T-72, put into service 7 August 1973 of the year, still it remains one of the most numerous and "belligerent" in the world MBT. Its popularity is second only to the Kalashnikov, says the press service of Uralvagonzavod.
Development of machines, which would combine the firepower and armor protection and mobility of heavy tanks medium, We began at the end of the 1950s. As a result were obtained T-64A Kharkov plant, T-72K Uralwagonzavod, and T-80 Kirov plant (Leningrad).
Tests showed machines, that each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, in Nizhny Tagil car engine and chassis were more reliable. Besides, T-72 gunners superior competitors exactly hit targets (The fire control system of the T-80B and T-64B were difficult).
As a result, the Soviet Union was the only country in the world, having once armed with 3 type MBT. In the late 80s the proportion of each type in the country's tank park was: T-72 - 38%, T-80 - 34%, T-64 - 28%.
Ural machine comes in Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Algeria, India. Later, the license production of tanks were organized in several countries (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, India, Iran and Iraq).
Baptism of fire T-72 received during the war in Lebanon 1982 year. then revealed, he can successfully resist the Israeli “Merkava” MK1 and American M60A1.
According to representatives of Uralvagonzavod, Nizhnetagilskye experts have begun to improve the T-72 immediately after his birth (1970 year): carefully selected the most successful solutions, as technology, and constructive, and the correctness of the decisions taken at the site tested, test marches and battles.
