T-72 | Weaponsystems.net (2024)

• TYPE
  Main battle tank


• ORIGIN
  USSR


• NICKNAMES
  Ajeya (Indian production T-72M1)
  Ural (nickname for original T-72)
  Shilden (nickname for T-72S)
  SMT M1988 (NATO designation for T-72B)
  SMT M1990 (NATO designation for T-72BM)


• DESIGNED
  1967 - 1973


• DESIGNER
  Kartsev & Venediktov


• PRODUCTION
  1973 - early 1990's


• PRODUCERS
  - Czechoslovakia - ZTS Martin
  India - Avadi
  Poland - Bumar Labedy
  USSR - Uralvagonzavod


• QUANTITY
  Over 25.000 produced


• UNIT COST
  $ 1 to 2 million in 2009


• CHARACTERISTICS
  Powerful armament
  Good mobility
  Low production costs
  Small silhouette
  Rugged and reliable
  Average level of protection
  Limited crew comfort
  Limited reliability autoloader

The T-72 is a main battle tank of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1970's to replace the earlier T-55 and T-62 as the main battle tank in Soviet service. The T-72 is a further development of the T-62 that uses many of the technology designed for the contemporary T-64 alongside which it was to serve. The introduction of the T-72 provided the USSR with such a boost in capabilities that it spurred the development of newer NATO tanks such as the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2 and Challenger 1. The Russian T-90 tank currently in production is a further development of the T-72.

The T-72 is a medium sized tank with a layout similar to other modern Soviet tanks. The driver is seated in the middle of the hull, just in front of the turret. The turret houses the commander and gunner and since the 125mm cannon is connected to an autoloader no additional crew is needed to load the gun. The diesel engine and drivetrain are located in the rear. A large number of variants was produced which subsequently improved the performance of the design. For export less capable and cheaper versions were produced.

The T-72 is armed with the powerful 125mm D-81TM smoothbore cannon that is connected to an automatic loader. The 125mm cannon provides a massive increase in firepower and is effective against all contemporary tanks. The effective range is about 2 km against tanks and 4 km with high explosive shells. The autoloader allows a rate of fire of about 7 rpm and proved to have a mediocre reliability. A 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted as a coaxial weapon. Self-protection is provided by a 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun on the turret roof.

The T-72 has a much higher level of protection than the previous T-55 and T-62. The latest 105mm APFSDS rounds have the ability to pierce the armor of the T-72B, but 120mm cannon are considered the only effective means of engaging the T-72. When fitted with ERA the protection level against anti-tank rockets and guided missiles is increased significantly. This advantage has been negated with the introduction of dual charge warheads. When the armor is pierced setting of the T-72's own ammunition is likely and has dramatic results. An NBC system and smoke grenade dischargers are common on most T-72's.

The T-72 has better mobility than the previous T-55 and T-62 series, both on and off road. A 780 hp diesel engine provides propulsion, allowing for speeds up to 60 km/h. Ride comfort and power to weight ratio are limited compared to other contemporary tanks. With a snorkel water barriers of up to 5 m can be traversed.

The main user of the T-72 was the USSR. Unlike the T-64 and T-80 the T-72 was exported in large quantities, although most export versions have reduced capabilities. Even though the production has switched to the T-90 the T-72 remains one of the most common tanks in the world. Besides Russia they are commonly foun in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

In Soviet service the T-72 replaced the T-62 and many older tanks.

Many states skipped the T-62 series and replaced the T-55 with the T-72.

The T-80 was developed as more capable alternative to the T-72 in Soviet service.

The 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun is mounted on the turret roof.

The 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted as a coaxial weapon alongside the 125mm cannon.