The Russian main battle tank has undergone significant developments since the end of the Cold War, with a focus on enhancing its firepower, armor, and mobility. The T-90, which is the current main battle tank of the Russian Ground Forces, is a prime example of these advancements. It is a third-generation tank that combines the hull of the T-72 with the turret of the T-80, and features a 125mm smoothbore cannon as its primary armament.
History and Development
The development of the T-90 began in the late 1980s, with the aim of creating a tank that could compete with the advanced main battle tanks of the West. The T-90 is equipped with a 1,000 horsepower diesel engine, which provides a top speed of approximately 60 km/h. The tank also features a combat weight of around 46 tons, making it highly mobile and capable of navigating various terrain types. The T-90’s armor is composed of a combination of steel, ceramic, and composite materials, providing all-around protection against anti-tank missiles and other types of ammunition.
Firepower and Armament
The T-90’s primary armament is the 2A46M-5 125mm smoothbore cannon, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and high-explosive fragmentation (HEF) rounds. The tank is also equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun for use against infantry and other soft targets. The T-90’s fire control system features a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer, allowing the tank to engage targets at ranges of up to 3,000 meters.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 |
| Length | 9.53 meters |
| Width | 3.78 meters |
| Height | 2.22 meters |
| Combat Weight | 46 tons |
| Top Speed | 60 km/h |
| Range | 500 km |
Upgrades and Modernization
In recent years, the Russian military has implemented several upgrades to the T-90, including the installation of a new fire control system and the integration of advanced communication systems. The T-90M, which is the latest variant of the tank, features a remotely controlled weapon station and a laser warning system, providing enhanced protection against anti-tank missiles and other threats. The T-90M also features a new engine with increased power output, allowing the tank to achieve higher speeds and improved mobility.
Operational History
The T-90 has seen combat in several conflicts, including the Russo-Georgian War and the Syrian Civil War. The tank has proven to be highly effective in urban warfare environments, where its advanced armor and firepower have allowed it to dominate enemy forces. However, the T-90 has also been criticized for its limited range and high operating costs, which have limited its deployment in certain regions.
- The T-90 has been exported to several countries, including India and Algeria.
- The tank has undergone several upgrades and modernization programs, including the installation of a new fire control system and the integration of advanced communication systems.
- The T-90M is the latest variant of the tank, featuring a remotely controlled weapon station and a laser warning system.
What is the main armament of the T-90?
+The main armament of the T-90 is the 2A46M-5 125mm smoothbore cannon, which is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including APFSDS rounds, HEAT rounds, and HEF rounds.
What is the combat weight of the T-90?
+The combat weight of the T-90 is around 46 tons, making it highly mobile and capable of navigating various terrain types.
What is the top speed of the T-90?
+The top speed of the T-90 is approximately 60 km/h, making it a highly mobile platform for modern warfare.
