T-72

T-72 "Ural" - main battle tank USSR. The most massive main battle tank of the second generation. Adopted in the Armed Forces to 1973 of the year. T-72 is designed and produced in the Lower Tagil Uralvagonzavod. Chief designer of the machine - in. n. Venediktov. "Ural" is in the CIS armed, exported to the Warsaw Pact countries, Finland, India, Iran, Iraq, Syria. Modification of T-72 were produced in Yugoslavia for Licenses (M-84), Poland (PT-91), Czechoslovakia and India, which exported them.

T-72 – video

The development of T-72 began in 1967 year. In the course of further work, at 1968-69 years, comparative tests of T-64A tanks were carried out with the engine B-45 ejection cooling system (Development of Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau) and samples B-45 engine with fan cooling (development of design bureau in Nizhny Tagil) and automatic loader guns on 22 shot. Recent results have shown higher. In November 1969 year on these machines were installed engines in the 46-capacity 573 kW (780 l. from.) and running gear new design. Made with these changes the model has been assigned the index "Object 172M". 7 August 1973 g. joint decision of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the USSR Council of Ministers № 554-172 Soviet Army T-72 tank was adopted. Produced in the USSR and Russia in the period from 1974 by 1992 years at the Uralvagonzavod and the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant.

Since 1974 by 1990 years only on the Uralvagonzavod was released 20 544 T-72 of various modifications. Total produced about 30 000 tanks.

construct

T-72 has a classic layout, with the placement of the engine compartment in the rear, combat - in the middle, and management offices - in the frontal part of the machine. The crew consists of three people: the driver, gunner and commander, who also serves as a charging after the expenditure of ammunition in the autoloader. After firing is performed automatically cleaning air from the gases in the fighting compartment of the pallet and release liner through a manhole in the tower.

Armor hull and turret

T-72 has differentiated protivosnaryadnym armor protection. Armored tank housing is a rigid box-like structure, collected from the plate and sheet rolled homogenous steel armor and armor combined. The front part of the tank consists of two converging wedge armor plates: the top, disposed obliquely to 68 ° to the vertical and bottom, disposed obliquely to 60 °. At T-72 upper plate is made of a combined armor, consisting of a 80 mm steel outer, 105-mm glass-cloth and a 20-mm steel inner layers, and the lower plate - of 85 mm rolled homogenous steel armor. The reduced thickness of the upper front part of 550 mm, and its protective ability, According to various sources, equivalent of 305 to 410 mm (measure the resistance of the American M1 tank″abrams” against piercing projectiles, forehead tower 400mm) rolled homogenous steel armor against piercing and against 450 to 600 mm against shaped-charge projectiles. The rest of the body is carried out entirely of rolled homogeneous armor. Vertical side body have a thickness 80 mm in the area of ​​the driver's compartment and crew compartment 70 mm - in the area of ​​the power pack, feed body consists of upper and lower two armor plates and pressed crankcases gearboxes. The roof of the housing consists of two bronelistov, and the bottom has a trough-shape and consists of three stamped parts, having a number vyshtampovok to enhance rigidity. Engine-transmission compartment separated from the combat armor transverse partition. On each side of the tank to protect against chemical munitions are installed four rotary screen from 3 mm extruded aluminum alloy sheets. Screens fastened to nadgusenichnyh shelves and in the firing position takes place at an angle of 60 °, and in pohodnom, for safekeeping, pressed against the dust flaps. Reservation towers tanks first series monolithic. Solid book tower T-72 it was considered a major drawback, therefore 1979 was accepted into service the T-72A with a combined armor tower.

During serial production of the tank of his book repeatedly amplified. At the T-72A with 1980 , the thickness of the layers have been redistributed upper front part, amounting 60+100+50 mm, apart from this detail of welding of 30-mm armor plate was strengthened. The upper frontal part of T-body 72A is equivalent to, According to various sources, from 360 to 420 mm steel against armor piercing projectiles and from 490 to 500 mm against cumulative ammunition. Protivokumulyativnymi folding shields were replaced by solid rubber-screen TV on the entire length of the board. At the T-72B windshield book was re-amplified, including by adding 20 mm armor plate. Besides, T-72B received a set of dynamic protection "Contact", consisting of 227 containers, mounted on the top front part of the cabinet, forehead of the tower and the front half of the hull sides, tower and roof of the tower. A similar dynamic protection, It differs in the arrangement of elements on the tower (wedge, as in other domestic tanks with the letter "B" in the designation), from 1985 Year installed on the T-72A during their repair, whereupon modernized tanks received designation T-72AV. Frontal armor protection upper housing parts T-72B Western experts rated as equal 530 mm steel against armor piercing projectiles and 1100 mm against cumulative ammunition in view of the hinged type CLE Contact. In the modified T-72BA established more sophisticated built dynamic protection.

At the T-72A in the tower also amended, there was heat-treated quartz filler ("Sand bars"), aluminum plates have been replaced by solid rubberized side skirts, T-72B filler tower replaced by blocks with reflective elements.

Placement of the crew and ammunition inside the protected space armor:
1 - driver mechanic, 2 - commander, 3 - gunner and 4 - ammunition

weaponry

The main arms of T-72 was 125 mm smoothbore gun D-81TM (GRAU index - 2A26M). The length of the gun barrel - 48 (50,6 2A46m) calibres. With gun paired 7.62 mm machine gun PKT, as anti-aircraft gun is used NSVT-12.7 "Cliff" on the open setting of the turret, wherein compared to the same setting of the T-64 it produced substantial simplification - was expelled remote drive antiaircraft machine gun and anti-aircraft sight abolished optical ROM 5, so the machine can fire the commander of the anti-aircraft only when the open hatch, inducing a manual installation, using open sights, stored "on the camp" in a special installation on the turret. At the T-72A instrument set 2A46, compared with 2A26M improved accuracy and survivability barrel. At the T-72B introduced BCCH (guided weapons) 9K120 "Svir", which are not installed on all tanks.

observation and communication tools

– T-72 - F-packaged with radio 123M (collected by transceiver circuit, bandwidth radio station is divided into two sub-bands: 20.0 — 36.0 MHz 36.0 — 51.0 MHz, possible radio tuned in 4 preset frequencies (ZPCh)), intercom P-124, four subscriber, unit TPU-A, and the unit A-4 for connecting the outer outlet landing. The commander's cupola are two devices TNP-160, and the commander observation device TKN-3, night sight TPN-1-49-23, day sight rangefinder TPD-2-49, as a source of infrared light illuminator used L-2AG "Moon" with an infrared filter. NSVT equipped collimator sight K10-T.

– T-72A - set day sight rangefinder TPD-K1, night sight TPN-1-49-23 (later replaced by the TPN-3-49, the entire sighting system on 1A40), osvetitely zamenёn L-4″Luna 4″.

– T-72B - installed radio R-173 (Operating frequency range 30 — 75.9 MHz), on the commander's version additionally, as before, posed HF station P-130; mounted sighting system 1A40-1, which includes day sight rangefinder TPD-K1, complex 1K13-49 (introduction of IMC 9K120 "Svir", guided missiles on a laser beam, T-72B is quite easy to distinguish from the T-72B1 is for night sight, T-72B1 mine for no emitter).

– Modernization of the production plant for MSA.

The main gunner's sight - combined with a multi-channel optical channel, thermal channel, laser rangefinder and laser missile control channel, stabilization independent biplanar, TPDK-1 doubler Night sight the gunner's sight on thermal night sight channel detect your main objective, 3000 … 3500 m.

commander of the device - day-night sighting and observation complex type PNA 4SR or T01-04 Identification range, in the afternoon 4000, at night 1000, m.

Engine and transmission

At T-72 set various V-shaped pattern 12 of multi-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine with liquid cooling of the family, which is the development of the B-2. The T-72 was set in the engine 46 to the drive-centrifugal supercharger, razvivayushy maximum power 780 l. from. at 2000 rev / min. The T-72A was installed engine V-46-6, and with 1984 year - engine B-84 power 840 l. from. At the T-72B installed engine model B-84-1.

The engine is installed in the engine compartment in the rear part of the tank across its longitudinal axis, on welded to the bottom of the basement. The fuel system includes four internal and five external fuel tanks. One of the inner tank is placed on the floor in the aft of the crew compartment, while the other three - in the department of management, on both sides of the driver. All five external tanks are placed on the right shelf nadgusenichnoy. The capacity of the internal tank is 705 l, while the exterior - 495 l. In addition to these, to the fuel system can be connected to two additional barrels, is fixed on the tank feed, total volume 400 or 500 l depending on the volume of the barrel. The fuel can be used diesel marks DL, DZ and DA, gasolines A-66 and A-72 and T-1 kerosenes, TC-1 and TC-2.

The composition of T-72 transmission includes:

– multiplier, transmitting torque from the engine to the gearbox ("guitar");
– Two seven-speed mechanical (7+1) Planetary gearbox with friction on and controlled by means of hydraulic actuators, at the same time perform the functions of turning mechanism;
– Onboard, single-stage planetary gear.

Chassis

Suspension independent rollers, torsionnaya. Chassis each side consists of a 3-supporting rollers and 6 rubber-coated rollers with the rocker and vane dampers in the first, the second and sixth, guide rollers and driving rear wheel arrangement. The tank is equipped with an entrenching, which is the operating position of the 2 minutes.

T-72AV Syrian armed forces

modifications

Soviet and Russian

An object 172 (1968 city) - pre-production prototype with the engine B-45K and weight in 39 t.

object 172-2M (1972 city) - an experienced pre-production with a more powerful engine B-46F and the mass in 42 t.

T-72 "Ural" (object 172M; 1973 city) - the basic pattern.

Object 172MN - experimental modification of T-72 with the installation of a 130-mm rifled gun 2A50 (LP-36E). He was tested in the years 1972-1974. In mid-October 1975 Year of demonstryrovalsya Marshal Grechko A. A. during his visit to the Research Institute in Kubinka. For service was not taken.

Object 172MD - experimental modification of T-72 with the installation of a 125-mm smoothbore gun 2A49 (D-89T).

Object 172MP - experimental modification of T-72 for testing 125mm smoothbore gun 2A46M. Made in May-July 1977 for the purpose of the system acceptance test. The results of these tests 2A46M gun was found to conform to specified tactical and technical requirements and is recommended for further testing.

An object 175 - draft modification of T-72, prototypes were not made, subsequently some studies for this machine were used in serial T-72.

An object 177 - experimental modification of T-72 with laser-guided BCCH "Swir".

An object 179 - experimental modification of T-72 with MSA "Ob" and BCCH "Cobra".

An object 186 - experimental modification of T-72, established the second phase of the ROC "Improvement of T-72A". The tank is installed a new cylinder 16 and X-shaped diesel engine 2B-16, capacity of 1000-1200 liters. from. with fan cooling.

T-72K "Ural-K" (object 172MK; 1973) - commanding variant T-72. Distinguished by the optional navigation equipment, HF radios R-130M and an autonomous power supply unit.

T-72K (Object 172MK-E) - export version of the tank commander's options line.

T-72 (An object 172M-E, 1975) - export version, different design of the frontal armor protection of the tower, SIS system and a complete set of ammunition.

T-72A

T-72A (an object 176; 1979) - upgrading T-72. The main differences: laser rangefinder sight TPD-K1, night gunner's sight TPN-3-49 with illuminator L-4, solid board Spaced Armor, gun 2A46 (instead 2A26M2 gun), system 902B launch smoke grenades, protection against napalm system, traffic signal system, night instrument TVNE-4B driver's, increase the dynamic course of rollers, The motor-46-6.

T-72AK (176K object; 1979) - commanding embodiment of the T-72A. Distinguished by the optional navigation equipment, HF radio and autonomous power supply unit.

T-72M (1980) - export version of the T-72A. He was distinguished by an armored tower design, ammunition bundle and collective protection system.

T 72M1 (1982) - modernization of the T-72M. It differed additional 16 mm armor plate on the upper front part of the cabinet and a combined tower armor with sand as a filler rods.

T 72M1M (T 72M1K; object 172M2, not to be confused with object 172 M2 / 172M 2M 'buffalo') - modernization of the export of the T-72M1 equipped DZ,new MSA, satellite navigation system involving a TIUS. Originally was equipped KAZT "Arena" and ERA complex mixed, «Contact 5" of VLD, and "relics" of towers (Then the tank was only possible running breadboard model), It was later installed a full range of RS "Relic", and removed KAZT "Arena". There is also an automatic target tracking. IMC is set 9K119 "Reflex" and SEMP. Engine power is replaced by V92S2 1000 l. from.

T-72AV (object 176V; 1985) - a variant of the T-72A with a hinged "Contact" dynamic protection.

T-72B (an object 184; 1985) - a modernized version of the T-72A with guided weapons complex 9K120 "Svir", ERA "Contact", The motor 84 and MSA 1A40, replacement 2A46 cannon on gun-launcher 2A46M.

T-72b Callback. 1989

T-72b Callback. 1989 (1989; also circulated an informal and mislabeled T-72BM) - a modernized version of the T-72B with integrated "Contact-V» ERA, analogous mounted on tank T-80U.

T-72BK (184K object; 1987) - commanding embodiment of the T-72B. Distinguished by the optional navigation equipment, HF radio and autonomous power supply unit.

T-72B / B1

T-72B1 (an object 184-1; 1985) - a variant of the T-72B without mounting some elements of the complex guided weapons. From the T-72B used different night sight TPN-3-49 "Crystal-PA" instead 1K13.

T 72B1K (184K-1 object) - commanding variant T-72B1. Distinguished by the optional navigation equipment, HF radio and autonomous power supply unit.

T-72C

T-72C (1987) - export version of the T-72B. Original name - T-72M1M. The main differences: 155 containers hinged dynamic protection (instead 227), lack nadboya on the tower, Reservations hull and turret remained at the level of the T-72M1, other ordnance equipment to the gun. Caught in the Russian Army in 1993 year after the collapse of a number of export sales.

T 72BU (1992) - modernization of T-72B, adopting under the T-90 (Excellent version of the T-90).

T-72BA

T-72BA (object 184A) T 72BA1 (entity 184A1). Modernization during the overhaul of T-72B on UVZ. The first batch of upgraded machines were put back in 1999-2000,. Modernization involves an improvement to the level of the most recent release of the T-72B 1991 g. EIA 1A40-1 (later 1A40-1M, and with 2005 g. - 1A40-M2), installation of a new stabilizer arms 2E42-4 "Jasmine", strengthening the resistance of the bottom mine additional armor plate in the vicinity of the driver's seat, replacement of chassis and engine are, that were used in the first series of T-90 (sample 1993 city, The motor-84MS), or T-90A (from 2003 g. - B-92S2) and installation of explosive reactive armor "Kontakt-5" (the first series of T-72BA partially preserved "Contact-1"). In addition to the tracks and ERA, Outwardly the car from an ordinary modification of the "B" features a well-marked on the tower of a wind sensor, installation of which will improve the sighting tank equipment.

T-72B2 "Slingshot" (T-72BM and other documents; 184M facility) - version with upgraded instrument 2A46M5, improve the accuracy of fire; also found an apparatus for improving the accuracy of firing artillery weapons, multichannel (collimation, rangefinder, Thermal channels and combined with them a channel for guided missiles) gunner's sight "Sosna" Belarusian production of "Bearing" is equipped with a thermal imaging camera of the second generation of French production CATHERINE firm Thomson-CSF, a tank installed ERA modular "Relic", The new engine-92S2 power 1000 l. from., moreover tank equipped with an auxiliary power unit and (VSU), electromagnetic protection system, providing protection against antitank mines with magnetic fuzes.

T-72B3 arr. 2011

T-72B3 (2011) - an upgraded version of the T-72; I began to be delivered to Armenia in 2012 g. The tank has the latest MSA, VDZ "Kontakt-5", B-84-1 engine power 840 l. from., TsBV, multichannel sight "Sosna-U", wind sensor, the latest means of communication, improved stabilizer arms and the complex of protection against weapons of mass destruction. Improved automatic loader guns and ammunition under the new improved chassis, received the caterpillar tracks with parallel hinge. FROM 2014 year by modifying T-72B3 for tank biathlon put the engine capacity of 1130l. from.

T 72B3M formation. 2014 at tank biathlon 2014

T 72B3M (2014) - an upgraded version of the T-72B3 tank for biathlon. Characterized by having the panoramic thermal imaging device commander, engine capacity of 1130l. from., automatic gear change and motion control system with voice informer critical modes of operation of the units.

T-72B3 arr. 2016

T-72B3 arr. 2016 (2016) - modification with individual elements dynamic protection "relic" (side skirts on the body and the DMZ on the sides of the tower), 2A46M-gun 5-01, The engine-92S2F, automated transmission, digital display and a television camera rearview.

T-72B3M with panoramic views of the commander and the engine B-92S2F

foreign

T-72AG (T-72AG; Ukraine) - export version of the tank upgrade. Used the main components and assemblies of T-80UD and T-84. The tank 6TD (6TD-1 power 1000 l. from. or 2-capacity 6TD 1200 l. from.), new EIS, new built-in dynamic protection, changed the MTO. Installation guns KBM-1M.

T 72-120 (Ukraine) - version of the tank modernization, proposed for export to NATO. The tank is installed a 120mm tank gun smoothbore MSC-2 (possible to install caliber gun 140 mm). In the rear part of the tower is installed niche, which is automatic loader with 22 unitary shots, the rest of the ammunition (20 shells) located aft of the crew compartment. Used the shots correspond to NATO standards. Anti-aircraft gun 12.7mm received remote control, similar as in the T-80UD. fire control system, auxiliary arms, propulsion and protection of T-72-120 are completely similar to the T-72AG.

T-72MP (T-72-MR; Ukraine) - export version of the tank upgrade, developed with the participation of the Czech company "Bohemia" and the French "the SAGEM". Further improvement of the T-72AG in accordance with NATO standards. The tank is combined day-night laser sighting system with stabilization in two planes SAVAN 15MP French firm SAGEM and panoramic sight of the French company SFIM (similar installed on the tank "Leclerc"). Upon customer request the setting of protection systems such as anti-tank systems "Blind-2", modern radio and navigation equipment, Computer command and control system with a display of the tactical situation, and other electronic equipment from leading Western firms. Installation guns KBM-1M.

T-72E (Ukraine) - version of the tank modernization, created at the Kharkov armored repair plant in collaboration with HKBD, offered for export. Installed engine power 5TDFE 900 l. from. (5TDFMA-1 power 1050 l. from. of variant T-72E1), with preservation of the old cooling system and without significant housing improvements, Autonomous electric machine EA-10 power 10 kW, air conditioning, transmission with high efficiency, integrated RS "Knife" on the tower, and mounted on the body.

T 72UA1 (Ukraine) - version of the tank modernization of the Kiev repair and mechanical plant, offered for export. Installed engine power 5TDFMA-1 1050 l. from., with preservation of the old cooling system and without significant housing improvements, transmission with high efficiency, 12,7-mm anti-aircraft pulomot DShKM, fitted DZ "Knife" on the tower, and mounted on the body. Installation of the auxiliary power unit power EA 10-2 10 kW.

T 72UA4 (T-72UA4; Ukraine) - a variant tank upgrade similar T 72UA1, proposed for Kazakhstan. The machine has an advanced sighting and observation complex with an anti-aircraft machine-gun commander installing closed-type, complex optronic countermeasures "Warta".

T-72BME (Byelorussia) - Belarusian version of the tank modernization, submitted 140th armored plant.

T-72KZ (Kazakhstan) - co-Israeli embodiment Kazakhstan tank upgrade. On it was set and dynamic protection MSA Israeli production.

T-72KZ «Shygyz" (Kazakhstan) - upgrade option, with the participation of companies in Kazakhstan, Israel and Ukraine. presented for the first time 2012 year. The tank is installed with advanced thermal imaging MSA TISAS pritselamii Israeli production, tius, navigation system based on GPS and radio Tadiran. Your mounted on a tower built, a housing mounted on the DMZ, on the side of the projection grating installed protivokumulyativnymi. Caterpillars equipped asfaltohodnymi overlays.

T-72 Aslan military parade 2013 in Baku

Т-72 Aslan (Azerbaijan) - upgrade option, developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. The tank is installed computerized FCS, navigation system based on GPS, determination system "friend or foe", imagers commander and gunner, DZ hinged.

T-72M2 Modern

T-72M2 Modern (Slovakia) - not recycled in a series, for financial reasons, modernization of T-72M 1993 year from the company ZTS-OTS, designed in cooperation with French and Belgian manufacturer SFIM SABCA avionics. The tank was installed a new computerized FCS VEGA, VS-580 Sight (like "Leclerc" Tank) engine power B was brought to 46 850 l. from. and given the name S-12U, the tank circuit 20 and two-mm anti-aircraft gun KAA-200 were established (on earlier versions), later they were replaced by a single 30-mm cannon (2A42), also on the tank installed a new dynamic protection Dynas.

Т-72 T 21 (Slovakia, France) - a joint Slovak-French tank modernization project DMD Holding a.s. The tank was installed a new French tower T 21, equipped with a 120 mm gun Model F1 (CN-120-24 Smooth) with similar autoloader AMX-56 "Leclerc", T-OMS analogous 72m2.

T-72M4 CZ

Czech T-72M4CZ

T 72M4 CZ (Czech Republic) - Czech version of the comprehensive modernization of the T-72M and T-72M1 conducted by the company VOP CZ. From the base of T-72M distinguishes installation British engine CV-12 from the company Perkins Engines, American Transmission XTG 4II-6 from Allison Transmission, dynamic protection DYNA-72 production VOP CZ, fire control system TURMS-T from the Italian company Officine Galileo.

T-72M4 CZ-W (Czech Republic) - commanding embodiment T 72M4CZ.

T-72 Vruboun (Czech Republic) - Modification T72 Czech company Excalibur - Vruboun (scarab). caliber machine gun 12,7 mm has been replaced by a remote-controlled anti-aircraft heavy machine gun. Significantly increased ballistic protection. In front of the case, Tank is equipped with protection ERA ERA, front and sides of the tower, the housing is equipped with passive armor, and the rear part of the tower is protected by a lattice screen. Installed engine V-84 618 kW motor instead of B-46-6, originally established. It can disperse the tank to 60 kmh, with a maximum power reserve of 500 km. Improved observation and aiming devices. Now they can work in passive mode, and in some devices, laser filters have been added.

PT-91 Hard

PT-91 Hard (Poland) - modernization of the Polish T-72M1.

PT-72U (Poland) - Polish upgrading T-72. Also upgrade package can be installed on the PT-91 Twardy. Set dynamic defense like PT-91 Twardy, and lattice filters are mounted on the surface of the tank not covered. Improved mine protection, air conditioning, new remote-induced anti-aircraft machine gun ZSMU-127 Kobuz, new electronics. shortened ammunition (fodder niche occupied conditioning).

M-84 (Yugoslavia) - Czech modernization of the T-72M. The main differences are the M-84 from the prototype due to the use of parts of its own design. Rangefinder sight TPD-2-49 and night sight the gunner TPN-1 are replaced by a combined rangefinder sight gunner DNNS-2, instead commander device TKN-3 DNKS-installed device 2 commander. In the driving compartment mounted night bespodsvetochnym periscope device driver mechanics PPV-2. Established system of collective protection DRHT, fire control system SUV-M84, communication and internal switching Yugoslav production. Engine power brought to 1000 l. from.

M-84AB1

M-84АВ1 (Serbia) - Serb variant M-84 tank upgrade, under the name M2001.

M-84A4 Snajper (Croatia) - Croatian upgrade option tank M-84 production company of "Djuro Djakovic" from Wade Slavosnki.

M-95 Dehman

M-95 Dehman (Croatia) - Croatian variant M-84 tank upgrade.

M-84D (Croatia) - Croatian variant M-84 tank upgrade.

TR-125 (Romania) - the Romanian version of the T-72. Semikatkovaya undercarriage, completely revised MTO with a German engine, tank weight 50 tonnes.

T-72SIM-1 (Israel) - modernization of the Georgian version of the T-72M Israeli firm Elbit Systems. Installed new radio company Harris FALCON, navigation system based on GPS, determination system "friend or foe", imagers commander and gunner, DZ hinged.

Tank EX (India) - T-chassis 72 installed on the turret of the tank Arjun; weight 48 tonnes; constructed 2 prototype.

T-72C Sun India

combat application

– Iraq - Iran-Iraq war (1980—1988)
– Syria - Lebanon war (1982)
– Libya - Chadian-Libyan conflict (1987—1990)
– India - peacekeeping mission in Sri Lanka (1987—1990)
– India - United Nations Operation in Somalia II
– Iraq, Kuwait (M-84) - "Gulf War" (1990—1991)
– USSR - putsch 19-21 August (1991)
– Armenia, Azerbaijan - Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (1991—1994)
– Bosnian war (1992—1995)
– Russia, Tajikistan - Tajikistan's civil war (1992—1995)
– Russia, Chechnya - Chechen war (1994—1996, 1999—2002)
– The conflict in Kosovo (1998—1999)
– Iraq - Iraq War (2003)
– Terrorist act in Beslan (2004)
– Russia, Georgia - the war in South Ossetia (2008)
– The civil war in Libya (2011)
– Syrian Civil War (2011-continues)
– Sudan, South Sudan - heglig crisis (2012)
– Ukraine - War in Donbass, used by both parties to the conflict.

Syria

For the first time the T-72 used when fighting in 1982 was in Lebanon, in the Bekaa Valley. 9 June 76 th and 91 th Syrian armored brigade of the 1st Division, armed with T-62 were surrounded to the south of Lake Qarun. Command decided to send the Syrian from Damascus elite units of the 1st Armored Division, armed with, in one version, were tanks T-72 (in another version, T-72 in this division was not), to counterattack on the right wing Israelis. To the north of the city Rashaya, Syrian T-72 clashed with several units Israeli M60, destroying several mouth M60, Syrian lossless broke encirclement. After that elite units have returned to Syria border, They regrouped and continued to move to Zahle.

Syrian sources say, Israeli tank crews that failed to incite any Syrian T-72. According to the Russian expert Mikhail Tank Bariatinskii, Syrian lost 11-12 T-72, one of them allegedly struck by a tank "Shot-Kal" ("Centurion"). Contrary to the myth of a baptism of fire T-72, which occurred in the battle with the tanks "Merkava", if you carefully trace the path of fighting the Syrian T-72 tanks and Israeli "Merkava", It will be presented questionable the very possibility of their meeting in the battle. Baryatinsky concluded, that "no one" Merkava "does not has lined a single T-72 and none of the T-72 is not knocked out any of" Merkava ", because they are simply not met in battle ".

After that Israel and Syria agreed to a cease-fire at noon 11 June. Both sides rushed to the attack, to capture as much territory. Early in the morning the Syrian T-72 81-th brigade reached Shtavraha, and then turned south along two parallel roads, directly on the position of 409 th battalion protivotankogo and M60 767 Brigade (by Israeli data, 767-Brigade in the subsequent battle was not involved). Syrian tank crews, inspired by the success of 9 June went on the offensive without carrying out exploration. As a result, they were ambushed, Total 9-12 T-72 was struck TOW missiles. Syrians are declared defeat in this battle to 10 Israeli tanks M60. All lined with T-72 Syrians managed to tow, then they returned to the Beirut-Damascus highway.

According to the CIA was not one case of penetration of the frontal armor of the Syrian T-72.

Iraq

Another country, actively use the T-72, was Iraq. first 100 Soviet-made cars were obtained in Iraq 1979-80 years. Export different design modifications frontal armor protection of tower, as well as the anti-nuclear defense system and a complete set of ammunition. After the outbreak of war with Iran, the Soviet leadership has ceased to provide military assistance to Iraq. But in January 1982 , Poland has put 250 T-72M. In September of the same year the Soviet Union lifted the embargo on the supply of equipment. All of Iraq was delivered 1038 T-72, who showed himself well in battle against Iranian tanks.

At the beginning of the war in Iraq, there were about 100 T-72 as part of the 10th Armored Brigade of the presidential, which defended Baghdad and could be used only in extreme cases. AT 1982 , he has been successfully used in the July fighting near Basra and CESR-Shirin. North-east of Basra 10 Brigade Iraqi T-72 tank hit the flank of the Iranian division, as a result of the Iranians left the battlefield a few dozen Western-made tanks. All as a result of battle, Iran seized 101 Tanks and other armored vehicles (including 12 T-72, who first came into the hands of the Iranians), Iraqis captured 400 tanks and other armored vehicles. In the area of ​​CESR-Shirin Iraqi tank battalion, armed tanks T-72, in a fast-moving battle tank battalion completely crushed the Iranians on the tanks "Chieftain", without incurring losses. During the fighting 1982 it was found out that the 105-mm shells Iranian tanks and anti-tank TOW does not pose a risk to the frontal armor of T-72. 120-mm projectiles were dangerous only on the distance to 1000 m.

8 February 1983 Iran, the two brigades of the 92nd Armored Division crossed the border and launched an attack on Amarah. To defend the Iraqis involved brigade of tanks T-72. In the tank battle Iranians were defeated, lost more than 100 tanks, mostly "Chiftenov". Iraqis lost up 60 tanks, mainly T-55 and only a few T-72. Iran captured tanks were on display in Baghdad for journalists. In this year of the T-72 was formed by the 2nd Tank Brigade of the Republican Guard. 7 April 1984 the year of the 10th and 2nd tank brigades was formed 1st Armored Division of the Republican Guard "Hammurabi". AT 1987 was received from the T-72 were formed 2nd Armored Division Republican Guard "Medina" and mechanized 3rd "Tavakalna" and 6th "Nebuchadnezzar". Several Iraqi T-72 were destroyed during Iranian operation "Kerbala-1" in the battle for Mehran. Iraqis hold the city and could not.

In February 1988 , Iraq launched a massive offensive led by the T-72 were Republican Guard. They have caused the Iranian tanks several heavy defeats. The last major battle of the Iran-Iraq War, which was T-72, was the capture of the island by the Iraqi army in Majnun 1988 year. The island was defended 60 tanks "Chieftain" and "Scorpio", the Iraqi side were involved in the operation 2000 tanks. Iraqi army proved to be an absolute success - the island was liberated, all Iranian tanks destroyed or captured as booty. From February to July, the Iraqis broke all the Iranian forces from Iraq, Iranians have lost more than half its armor. By the end of the offensive in Iran have less than 200 combat-ready tanks. It was destroyed and captured several hundred Iranian tanks and hundreds of other armored vehicles. Loss in eight years of war made 60 T-72.

In postwar interviews, Iranian commander tank "Chieftain" Adar Foruzyan, T-72 considered the most formidable opponent on the battlefield. In his first battle, he survived miraculously, when the projectile hit the T-72 tank to the engine and its crew had to abandon the car. During the last battle, in October 1982, his company has captured a control point on the border of Iraq. To counter the next day, Iraqi involved tanks T-72. Adar tank was hit and broke down. Iraqi tanks attacked the volunteers of "living wave". Adar noted, that the volunteers were ready for anything, even clean minefield with their bodies. 70 percent of them were killed in this battle, 5 tanks of his company were hit, the others did not fire. His company had good support and artillery fire under her hurricane, Iraqis still retreated. Hadar notes the high mobility of Iraqi "semdesyatdvoek", when their own "Chiftenu" had a long time to cool due to a lack of engine power.

After the war, Iraq launched its own production of T-72 tanks under the names of "Saddam" and "lion of Babylon", Iraqis have failed to establish only the production of tank guns. On the basis of combat experience, the Iraqis made a modification of T-72 tanks to enhance the booking forehead body, Chinese generators installation of optical interference and the French automatic fire extinguishers. Iran has also started its own production of this tank.

Invasion of Kuwait

The next war, wherein participated Iraqi tanks T-72, was the seizure of Kuwait in 1990 year. Kuwait also has such tanks of the Yugoslav production (M-84). To carry out operations assigned to Iraq 690 tanks from the 4 divisions, mainly T-72. Kuwait had 281 tank composed of 4 teams, including 6 M-84 in the composition of the Emir and Guard 165 Chiftenov.

Iraqi Republican Guard divisions "Hammurabi" and "Nebuchadnezzar" force 350 tanks attacked Kuwait from north, Division "Medina" and "Tavakalna" force 340 tanks attacked from the west cutting off escape routes to Saudi Arabia. First crossed the border 17 Tank Brigade under the command of Brigadier-General Raad Hamdani division "Hammurabi". Near the pass Mutlu 17th Brigade was ambushed a unit of tanks "Vickers" 6th Mechanized Brigade Kuwait. Kuwaiti tanks from a distance 300 meter shot down an Iraqi tank, but this does not stop Iraqis. Shooting on the move Iraqis killed Kuwaiti squad. Just a few Kuwaiti forces were able to provide decent resistance. So, eg, It happened during the "Battle of the Bridges" in the southern suburb of Kuwait City. Panzer Division "Hammurabi", He entered in Kuwait City. Iraqis moved in column marching, and a meeting with the 35th Tank Brigade of Kuwait became a surprise to them. The onset of the Iraqi forces in this area has been stopped. Loss armored unknown. M-84 Emir Guard participated in the battle for Dasmansky Palace. During the battle with Iraqi commandos 2 M-84 was destroyed and 4 captured. In total during the war, Iraq has lost 120 armored vehicles, Most of these T-72. Of 1371 Kuwaiti armored units to escape to Saudi Arabia succeeded in less 100, all the rest were destroyed and captured, including all of the M-84.

Kuwait tank M-84 (Yugoslav modernization of T-72M), "Operation Desert Storm"

Operation "Desert Storm"

As the total number of tanks involved both sides were about equal, but Iraq was much less modern tanks, Iraq had about 1000 T-72 and about 300 «Chiftenov», some anti-Iraq coalition "Abrams" involved about 1800 pcs, and they could not count on air support. Kuwait involved in the operation 70 M-84 obtained tanks. The first clash of Iraqi T-72 coalition troops could have happened during the Battle of Khafji. Grouping invasion had a small amount of these tanks. unit, armed with T-72 was used as a distraction coalition aircraft, while at this time the 3rd Mechanized Division Iraq (T-55) It dealt a major blow to Khafji.

The main opponent of the Iraqi T-72 was an American main battle tank M1A1 Abrams("Abrams' first modifications in the battle with" semdesyatdvoykami "did not enter, this role is to upgrade the machine with German 120 mm guns). Often, a meeting between US and Iraqi tanks ended in victory for the first. Demoralized after Iraqi tankers 39 days of continuous bombing, We have not been able to provide decent resistance. The biggest battles with the "Abrams" was attended by the division "Tavakalna" and "Medina", These battles have led to the destruction of the Iraqi people. known case, when one "Abrams", stuck in the mud and left in anticipation of recovery vehicles, It was attacked by three T-72. During the "Abrams" ensuing battle won three shells hit (2 OF i 1 BPS) with minimal damage; all three T-72 were destroyed. Come to the aid "Abrams" finally decided to shoot the car stuck in the mud, They fired her three 120 mm shell (3 UBPS), which also caused the tank only superficial povrezhedennye. tower was replaced after the evacuation of the machine, and the tank returned to service. According to the official American data Iraqi T-72 were able to hit only about 10 M1A1 tanks, of which 4 They were put out. There have also been fighting T-72 with older M60, which was destroyed not less than 5 Iraqi tanks. 26 February company "Bradley", supported by tanks M1 «Abrams», engaged the dug Iraqi T-72 and BMP; within two hours of American armor was broken and retreated(all the "Bradley" companies were hit by fire), defending Iraqis lost six T-72. According to recent data, the number of lost American Iraq T-72 is not exceeded 150 units, them according to American data has been disabled 4 tanks "Abrams" and more 20 units of other armored vehicles and several trucks.
Kuwaiti M-84 well proved effective in fighting against Iraqi tanks (Iraqi T-72 are not met).

A significant role was played by the absence of Iraq's modern armor-piercing shells (available at the arsenal were 1960; in the USSR such missiles still in 73 year were retired). Also, all the tanks T-72 Iraqi Army was related to export modifications (T-72M) and a multi-tower did not have a reservation as security elements used by the French automatic fire extinguishers and Chinese generators of optical interference. Past repeatedly defended the tanks fire guided missiles.

Iraqi T-72

Invasion of Iraq (2003)

Iraqi T-72 used during the intervention of the Multinational Force in Iraq 2003 year. Iraq had before the war about 850 T-72. 24 March US commanders prepared to attack units of the 2nd Armored Division "Medina" in the city of Karbala 31 Helicopter AH-64 "Apache" 11th Aviation Regiment, US Army. Iraqi intelligence uncovered plans for American. During take-off single "Apache" crashed. When approaching the goal of helicopters fire a powerful barrage of tanks were met, anti-aircraft guns and peasants with rifles. After half an hour the battle one "Apache" was knocked to the ground by fire (its crew was taken prisoner), all the others were damaged and began to return to base. Iraqis lost 12 tanks, probably for the most part or all of the T-72, and a few anti-aircraft installations. Of 29 Only helicopters returned 7 remained polotprigodnymi, 2 damaged have been written off.
3 April near Mahmudiya T-72 met with US "Abrams". The battle ended in favor of the Americans, lossless destroyed 7 Iraqi tanks. The total number of T-72 lost in the war 2003 year has not been published. It is assumed, that during the advance to Baghdad, US forces killed about 200 tanks of this type.

Conflicts in the post-Soviet space

According to the authors of the book "War Machines Uralvagonzavod. Tank T-72 "by the fact, that T-72 tanks poorly proven to Azerbaijani and Georgian armies not associated with their design features, and low-skilled staff, as well as low-quality spare parts and lubricants.

The Chechen conflict

T-72, received Chechen opposition from Russia and controlled by Russian crews, In November 1994 took part in the unsuccessful assault on Grozny. The operation involved 35 T-72A, Only four of them managed to leave the city after the failure of the assault, the rest were destroyed or thrown. Among the surrendered prisoner tankers were participants in the execution of the Supreme Soviet of Russia. Part of the destroyed tanks were repaired and put into operation the Chechens. T-72, along with a small number of T-62 were in service in the Shali tank regiment of the armed forces of CRI. 23 November, even before the official start of the first Chechen war, Russian Mi-24 and Su-25 made a raid on the shelf position, killing 21 tank. During the storming of Grozny by Russian forces in December 1994 to February 1995 At about were involved 230 T-72 and T-80. Opposed by them to 25 Dudayev tanks and 80 artillery, in addition to other funds. In the battle to use all possible tank weapons, including guided missiles, hit targets at a distance of about 4 kilometers. Only for 3 months of fighting have been irretrievably lost at least 33 T-72, including 15 T-72B and at least 18 T-72A[154]. Total losses in the Russian tank units were quite heavy, eg, in a tank battalion 74 dc. omsbr of 31 T-72 by the end of the fighting in the center of Grozny in combat readiness remains 4 tanka. More 10 Dudayev tanks captured some. Of 80 tanks of the North Caucasian Military District T-72, dynamic protection is installed only on 14 machines, Moreover, these containers were not kitted explosive elements. Due to errors in the tactical use of tank units, when the armored vehicles used in unreasonable quantities and without cover motorized infantry, - on one tank could account for up to 6-7 granatomotchikov. The case of penetration of the frontal armor unknown.

In March 1996 year in the liberation of the village Goiskoye, which was defended by a 400 well-armed militants, participated tank company T-72B of one of the motorized rifle regiments of the Ural Military District. During the attack the enemy tried to reflect the tank attack the fire from anti-tank systems. Total produced 14 Completion PTUR, of 12 missiles hit the tanks, only 1 I was able to penetrate the armor once in a gunner hatch area, light injuries to one crew member. All tanks have kept fighting capacity. Fire from tank guns and anti-tank launchers their calculations were destroyed. During the attack of militants on the town Khattab 136th Motorized Brigade in Buynaksk (1997) Two tanks were destroyed T-72.

During the Second Chechen War, Tank has proved significantly better, at 2003 , the army chief of staff of the Russian Federation N. AT. Breadwinners called T-72 the most effective model of armored military vehicles in real combat conditions, holding several RPGs hits and demonstrated high effectiveness fire. It noted, that the marches in the mountains tanks worked virtually flawlessly.

Two T-72 Georgia, destruction of the Ossetian soldiers on the streets of Tskhinvali (2008 year)

Armed conflict in South Ossetia (2008)

During the war in South Ossetia (2008) T-72 were used on both sides, It is armed with Georgian and Russian troops. During the conflict, the Russian side has been lost 2 T-72, Georgian - 18 T-72, of them 8 tanks were seized as booty. morning 9 August there was a tank battle between a group of Russian T-72 and the numerically superior forces of the Georgian-armor. The battle lasted until the withdrawal of Georgian forces from Tskhinvali. Tank commanded by Yakovlev destroyed at least 7 units enemy armored vehicles, another tank under the command Mylnikova destroyed 8 armored vehicles. Of four groups of Russian T-72, one tank was lost. Torn explosion tower of one of the Georgian T-72 was set as a monument.

Destroyed T-72B at the Donetsk airport

Armed conflict in the south-east of Ukraine

The T-72 are used on both sides (according to other sources, Only DNR and LNR) in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. Armed forces DNI and LC tanks are used T-72B arr. 1989 of the year, 72B3 T-T-T-72BA and 72B1,. In October 2014 Year Reuters journalists have published pictures of burned the T-72 a few modifications, found them on the territory of Ukraine, at 40 kilometers from Donetsk. Despite, that T-72 was withdrawn from service APU shortage due to loss of armored military Ukrainian, Ukrainian Defense Ministry issued an order to return to the system is in storage units.

Damaged T-72B3 suspected militia on the Donbas

other conflicts

India applied T-72 during an operation in Sri Lanka. Exact tanks casualties unknown; there is a picture, in which two T-72 are shown detached towers, by mines.

Libyan tank T-72A

T-72 Libyan army participated in the Civil War 2011 of the year. British aircraft used against them, the latest missiles Brimstone; during first strike these missiles three T-72 in the area has been destroyed Adzhdabii.

Sudanskie T-72, apparently, used in operations against the rebel group Justice and Equality Movement; this is confirmed by grouping photographs published T-72 ERA, destroyed in January 2014 of the year.

Evaluation of the project

AT 1982 year as a result of the fighting in Lebanon, Hafez al-Assad described the T-72 as the best tank in the world, stressing, that none of the T-72 during the fighting with the Israelis was not destroyed, while export-supplied version with an optical rangefinder and ballistic computer mechanical. According to the Russian expert Mikhail Bariatinskii, for half participation of T-72 were lost in the war 11-12 tanks of this type.

– That high reliability and fire power of the T-72, as well as the large number of them in service around the Czech Republic are pushing designers, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, France and Belgium, as well as a number of other countries to develop projects of deep modernization of this wonderful machine and bring it to the level of combat characteristics of the latest developments of the NATO tanks.
- FROM. Suvorov. T-72. yesterday, Today, tomorrow

– It is appropriate to note, that some of our "experts" think tank T-72 is just a modification of the T-64A, what, to put it mildly, not correctly. In fact, these tanks are the same only guns. T-72, adopted by the Soviet Army 7 August 1973 city, intended for mass production at existing plants and equipment. In it the idea of ​​the reliability of the machine as a whole has been realized, introduced improved habitability conditions for the crew. The design of the T-72 was able to lay a substantial reserve for modernization and creation on its basis of special machines. This tank was created to combat. The undeniable advantages of the T-72 was appreciated by experts all over the world - this combat vehicle is considered the best and most massive tank of the second half of the XX century.
- Karcev LN. "Memoirs of Chief Designer tanks"

T 72BA with integrated dynamic protection “Contact-5” on the frontal upper portion of the housing

Performance characteristics of the T-72

Crew, pers.: 3
developer: Uralvagonzavod
years of production: from 1973 by 2005
years of operation: from 1974
The number of issued, PC.: about 30 000
The layout: classical

Weight T-72

– 41,0 tonnes

Dimensions T-72

– body Length, mm: 6670
– Length with gun forward, mm: 9530
– housing width, mm: 3460 (on-board screens) / 3370 (of caterpillars)
– Height, mm: 2190
– base, mm: 4270
– Track, mm: 2790
– Clearance, mm: 428–470

Bumper T-72

– Type broni: rolled steel and cast steel, and composite glass fiber-steel (housing forehead)
– housing forehead, mm / city.: from OBPS(K S) by = 310 (450)to 750 (1100) in various modifications.
– housing forehead (top), mm / city.: of the total 205 / 68° and the second ply 60 °, combined
– housing forehead (through), mm / city.: 85 / 60°
– body board, mm / city.: 70 and 80 mm
– tower forehead, mm / city.: from OBPS (K S) by = 410 (500) to 800 (1200) in various modifications

Arming T-72

– Caliber guns and stamp: 125-mm 2A46
– gun type: smoothbore gun
– barrel length, calibres: 48
– gun ammunition: 39 (in t. no. 22 rds. NEA)
– firing range, km: to 9,4
– sights: rangefinder sight TPD-2-49, periscope night TPN-1-49-23, night sight TNP-1-49-23
– Shotgun: 1 × 12,7 NSVT; 1 Mm × 7,62-PCT

Engine T-72

– engine's type: B-46
– Engine power, l. from.: 780

The rate of T-72

– Road speed, kmh: 45-50
– Speed ​​over rough terrain, kmh: 35–45

– Cruising on the highway, km: 500–700
– Cruising cross country, km: 320–650
– The capacity of the fuel tanks, l: 1200+400
– power density, l. p. / m: 19
– suspension type: individual torsion
– Unit ground pressure, kg / cm²: 0,83–0,87
– Gradeability, city.: 30
– to overcome the wall, m: 0,85
– trench, m: 2,6–2,8
– fording, m: 1,2 (1,8 with preparation, 5 with OPVT)

Photo T-72

T-72B3 arr. 2014

Russian T-72B3, first shown at tank biathlon 2013

Indian T-72M

T-72A

T-72B3 in the tank biathlon as a participant

Modification of the T-72 with a set of remedies for urban fights presented in RAE-2013

A source