T-80 is not a joke: in the West, the Russian tank was appreciated
Although many Russian types tanks nominally intended to be replaced by the T-14, modernization of old cars continues, writes The National Interest.
While many Western experts considered the T-80 a dead-end weaponry, enterprises of the Russian defense-industrial complex continued to modernize it. And the updated version of the tank is not a joke.
According to the authors, T-80 is the best suited for the climatic conditions of Russia. While T-72 and T-90 perform best tasks in other climatic zones, in the north of the country, where temperatures can reach very low values, T-80 is irreplaceable.
If diesel engines at negative temperatures need to warm up to 45 minutes (at -30Сº), then T-80 with a gas turbine installation is ready for combat one minute after the launch, the material says.
The publication also notes that the working conditions of the crew of the T-80 in winter are much more comfortable than in the above-mentioned T-72 and T-90.
Experts mention an earlier version of the upgraded T-80U Black Eagle, known as the 640 Object. The car had an elongated body and chassis, which made it possible to strengthen the frontal armor, as well as a more advanced loading mechanism. But this tank was never launched into the series.
According to the magazine, the T-80UA model with an improved fire control system was the only serially upgraded version of the tank. The machine also received the opportunity to use new ammunition.
This year, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the upcoming upgrade version of the T-80UЕ1.
As a result, the publication concludes that the reports of hopelessly outdated T-80 are greatly exaggerated.
While many Western experts considered the T-80 a dead-end weaponry, enterprises of the Russian defense-industrial complex continued to modernize it. And the updated version of the tank is not a joke.
According to the authors, T-80 is the best suited for the climatic conditions of Russia. While T-72 and T-90 perform best tasks in other climatic zones, in the north of the country, where temperatures can reach very low values, T-80 is irreplaceable.
If diesel engines at negative temperatures need to warm up to 45 minutes (at -30Сº), then T-80 with a gas turbine installation is ready for combat one minute after the launch, the material says.
The publication also notes that the working conditions of the crew of the T-80 in winter are much more comfortable than in the above-mentioned T-72 and T-90.
Experts mention an earlier version of the upgraded T-80U Black Eagle, known as the 640 Object. The car had an elongated body and chassis, which made it possible to strengthen the frontal armor, as well as a more advanced loading mechanism. But this tank was never launched into the series.
According to the magazine, the T-80UA model with an improved fire control system was the only serially upgraded version of the tank. The machine also received the opportunity to use new ammunition.
This year, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the upcoming upgrade version of the T-80UЕ1.
As a result, the publication concludes that the reports of hopelessly outdated T-80 are greatly exaggerated.
Information