silhouette, a very small mass in comparison with all western models, excellent rates of speed and maneuverability. Particularly appreciated is the ability of the T-90S (whose characteristics we will consider below) to overcome many obstacles immediately, forcing them to heavier machines requires preliminary engineering preparation of the terrain.

In fairness, it should be noted that the "low silhouette", which was the "visiting card" of our armored vehicles, in modern conditions offers few advantages. Gone are the days when tankmen vyzelivali enemy tanks on the gun (real cases of the Second World War). Today, all normal ATGMs allow you to hit targets the size of a light car from a distance of several kilometers. So the size of the tank does not play a special role. Mobility is more important: the photo of the T-90S in-flight tank demonstrates that this characteristic of the car is at an altitude.

The modification we have described is originally intended for export to the countries of the Persian Gulf and other countries of the region that have long been partners of the USSR and, subsequently, of the Russian Federation in the field of arms trade.

Weapon system

Immediately tell you about what specifically armed one of the most recognizable and respected tanks of the world. The 125-mm gun of the 2A46M-5 or 125-mm 2A82 is the main weapon that allows firing with standard missiles and with self-guided surface-to-air missiles. So the machine can hit targets on land, water, and also be used for shooting low-flying air targets. The ammunition includes up to 40 shells and / or missiles, so that the T-90S, whose photo is in the article, is capable of a long battle.

The auxiliary weapon is the 6P7K machine gun (PKTM). It is designed to destroy enemy infantry, located in the dead zone of the main gun. Since it is paired with a cannon, it is possible to fire the fire. Its standard ammunition includes 2000 cartridges 7,62х54R. All this armament is installed on the tower of a completely new layout, which has little in common with that of the "old man" T-72.

Much more interesting is the remotely controlled module T05BV-1, which includes another 6P7K machine gun (PKTM). Ideal for action in urban environments, as it allows you to destroy enemy infantry, located much higher than the sector of shelling from standard weapons. The ammunition includes 800 cartridges 7,62х54R.

Differences from the T-72 and similar features

Model T-90C is a logical continuation of the ideas laid down in the tanks T-90A. But the differences from them, as well as from the T-72, "Tagil" enough. At once the following nuances are evident:

• Completely new tower, which finally had a developed aft niche for storing additional shots.
• Completely new gun model 2A46M-5 (export version). It is incompatible (!) For ammunition with the model 2A82, which is generally prohibited for export sales.
• Excellent demonstrated in the combat conditions of the dynamic defense Relic.
• Complexes "Shtora" and "Arena" are absent, since the T-90S is an export option, to which such systems are not put for reasons of economy. However, rich customers from the UAE receive these systems.
• For the first time, the domestic tank finally got factory latticed screens, supplemented with DZ modules. This system prevents the destruction or damage to the engine when the armor is pierced by a cumulative jet.
• Previously, an anti-aircraft unit based on a 12.7-mm NSVT machine gun was placed on tanks of this type . It was replaced by a module based on the 7.62-mm 6P7K machine gun. The reason is simple: a modern aircraft from a machine gun will still not be brought down, and 7.63 mm of weapons will suffice to combat more "shallow" targets, to which you can carry a noticeably larger ammunition.
• Visibly improved engine В-92С2Ф2 (1000 l / s) of the robotic gearbox. In 2012, Ukrainians offered India their own modification of T-90S: 6TD 3 (The engine) was to become the main "highlight", but nothing is known about the real advantages of this motor.
• To power the combat modules an additional engine is provided, located in an armored box.
• System (SEMZ) SPMZ-2E, which protects the tank from mines with electromagnetic fuses.

Other features

What else can this machine boast of?

• The hull is almost unchanged from the old T-72.
• The chassis also moved from the T-72.
• The new "Kalina" is much better "Irtysh", which was equipped with T-90A.
• The power reserve of the T-90S is 550-650 km. In the second case, external tanks are required.

Security of the new tower

Some "experts" believe that the tower of this tank is visibly vulnerable in comparison with the T-80 or even the T-72. As arguments they lead to an increase in its size. But in practice, everything turns out to be quite the opposite.

Achievement of increased combat survivability was achieved through the adequate placement of ammunition. First, additional shots are placed in a niche with knockout panels. Secondly, the automatic loading device itself is at the level of the rinks, and therefore its defeat in combat conditions is unlikely. This T-72/90 tanks favorably differ from T-64/80, in which shells are located vertically on the perimeter of the tower. The penetration of the tower armor of these machines with a probability of more than 90% causes detonation of the entire ammunition. From the stern, the T-90 tower is securely protected by a massive tool box.

Since the T-90S was already in combat (Syria), its high security was fully confirmed in practice.

Advantages of the new MSA

The OMS of the domestic tank provides visual detection and tracking of enemy targets at distances of up to five kilometers. Unlike previous versions, both the commander's sight and the gunner's instruments can be simultaneously used on this tank. Significantly increased the ability to review the battlefield: in motion, on the move, in complete darkness.

For the first time in the practice of domestic tank building, a mode of interaction between several machines was involved, automatic tracking of targets, as well as automatic calculation of the most optimal shooting mode, for which the electronics focuses on temperature, humidity, wind speed and other environmental factors.

Duplication of systems

If the JMA completely fails in combat conditions, or as a result of enemy fire, the on-board power grid was damaged, the crew can use an alternative shooting mode, for which duplicating sights are intended. Unlike previous versions of domestic tanks, it was the T-90S tank that received the standard equipment for interference suppression, radio reconnaissance and an interference system to repel attacks by enemy ATGMs.

Other advantages

All the projections of the tank received much more pronounced protection against the hits of anti-tank guns, ATGMs and grenade launchers. The designers foresaw the prospects for further modernization of this technology, which is expressed in the modularity of the entire structure: if such a need arises, it is possible to modernize the tank quickly without spending a lot of money for this.

So the T-90S, whose exports are constantly increasing, is a very promising machine that will not lose its importance on the world arms markets for a long time.

High mobility

Mobility and controllability have been significantly enhanced by installing a more powerful diesel and robotic gear shifting. The latter circumstance is an enormous relief for driver-drivers, especially in the hot climate of the Near East theater. By the way, the power unit of the modification we described is originally designed for operation in extremely hot and dry climate, which is especially appreciated by customers. So the T-90S tank, the characteristics of which provide for the use of the car in such specific conditions, will certainly be in demand for a long time.

A high combination of technical and combat characteristics makes it possible to fight the T-90 in a variety of conditions, regardless of climatic factors, time of year and day. In many respects, experts explain the improvement of mobility by the presence on the tank of the steering wheel instead of the old levers and the robotic checkpoint, which makes the Russian T-90S rocket and gun cannon one of the most convenient in its class.

All these "luxuries" make it possible to simplify the training of the driver-mechanic and, at the same time, make the management of the heavy machine better. On the T-90, the driver can focus on the road and quickly maneuver in combat. As the experience of the first Chechen campaign has shown, this is of no small importance. So the T-90S "Tagil", the characteristics of which we are considering, clearly must have greater survivability.

Some shortcomings

As you know, in the world there is nothing ideal. There are no ideal tanks either. Among the shortcomings of the machine described by us, we can, in particular, include a dense arrangement. No, in some ways this characteristic is good (less size and weight), but when the armor is pierced by a cumulative jet, it is almost guaranteed that something will be hurt from the equipment or one of the crew will suffer.

In addition, the first modifications had a very poor MSA. From situations until relatively recently, consulted, buying accessories ... from France. By the way, similar equipment was put on T-72B3. As the situation is now, it is not known. Considering that the T-90S tank, the characteristics of which were briefly covered in the article, is one of the most advanced domestic machines, such dependence on imported components is not entirely understandable.

Other weaknesses

Finally, there is indeed a strange situation with shells. On the one hand, some of them are located in the aft niche, which is good. On the other hand, designers completely ignore the opinions of the tankmen themselves and the experience of both Chechen campaigns, continuing to persistently shove "additional" shots at all corners of the inhabited office. One more or less "successful" grenade - and the entire crew is guaranteed an end. Of course, an increase in the BC is a good thing, but why should one step on the old rake?

It is also known that early modifications often broke the torsion bars on the rear wheels. How things are with this situation on this version, it is not known. In any case, the absence of complaints from buyers allows us to conclude that this phenomenon has been eliminated. Given that the T-90C, which exports to several countries, willingly buy, it is unlikely that customers would have ignored such a shortcoming.

Main conclusions

At the present stage of development, the evolution of all tanks and their means of destruction is proceeding along two different directions: armored vehicles are constantly improving in their qualitative development, while ATGM developers are focusing on overcoming the systems of their protection. That is why even 10-15 years ago there was an opinion that soon the tanks would not be needed on the battlefield. However, the American experience in Iraq proved that storming fortified areas in cities without tanks is impossible: only under the cover of heavy vehicles the infantry can quickly move into enemy positions without spending a lot of time to overcome the firing points.

So the T-90S tank is a kind of compromise between necessity and reality. It is good as a massive tank for a large country with a conscript army. With apparent simplicity of the base, the machine can be upgraded, as there is potential for this. In addition, on the basis of this machine, dozens of types of auxiliary and combat equipment can be created. So the T-90S is the "star" of the modern tank world.