WARSAW, (BM) – The Russian army received the first modernized T-72B3M Main Battle Tanks with an additional modification in the form of an automatic target tracking system, commonly known as the autotracker, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing Defence24.
T-72B3M
Auto tracker is one of the elements of the fire control system that allows you to continuously track a detected target automatically. Its use facilitates the work of the gunner and reduces the time needed to neutralize the target from detection to firing, which significantly increases the effectiveness of a tank equipped with it on the battlefield. As a rule, the use of an autotracker also increases accuracy. So far, the modernized T-72B3 / T-72B3M tanks have not been equipped with this system.
The main contractor for the modernization of the T-72B3M tanks is the Russian company UralWagonZawod [UWZ]. The modernization to the T-72B3M standard is to be, according to the manufacturer’s declaration, more than twice cheaper than the corresponding modernization packages from competitors, with a simultaneous significant increase in combat capabilities and adaptation to the requirements of the modern battlefield. According to the TASS agency, the installation of the autotracker is to be associated with the implementation of the conclusions from the “Tank Biathlon” competition.
The changes introduced to the modernized T-72B3M in relation to the base version of the T-72B include the assembly of: the new 125mm 2A46M-5 cannon, the Sosna-U multi-channel gunner sight [developed by the Belarusian company Peleng], the 1A40-4 fire control system, digital ballistic computer, new VHF R-168-25U-2 Akwieduk radio, armor pack in the front hemisphere of the car, new side skirts, cage armor at the rear of the hull and turret, as well as the new 1130hp W-92S2F engine with a new automatic transmission gears. The modernization is additionally combined with a major overhaul of each tank.
In September this year, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the latest plan to upgrade all Russian T-72 MBTs to the latest T-72B3M standard. Currently, this process is ongoing, and subsequent batches of the modernized T-72B3M tanks are being delivered to subsequent armored units in all military districts. There is a very high probability that the first modernized T-72B3, which was delivered in a leaner configuration, will be retrofitted with the elements introduced in later modernization versions as part of ongoing repair and service works.
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