Basic Information

Name

T-90 Russian Main Battle Tank (MBT)

Designation

T-90

Alternate Designation

T-90

Equipment Type

Main Battle Tank (MBT)

Manufacturer

Uralvagonzavod

Date of Introduction

1993

Description

Hezbollah Proliferation. The T-90 is a third-generation Russian battle tank that entered service in 1993. The tank is a modern variation of the T-72B and incorporates many features found on the T-80U. Originally called the T-72BU, but later renamed to T-90, it is an advanced tank in service with Russian Ground Forces. Some weapons experts assess the T-90 as a highly capable MBT that is competitive with any major world power MBT. T-90 development continues as new subsystems become available.

Ground Specifications

Crew 3

Mobility Type Tracked

Engine V-12 Diesel (1000 hp)

Active Protection the Shtora-1 countermeasures system

Range 550.0 km

Variants

T-90A Russian army version with welded turret, V-92S2 engine, and ESSA thermal viewer. Sometimes called T-90 Vladimir, in honor of its chief designer Vladimir Potkin.

T-90K Commander's version of the T-90, with additional communication (station R-163-50K) and navigation equipment (TNA-4-3).

T-90AK Command version of T-90A.

T-90AM The latest version of the T-90A. The main features include the modernization of the old turret design, which is equipped with a new advanced fire control system "Kalina" (with integrated combat information and control systems), a new automatic loader and a newly upgraded gun 2A46M-5, as well as a remote-controlled anti-aircraft gun "UDP T05BV-1". The new version also includes the Relikt (Реликт (динамическая защита) ERA bricks instead of the Kontakt-5 ERA bricks.

Т-90M A new modernized version of Т-90А. It's a program of modernization of Vladimir tanks and will include 400 tanks currently in service. Tanks will receive 2А82-1М gun (same as in T-14) and fire control system, Kalina. They will be upgraded with Afghanit APS and Relikt ERA. The upgrades are also aimed at improving network-centric warfare capabilities and coordination with Armata project vehicles. The first contract was signed in 2017 and serial production started in 2018.

T-90S The export version of the T-90, later adopted by the Russian Armed Forces as the T-90A. These tanks were made by Uralvagonzavod and were updated with 1,000 hp (750 kW) engines made by Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. These tanks carry a leaner version of the Shtora-1 passive/active protection system which lacks the infra-red dazzlers carried on the turret. Sometimes called T-90C (Cyrillic letter es looks like a Latin c). These were initially supplied with cast turrets of the early T-90, and when stocks were depleted, new, welded turrets were fabricated.

T-90SK Commander's version of the T-90S, with additional communication and navigation equipment. It differs in radio and navigation equipment and Ainet remote-detonation system for HEF rounds.

T-90S "Bhishma" – modified T-90S in Indian service.

T-90MS Also known as T-90SM is an updated version of the T-90S. It is equipped with a 1,130 hp engine, a PNM Sosna-U gunner view. a UDP T05BV-1 RWS with a 7.62 mm machine gun, GLONASS, inertial navigation systems, new Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) that covers more of the tank, and a steering wheel. A new removable turret bustle is included, which provides storage for eight additional rounds. The T-90MS is ready for serial production. 4 video cameras provide a 360° view of the environment, while the tank is more connected to the command. The T-90MS has an upgraded thermal imager that can detect tanks over 3300 meters away.

BREM-1M Armored recovery vehicle.

IMR-3M Combat engineer vehicle.

MTU-90 Bridge layer tank with MLC50 bridge.

BMR-3M Mine clearing vehicle.

MTU-2020 Bridge layer tank based on the T-90A whose chassis has been extended, along with the addition of a road wheel.

System

Alternative Designation T-90

Type Main Battle Tank

Manufacturer Uralvagonzavod

Family T-90 Family of Main Battle Tanks

Generation 3+

Status In service

Proliferation Hezbollah

Crew 3 (commander, gunner and driver)

Maximum Effective Range (Land) 500 km

Maximum Effective Range (ATGM) 5,000 m

Estimated Service Life 25-30 years

Estimated out of Service Date 2030-2040

Note The T-90 is the most modern tank currently in service with the Russian Army, which has a requirement for around 1500 of these tanks. Also currently it is the only mass-produced MBT in Russia.

Dimensions

Length 9.63 m

Width 3.78 m

Height 2.2 m

Weight, Combat 46 tons

Ground Pressure INA

Automotive

Engine Name V-92S2

Engine Type V-12 Diesel

Engine Power 1,000 hp

Auxiliary Power Unit Yes

Gas Turbocharger Yes

Fuel Capacity 1,200 liters

Fuel Type Gasoline or Kerosene

Suspension Torsion bar

Transmission Mechanical

Range 550 km

Speed, Maximum Road 60 km/h

Speed Maximum Swim Not Amphibious

Speed, Average Cross 50 km/h

Power to Weight Ratio 18.2 hp/tons

Gradient 60 %

Side Slope 40 %

Vertical Step 0.8 m

Trench 2.85 m

Fording Depth (No Preparation) 1.2 m

Fording Depth (With Preparation) 5.0 m

Communications

R-168-100U

Name R-168-100U

Family AKVEDUK R-168 Series

Type VHF

Frequency 30-108 MHz

Capabilities FH, Voice, Data

Range 30-60 km

Mount Vehicle

Status In Service

Echelon DIV, BDE, BN

Automated Control Communication Yes

Main Gun

System

Name 1 x 2A46M Smoothbore Gun

Type Smoothbore Gun

Caliber 125 mm

In Service 1970 to present

Weight (2A46 125mm Gun) 2,675 kg

Length (2A46 125mm Gun) 6,350 mm

Max Rate of Fire (Autoloader) 7 rds/min

Max Rate of Fire (Manaul) 2-3 rds/min

Sustain Rate of Fire 5-7 rds/min

Range Finder Type INA

Maximum Elevation +14 deg

Minimum Elevation -6 deg

Traverse Range 360 deg

Loader Type Carousel-type autoloader

Minimum Cycle time for the Autoloader 6.5 seconds

Thermal Sleeve Light Allow

Bore Evacuator Yes

Breech Type semi-automatic horizontal sliding breech block via an interrupted screw thread

Breech Maximum Chamber Pressure 6,500 bar over the 5,100 bar

Max Cycle time for a Round 180deg from the Start Position 15 seconds

Carousel Reloading Time 15 min

Ammunition (Option 1)

Type 3BM42M/3BM44M, 125mm Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS)

Caliber 125 mm

Muzzle Velocity 125 m/s

Effective Range (Day) 2,000-3,000 m

Effective Range (Night) 2,000-2,600 m

Armor Penetration Yes, 590-630mm at a range of 2000m

Shell Weight 20.4 kg

Projectile Weight 7.5 kg

Charge Weight 5.3 kg

Penetration 270/60 mm/deg

Basic Load 44 Total rounds of any combination of 125mm Projectiles

Ammunition (Option 2)

Type 3BM9/3BM10, 125mm Armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS)

Caliber 125 mm

Muzzle Velocity 1,715-1,800 m/s

Effective Firing Range 3,000 m

Shell Weight 19.6 kg

Projectile Weight 5.67 kg

Charge Weight 5 kg

Penetration 140/60 mm/deg

Basic Load 44 Total rounds of any combination of 125mm Projectiles

Ammunition (Option 3)

Type 3BK12M, 125mm (HEAT)

Caliber 125 mm

Muzzle Velocity 905-950 m/s

Effective Firing Range 4,000 m

Shell Weight 29 kg

Projectile Weight 19 kg

Charge Weight 5 kg

Penetration 220/60 mm/deg

Basic Load 44 Total rounds of any combination of 125mm Projectiles

Ammunition (Option 4)

Type 3OF19, 125mm (HE)

Caliber 125 mm

Muzzle Velocity 760 m/s

Effective Firing Range 4,000 m

Shell Weight 33 kg

Projectile Weight 23 kg

Charge Weight 5.0 kg

Penetration INA

Basic Load 44 Total rounds of any combination of 125mm Projectiles

Anti-Tank Guided Missile

System

Name 9M119 Svir, 9M119M Refleks(NATO designation AT-11 Sniper-B)

Type Laser Beam Anti-Tank Guided Missiles

In Service 1980's to present

Manufacturer Degtyarev plant

Cost $37,500

Variants 9M119M

Diameter 125 mm

Mass 17.2 kg

Warhead Type Tandem hollow-charge

Warhead Weight 4.5 kg

Max Rate of Fire INA

Operational Range 4,000-5,000 m

Speed Subsonic

Guidance System Laser Beam Riding

Basic Load 6 ea

Coaxial Weapon System

System

Name 1 x PK (Kalashnikov's Machine Gun) 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun

Type General-Purpose Machine Gun

Caliber 7.62 mm

Function In use as a front-line infantry and vehicle-mounted weapon with Russia's armed forces.

In Service 1961-present

Manufacturer Degtyaryov plant

Proliferation 1 Million +

Length (Total) 1,203 mm

Length (Barrel) 605 mm

Weight (Gun Only) 9 kg

Weight (Tripod Only) 7.7 kg

Action Gas-operated, open bolt

Max Rate of Fire 650 rds/min

Sustain Rate of Fire 500 rds/min

Range Finder Type INA

Feed System Non-disintegrating metal 50 round belts in 100 and 200/250 round ammunition boxes

Sights Tangent iron sights (default); Optical, Night-vision, Thermal and Radar sights

Ammunition

Type Rifle

Caliber 7.62 mm

Cartridge 7.62×54mm

Muzzle Velocity 825 m/s

Effective Range (Iron Sights) 1,000 m

Effective Range (With Sight Adjustments) 100-1,500 m

Maximum Firing Range 3,800 m

Basic Load 1,500 ea

Auxiliary Weapon System

System

Name 1 x 12.7mm Kord Heavy Machine Gun,

Type Heavy Machine Gun

Caliber 12.7mm

Manufacturer V.A. Degtyarev Plant

Variants 6P50-1, 6P50-2, 6P50-3, 6P49

Cartridge 12.7×108mm

In Service 1998-Present

Weight 25.5 kg

Length 1,980 mm

Max Rate of Fire 650-750 rds/min

Sustain Rate of Fire 550-600 rds/min

Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt

Feed System 50-round linked belt

Sights Iron Sights

Ammunition

Type Rifle

Caliber 12.7mm mm

Cartridge 12.7×108mm

Muzzle Velocity 860 m/s

Effective Range 2,000 m

Basic Load 300 ea

Fire Control

Name 1A45T (an upgraded version of the 1A45 fitted to the T-80U)

Computerized FCS Yes

Thermal Sight Tank Commander No

Thermal Sight Gunner Yes

Panoramic Commander's Sight No

Main Gun Stabilization Yes, 2E42-4 Zhasmin System

Protection

Hull Armor Steel-composite-reactive blend APFSDS: 550 mm + 250–280 mm with Kontakt-5 = 800–830 mm HEAT: 650–850 mm + 500–700 mm with Kontakt-5 = 1,150–1,550 mm

Turret Armor Steel-composite-reactive blend APFSDS: 550 mm + 250–280 mm with Kontakt-5 = 800–830 mm HEAT: 650–850 mm + 500–700 mm with Kontakt-5 = 1,150–1,550 mm

Applique Armor Available

Explosive Reactive Armor Yes, Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor blocks, equivalent to up to 500mm of steel armor

Active Protection System Yes, the Shtora-1 countermeasures system

Mine Clearing INA

Self-Entrenching Blade Yes

NBC Protection Yes, GO-27 PRKhR radiation and chemical agent detection system.

Deep Wading Kit Available

Jammer Yes, TShU1-7 IR jammers located either side of the main gun

Laser Radiation Sensors Yes

IR dazzlers Yes

Nakidka Signal Reduction Kit Available

Smoke Equipment Yes, banks of 81 mm Toucha 902B grenade launchers that fire the ZD-6 smoke grenade.

Grenade Maximum Range 250-300 m

Smoke Screen 30 m wide and 10 m high for 60 seconds per grenade.

Fire Suppression System Yes, the Raduga-2 fire-suppression system

Image Sources

Notes https://www.keymilitary.com/article/failing-design; https://www.heritage.org/military-strength-topical-essays/2016-essays/preempting-further-russian-aggression-against-europe; https://www.wallpaperbetter.com/en/search?q=T-90A;