Modern tanks of Romania. T-55 as a common ancestor
At present, the Romanian Ground Forces are armed with less than 500 tanks several modifications; a comparable amount of such equipment is put into reserve. The most massive are the medium tanks T-55 of several versions. The remaining fleet consists of the main tanks developed by the Romanian industry on the basis of the Soviet model. Consider history modern tank building of Romania, its achievements and problems.
Romanian T-55 of various modifications at the exercise, 2007. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of Romania / mapn.ro
In 1970, Romania received the first medium T-55A type tanks from the USSR. Before the 1977 of the Romanian army, 850 tanks of this model were transferred. At least 250-260 of such vehicles still remains in service and forms the basis of armored forces. As far as service went on, the T-55A tanks underwent repairs and upgrades, in which foreign-made products and components were used.
In the eighties, at least part of the Romanian T-55A was updated to the state of "AM". The tanks received additional protection, a modern Soviet-made Volna fire control system, etc. Later there was a modification of the T-55AM2, which was distinguished by the Czechoslovak MSA Kladivo. The T-55AM2R tank was completed with a Ciclop OMS of the Romanian design.
In the mid-seventies, the question was raised about acquiring a license for the independent construction of T-55 tanks. However, the military and political leadership did not launch the licensed production - by this time its own design of the main tank was ready. It is noteworthy that in their own project, the design features and operating experience of imported machines were taken into account.
Since 1974, a number of Romanian organizations, led by the 111 Institute, have been working on their own design of the main tank. It was created with an eye on the existing T-55A, however, the possibilities of its own production and the requirements of its army were taken into account. By 1977, a prototype and an experimental batch of 10 tanks were built under the name TR-77 (Tanc românesc model 1977 - “Romanian Tank 1977 Tank”)
Tank TR-77 / 580 in the museum. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
The TR-77 was based on a seriously redesigned T-55A chassis, lengthened by one roller, reinforced due to increased loads. Reservations strengthened overhead panels. In the engine compartment there was a German MTU MB 838 CaM 500 engine with a power 820 hp, similar to that used on the Leopard 1 MBT. Armament remained the same - 100-mm tank gun A308 and two machine guns.
The production of the TR-77 MBT was not possible. Based on the political situation, the FRG refused to supply the necessary diesel engines. Therefore, in the late seventies, Romania had to begin processing the existing project for an affordable power plant. The B-55 engine from the T-55 tank went into action. This product had the power only 580 HP. This fact was reflected in the title of the updated project - TR-77-580 or TR-580.
The serial production of the TR-580 started in 1979 and lasted about six years. During this time, built a little more than 400 MBT; in the army, such equipment supplemented older machines, which led to a marked increase in their combat capability. As production proceeded, various modifications were made. Thus, the latest series of TR-580 had a tower with an increased feed niche and new equipment.
The delivery and subsequent modernization of the finished T-55A, as well as the construction of its own TR-580, allowed Romania to build tank forces of sufficient strength and strength. In terms of quantity and quality, they were noticeably inferior to the armored forces of the leading powers, but they corresponded to their tasks.
Same car, view of the stern. Photos of Tanks-encyclopedia.com
In parallel with the development of the TR-580, a search was made for ways to modernize the existing structure. New samples of tank equipment, new developments in various fields, etc. appeared. In addition, in the early eighties, Romanian experts completed the development of an unlicensed copy of the engine and transmission of the OBT "Leopard-1". All this allowed to create on the basis of TR-580 a new model with improved characteristics.
However, the modernization work failed. An experienced TR-580 with updated equipment did not cope with the tests. First of all, there were serious problems of the power unit. The engine overheated and went beyond the estimated fuel consumption, the transmission broke, there was an oil leak on all systems. Because of this, in 1982, the project was stopped in its original form, and Romania turned to friendly countries for help.
The new stage of the development of the tank was carried out using foreign components. Its result was the “Tank Romanian arr. 1985 g. ”Or TR-85. Also known TR-85-800, indicating the engine power. This version of the MBT was tested and was adopted. Mass production began in 1986 and lasted until 1990.
By design, the serial TR-85 was similar to the latest series TR-580, but it had significant differences. The booking of the hull and turret was reworked, a new power unit based on the 8VS-A2T2 engine and an improved chassis of the old architecture were used. Preserved rifled gun A308 and OMS Ciclop. In this case, newer means of communication and observation were used. There were other minor improvements.
TR-580 tanks with base and extended towers. Drawings Tanks- encyclopedia.com
In four years, at least X-NUMX TR-550 tanks were built. Thus, in terms of the number of such equipment has surpassed the OBT type TR-85, but still did not catch up with the T-580A. As for the quality and characteristics, the tank arr. 55 exceeded its predecessors.
In the early nineties, Romania headed for rapprochement with NATO, which led to the launch of an armored vehicles modernization program. In 1994, an order was added to upgrade the TR-85 tank with an increase in its basic characteristics and alignment with NATO standards. This version of the MBT was named TR-85M1 Bizonul ("Bison"). Two experimental tanks of new modification were put to the test in 1996.
Modernization of the project “M1” was carried out with the involvement of manufacturers of equipment from several foreign countries. The main task was to replace equipment meeting the ATS standards with modern devices of the standards of the North Atlantic Alliance. Thus, the upgrade primarily affected communication systems. Also updated SLA, surveillance equipment and other systems.
Once again, strengthened the booking. Multi-layer armor is now used with parts up to 320 mm thick, equivalent to 580-mm homogeneous parts. On top of the armor mounted additional screens and dynamic protection blocks. It also provides for the installation of smoke grenade launchers, there is a modern system of collective protection against weapons of mass destruction and fire extinguishing equipment.
TR-85 main tanks at NATO exercises. Photo US Army
The TR-85M1 retained the A100 308-mm rifled gun, and weapon upgrades consist in the use of the modern Ciclop-M LMS. The latter included modern imported sighting devices, a weapon stabilizer, etc. Key components of sights and SLA in general, Romania ordered from France and Germany.
Bizonul MBT heavyweight up to 50 t. It received a power plant based on upgraded base units TR-85 with the same characteristics, which led to a drop in power density. The undercarriage was equipped with new lightweight track rollers and supplemented with hydropneumatic shock absorbers. Due to this refinement, it was possible to increase the average speed of movement in all localities.
Modernization of the drill technology on the TR-85M1 project began in 1997. Later, no more than 55-60 machines were rebuilt, after which work in this direction actually stopped due to lack of funding. In 2002, an experienced Zubr with an Iveco engine with an 1200 hp power came out on tests, but this project was not developed.
More than limited financial capabilities and the low potential of the defense industry led to a gradual deterioration in the state of the Romanian armored forces. The number of tanks in the service is gradually reduced, and the equipment is displayed in the reserve and sent to storage. The reduction in quantity could be compensated by quality, but the production of the desired number of modern machines turned out to be impossible.
Upgraded TR-85M1 on parade. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
According to the directory The Military Balance, last year there were only 460 "active" tanks in the Romanian army. 260 units - outdated T-55 of various modifications. The number of own TR-580 is several times smaller - only 42. Remain in the service 104 MBT TR-85 and 54 upgraded TR-85M1 Bizonul. Hundreds of tanks of all models remain in storage, but their return to the system is unlikely, and besides, it does not make sense.
Romanian tank park has a characteristic feature - at the heart of all cash machines is the medium tank T-55. This machine has long and hopelessly outdated, and projects of tanks at its base are faced with serious problems already at the level of the overall architecture. First of all, such tanks have insufficiently powerful reservations and are equipped with a weak outdated cannon. The use of additional armor and a relatively new MSA enhances certain characteristics, but the remaining parameters remain limited due to the outdated platform.
Thus, the Romanian armored forces can no longer be called large, developed and modern. The newest tanks were produced about 20 years ago, and they are based on the repeatedly upgraded design of the late forties. Further modernization of the existing MBT, apparently, does not make sense. For a cardinal increase in combat capability with a modern level, a full replacement of the whole family of medium and main tanks based on T-55 is required.
However, Bucharest has not shown much interest in the renewal of the tank fleet. The industry of Romania, in turn, is not able to effectively solve such problems. Because of such problems and other difficulties in the defense sphere, the country has to rely on NATO allies. Whether it will be possible to change this state of affairs and increase the power of our own tank units is a big question.
Romanian T-55 of various modifications at the exercise, 2007. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of Romania / mapn.ro
Import and license
In 1970, Romania received the first medium T-55A type tanks from the USSR. Before the 1977 of the Romanian army, 850 tanks of this model were transferred. At least 250-260 of such vehicles still remains in service and forms the basis of armored forces. As far as service went on, the T-55A tanks underwent repairs and upgrades, in which foreign-made products and components were used.
In the eighties, at least part of the Romanian T-55A was updated to the state of "AM". The tanks received additional protection, a modern Soviet-made Volna fire control system, etc. Later there was a modification of the T-55AM2, which was distinguished by the Czechoslovak MSA Kladivo. The T-55AM2R tank was completed with a Ciclop OMS of the Romanian design.
In the mid-seventies, the question was raised about acquiring a license for the independent construction of T-55 tanks. However, the military and political leadership did not launch the licensed production - by this time its own design of the main tank was ready. It is noteworthy that in their own project, the design features and operating experience of imported machines were taken into account.
TR-77 and TR-580
Since 1974, a number of Romanian organizations, led by the 111 Institute, have been working on their own design of the main tank. It was created with an eye on the existing T-55A, however, the possibilities of its own production and the requirements of its army were taken into account. By 1977, a prototype and an experimental batch of 10 tanks were built under the name TR-77 (Tanc românesc model 1977 - “Romanian Tank 1977 Tank”)
Tank TR-77 / 580 in the museum. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
The TR-77 was based on a seriously redesigned T-55A chassis, lengthened by one roller, reinforced due to increased loads. Reservations strengthened overhead panels. In the engine compartment there was a German MTU MB 838 CaM 500 engine with a power 820 hp, similar to that used on the Leopard 1 MBT. Armament remained the same - 100-mm tank gun A308 and two machine guns.
The production of the TR-77 MBT was not possible. Based on the political situation, the FRG refused to supply the necessary diesel engines. Therefore, in the late seventies, Romania had to begin processing the existing project for an affordable power plant. The B-55 engine from the T-55 tank went into action. This product had the power only 580 HP. This fact was reflected in the title of the updated project - TR-77-580 or TR-580.
The serial production of the TR-580 started in 1979 and lasted about six years. During this time, built a little more than 400 MBT; in the army, such equipment supplemented older machines, which led to a marked increase in their combat capability. As production proceeded, various modifications were made. Thus, the latest series of TR-580 had a tower with an increased feed niche and new equipment.
The delivery and subsequent modernization of the finished T-55A, as well as the construction of its own TR-580, allowed Romania to build tank forces of sufficient strength and strength. In terms of quantity and quality, they were noticeably inferior to the armored forces of the leading powers, but they corresponded to their tasks.
Same car, view of the stern. Photos of Tanks-encyclopedia.com
TR-85
In parallel with the development of the TR-580, a search was made for ways to modernize the existing structure. New samples of tank equipment, new developments in various fields, etc. appeared. In addition, in the early eighties, Romanian experts completed the development of an unlicensed copy of the engine and transmission of the OBT "Leopard-1". All this allowed to create on the basis of TR-580 a new model with improved characteristics.
However, the modernization work failed. An experienced TR-580 with updated equipment did not cope with the tests. First of all, there were serious problems of the power unit. The engine overheated and went beyond the estimated fuel consumption, the transmission broke, there was an oil leak on all systems. Because of this, in 1982, the project was stopped in its original form, and Romania turned to friendly countries for help.
The new stage of the development of the tank was carried out using foreign components. Its result was the “Tank Romanian arr. 1985 g. ”Or TR-85. Also known TR-85-800, indicating the engine power. This version of the MBT was tested and was adopted. Mass production began in 1986 and lasted until 1990.
By design, the serial TR-85 was similar to the latest series TR-580, but it had significant differences. The booking of the hull and turret was reworked, a new power unit based on the 8VS-A2T2 engine and an improved chassis of the old architecture were used. Preserved rifled gun A308 and OMS Ciclop. In this case, newer means of communication and observation were used. There were other minor improvements.
TR-580 tanks with base and extended towers. Drawings Tanks- encyclopedia.com
In four years, at least X-NUMX TR-550 tanks were built. Thus, in terms of the number of such equipment has surpassed the OBT type TR-85, but still did not catch up with the T-580A. As for the quality and characteristics, the tank arr. 55 exceeded its predecessors.
Project "Bison"
In the early nineties, Romania headed for rapprochement with NATO, which led to the launch of an armored vehicles modernization program. In 1994, an order was added to upgrade the TR-85 tank with an increase in its basic characteristics and alignment with NATO standards. This version of the MBT was named TR-85M1 Bizonul ("Bison"). Two experimental tanks of new modification were put to the test in 1996.
Modernization of the project “M1” was carried out with the involvement of manufacturers of equipment from several foreign countries. The main task was to replace equipment meeting the ATS standards with modern devices of the standards of the North Atlantic Alliance. Thus, the upgrade primarily affected communication systems. Also updated SLA, surveillance equipment and other systems.
Once again, strengthened the booking. Multi-layer armor is now used with parts up to 320 mm thick, equivalent to 580-mm homogeneous parts. On top of the armor mounted additional screens and dynamic protection blocks. It also provides for the installation of smoke grenade launchers, there is a modern system of collective protection against weapons of mass destruction and fire extinguishing equipment.
TR-85 main tanks at NATO exercises. Photo US Army
The TR-85M1 retained the A100 308-mm rifled gun, and weapon upgrades consist in the use of the modern Ciclop-M LMS. The latter included modern imported sighting devices, a weapon stabilizer, etc. Key components of sights and SLA in general, Romania ordered from France and Germany.
Bizonul MBT heavyweight up to 50 t. It received a power plant based on upgraded base units TR-85 with the same characteristics, which led to a drop in power density. The undercarriage was equipped with new lightweight track rollers and supplemented with hydropneumatic shock absorbers. Due to this refinement, it was possible to increase the average speed of movement in all localities.
Modernization of the drill technology on the TR-85M1 project began in 1997. Later, no more than 55-60 machines were rebuilt, after which work in this direction actually stopped due to lack of funding. In 2002, an experienced Zubr with an Iveco engine with an 1200 hp power came out on tests, but this project was not developed.
Mixed park
More than limited financial capabilities and the low potential of the defense industry led to a gradual deterioration in the state of the Romanian armored forces. The number of tanks in the service is gradually reduced, and the equipment is displayed in the reserve and sent to storage. The reduction in quantity could be compensated by quality, but the production of the desired number of modern machines turned out to be impossible.
Upgraded TR-85M1 on parade. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
According to the directory The Military Balance, last year there were only 460 "active" tanks in the Romanian army. 260 units - outdated T-55 of various modifications. The number of own TR-580 is several times smaller - only 42. Remain in the service 104 MBT TR-85 and 54 upgraded TR-85M1 Bizonul. Hundreds of tanks of all models remain in storage, but their return to the system is unlikely, and besides, it does not make sense.
Romanian tank park has a characteristic feature - at the heart of all cash machines is the medium tank T-55. This machine has long and hopelessly outdated, and projects of tanks at its base are faced with serious problems already at the level of the overall architecture. First of all, such tanks have insufficiently powerful reservations and are equipped with a weak outdated cannon. The use of additional armor and a relatively new MSA enhances certain characteristics, but the remaining parameters remain limited due to the outdated platform.
Thus, the Romanian armored forces can no longer be called large, developed and modern. The newest tanks were produced about 20 years ago, and they are based on the repeatedly upgraded design of the late forties. Further modernization of the existing MBT, apparently, does not make sense. For a cardinal increase in combat capability with a modern level, a full replacement of the whole family of medium and main tanks based on T-55 is required.
However, Bucharest has not shown much interest in the renewal of the tank fleet. The industry of Romania, in turn, is not able to effectively solve such problems. Because of such problems and other difficulties in the defense sphere, the country has to rely on NATO allies. Whether it will be possible to change this state of affairs and increase the power of our own tank units is a big question.
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