T-72

The T-72 is a family of Soviet main battle tanks that entered production in 1969. The T-72 was a development based off the T-64 using thought/design of the previous Object 167M. About 25,000 T-72 tanks have been built, and refurbishment has enabled many to remain in service for decades. It has been widely exported and has seen service in 40 countries and in numerous conflicts. The Russian T-90 introduced in 1992 and the Chinese Type 99 are further developments of the T-72. Production and development of various modernized T-72 models continues today.

T-72
T-72B3M in Alabino during rehearsals for the 2017 Moscow Victory Day Parade
TypeMain battle tank
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1973–present
Used bySee Operators
Wars
Production history
DesignerLeonid Kartsev-Valeri Venediktov
Designed1967–1973
ManufacturerUralvagonzavod, Heavy Vehicles Factory
Unit costUS$0.5–1.2 million in 1994–1996, 30,962,000–61,924,000 rubles (US$1–2 million) in 2009, US$0.5 million in 2011
Produced1968–present
No. builtapprox. 25,000
Specifications (T-72A)
Mass
Length
  • 9.53 m (31 ft 3 in) gun forward
  • 6.95 m (22 ft 10 in) hull
Width3.59 m (11 ft 9 in)
Height2.23 m (7 ft 4 in)
Crew3 (commander, gunner, driver)

ArmourSteel and composite armour with ERA
Main
armament
125 mm 2A46M/2A46M-5 smoothbore gun
Secondary
armament
Engine
  • V12 diesel
  • V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M)

  • 780 hp (580 kW)
  • 1,130 hp (840 kW) for V-92S2F
Power/weight18.8 hp/tonne (14 kW/tonne)
TransmissionSynchromesh, hydraulically assisted, with 7 forward and 1 reverse gears
SuspensionTorsion bar
Ground clearance0.49 m (19 in)
Fuel capacity1,200 L (320 U.S. gal; 260 imp gal)
Operational
range
460 km (290 mi), 700 km (430 mi) with fuel drums
Maximum speed 60 to 75 km/h (37 to 47 mph)
4 km/h (2.5 mph) (reverse)
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