The T-80 turned out to be a complete disaster. T-80 turned out to be a complete disaster. Fuel tank capacity is 80 tons.

The T-80 tank is a prime example of how heavily armored vehicles can hide serious flaws. At one time, the Russian military command considered the T-80 a high-quality vehicle, but these tanks suffered heavy losses in battles with militants equipped with light weapons during the first Chechen war. After this, he was never able to restore his reputation.

This shouldn't have happened. The T-80 tank was the last main battle tank designed in the Soviet Union. This was the first soviet tank, equipped with a gas turbine engine, and as a result it was able to travel on roads at a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour, and also had a high power-to-weight ratio of 25.8 horsepower per ton.

Thanks to this, the standard T-80B tank became one of the fastest and most maneuverable tanks produced in the 1980s.

The fighting prowess of the Chechen rebels and poor Russian tactics are more to blame for the loss of T-80 tanks than their design. However, it had significant shortcomings. Ultimately, the T-80 turned out to be too expensive, and in addition, it consumed too much fuel. After some time, the Russian military opted for the more economical T-72 tank.

The T-80 was a further development of its predecessor, the T-64 tank. As the most modern model of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the T-64 tank differed from the simpler designs favored by the Soviets, such as the T-54/55 and T-62.

Context

Russia adopts the T-90M tank

The National Interest 02/04/2018 The National Interest 11/24/2017

Which tank is better: Chinese Type 99, M1 Abrams or T-90

The National Interest 01/25/2018 For example, the T-64 was the first Soviet tank to replace the loader with an automatic loader, and as a result the crew was reduced from four to three people. The second trend-setting innovation of the T-64 was the use of composite armor, which used layers of ceramic and steel, resulting in increased protection for the tank compared to steel plates alone.

In addition, the T-64 was equipped with lightweight steel road wheels of small diameter, while the T-55 and T-62 used large rubber-lined rollers.

The first model, the T-64A, launched into mass production, was produced with a 125-mm 2A46 Rapier cannon, which became so popular that it began to be installed on all subsequent Russian tanks - up to the T-90. It is noteworthy that the T-64A ended up weighing only 37 tons, which is quite light for a tank of this size.

But no matter how wonderful these innovations were, it must be recognized that the T-64 had a capricious 5TDF engine and an unusual suspension, which often broke down. For this reason, the Soviet Army specifically sent such tanks to those units that were stationed near the Kharkov plant where they were manufactured.

But that's not all. There were rumors that the new automatic loading system was tearing off the hands of unwary tank crews who were positioned too close to it. This is quite likely, given the tiny interior space of the T-64 tank.

Solving the problems of the T-64A, the Soviets began to think about creating a new tank with an engine equipped with a gas turbine. Gas turbine engines have high throttle response and a good power/weight ratio. They start easily in cold weather without preheating, which is important in the harsh Russian winters. And besides, they are lightweight.

On the downside, gas turbine engines consume a lot of fuel and are more sensitive to dirt and dust, which is a result of increased air intake compared to conventional diesel engines.

The original basic model of the T-80 tank was put into service only in 1976 - much later than planned. The Soviet tank industry was busy correcting the shortcomings of the T-64 tanks, and was preparing to produce the T-72 because it was a cheaper backup option. At the same time, the Soviets were increasing production of T-55 and T-62 tanks for their Arab allies, who had lost hundreds armored vehicles during the war doomsday in 1973.

The first T-80 models also had their problems. In November 1975, then-Minister of Defense Andrei Grechko banned further production of these tanks due to too much fuel consumption and a slight increase in firepower compared to the T-64A. And only five months later, Grechko’s successor, Dmitry Ustinov, allowed mass production of this new tank to begin.

Construction of the first T-80 model lasted only two years, since it was surpassed in its characteristics by the T-64B tank, which had new system fire control, which made it possible to fire 9M112 Cobra missiles from the main gun. Even more important point was that the T-80 cost almost three and a half times more than the T-64A.

The base model was replaced in 1978 by the T-80B tank. It was considered the most modern and high-quality tank in the East, and therefore most of the T-80B was sent to the highest risk areas - the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany.

Due to its high speed it was nicknamed the “Channel Tank”. In Soviet war games, it was generally believed that T-80Bs could reach the Atlantic Ocean in five days, provided they did not run out of fuel.

The new Soviet tank borrowed a lot from the T-64. In addition to sub-caliber, cumulative and anti-personnel fragmentation shells its 125-mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun could launch the same 9K112 Cobra missiles.

Since anti-tank guided missiles were significantly more expensive than conventional tank shells, this tank's ammunition load included only four missiles, but 38 shells. The missiles were designed to shoot down attack helicopters and hit vehicles with ATGM systems installed on them beyond the firing range with conventional T-80B tank shells.

A 7.62-mm PKT machine gun coaxial with a cannon and a 12.7-mm NSVT “Utes” machine gun on the commander’s cupola made up the anti-personnel weapon system of this tank.

The T-80 already boasted modern composite armor, but even greater armor protection was provided by the Kontakt-1 dynamic protection complex (KDZ). The T-80 tanks equipped with horizontal layers of such armor (the latest T-72A models had a similar KDZ configuration) were called T-80BV.

In 1987, instead of the T-80B, the T-80U began to be produced, although total number they did not surpass their predecessors.

The T-80U tank was equipped with the Kontakt-5 dynamic protection system. It was an improved version of the Kontakt-1 KDZ, which consisted of hanging containers with explosives, while the Kontakt-5 system had a set of factory-made outward-facing plates to deflect attack ammunition. The Kontakt-1 system is effective only against cumulative projectiles, while the Kontakt-5 system also protects against kinetic armor-piercing projectiles with a detachable sabot.

Inside the T-80U, instead of the 1A33 fire control system, which was equipped with the T-80B models, a more modern 1A45 system was installed. Engineers replaced the Cobra missiles with laser-guided 9K119 Reflex missiles. This is a more reliable weapon, with a longer range and greater striking power. The T-80 tank carried seven more 125-mm shells than the T-80B.

However, the T-80U tank was not produced for long. Its new GTD-1250 powerplant still consumed too much fuel and was difficult to maintain. Instead, they began to produce the diesel model T-80UD. This was the last version of the Soviet-made T-80 tank. It was also the first model to be seen in action outside of a training ground... if by "action" we mean the shelling of the Russian parliament by a tank gun in October 1993 during the constitutional crisis.

In December 1994, the war against the separatists began in Chechnya, where the T-80 was used for the first time... and it became a disaster of epic proportions.

When rebels in Chechnya declared independence, Russian President Boris Yeltsin ordered troops to retake the former Soviet republic into Russia by force. The created group included T-80B and T-80 BV. The crews were not preparing to fight in T-80 tanks. They did not know about its gluttony and sometimes completely burned the fuel supply while idling.

The offensive of the Russian armed forces on the Chechen capital, Grozny, was more like a bloodbath for the attackers. Between December 31, 1994 and the evening of the next day, about a thousand soldiers were killed and 200 pieces of equipment were destroyed. The most modern Russian tanks, the T-80B and T-80BV, suffered terrible losses as part of the Russian advancing force.

Although the T-80 is well protected from direct frontal hits, many tanks were destroyed in catastrophic explosions, with their turrets flying off after multiple shots. Chechen militants from RPG-7V and RPG-18 grenade launchers.

It turned out that the T-80 “Basket” automatic loader had a fatal flaw in its design. In the automatic loading system, finished shells were stored in a vertical position, and they were only partially protected by the road wheels. An RPG shot aimed above the road wheels at the side of the tank often caused detonation of the ammunition and led to the collapse of the turret.

In this regard, the T-72A and T-72B were punished in a similar manner, however they had a slightly higher probability of survival in the event of a side hit because their automatic loading system used a horizontal ammunition arrangement that was located below the rims of the road wheels.

The second significant drawback of the T-80, like the previous ones Russian tanks, was associated with the minimum angles of vertical elevation and declination of the gun. The tank could not be fired at the rebels, who were firing from the upper floors of buildings or from basements.

In fairness, it must be said that the cause of large losses was the poor training of the crews, lack of training and disastrous tactics. Russia was in such a hurry to begin hostilities that the T-80BV tanks entered Grozny without filling their explosive reactive armor containers with explosives, rendering the protection useless. It was even said that some soldiers sold explosives in order to earn extra money to supplement their meager allowance.

By that time, the Russian army had completely forgotten the hard lessons of fighting in urban conditions during the Second World War. During cold war only special forces units and the Berlin garrison were trained to conduct such battles. Without expecting significant resistance, Russian troops entered Grozny, with soldiers in infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. Their commanders were lost in the streets because they did not have the appropriate maps.

Since Russian soldiers were reluctant to get out of their vehicles and clear buildings room by room, their Chechen opponents, who knew the shortcomings of Russian armored vehicles from their service in the Soviet Army, were able to turn tanks and armored vehicles into crematoria.

It is easy for the Russian command to blame the Chechen disaster on design flaws of the T-80, hiding miscalculations in operational planning and shortcomings in tactics. But ultimately, it was a lack of money that caused the cheaper T-72 to replace the T-80 as the main vehicle for Russian exports and the war effort after the Chechen war.

When it broke up Soviet Union, Russia lost the plant that produced the T-80UD in Kharkov, which became the property of Ukraine. The plant in Omsk, where the T-80U was made, turned out to be bankrupt, while the Leningrad LKZ no longer produced the earlier T-80BV model.

It no longer made sense for Russia to keep three types of tanks in service: T-72 (A and B), T-80 (BV, U and UD) and T-90 (a modernized version of the T-72BU). Financial expenses and the problems of providing spare parts were too great. All these models had one 125-mm 2A46M gun and missiles of the same characteristics, launched through the gun barrel. But they all had different engines, fire control systems and chassis.

To put it simply, these tanks had the same capabilities, but very different spare parts, instead of having the same spare parts and different capabilities. Since the T-80U was much more expensive than the T-72B, it was quite logical that the choice of Russia, which was experiencing financial problems, fell on the T-72.

However, Moscow continued to experiment with the T-80. Experts installed an active defense system on it, which used millimeter-wave radar to monitor incoming missiles and apply countermeasures. As a result, the T-80UM-1 “Bars” appeared in 1997. However, it was not put into production, probably due to budget restrictions.

Russia did not use T-80s in the second Chechen war in 1999-2000, and did not use them during the short conflict with Georgia in 2008 (to our knowledge). So far, T-80 tanks have not participated in the war in Ukraine.

InoSMI materials contain assessments exclusively foreign media and do not reflect the position of the editorial board of InoSMI.

The T-80 is a Soviet-made main battle tank. It is the first tank in the world to be equipped with a single gas turbine power plant. It has been in service with the Soviet Army since 1976. The first production samples, which were created on the basis of the T-64 in SKB-2, were produced at the Kirov plant in Leningrad. They are part of the Armed Forces of such states as South Korea, Ukraine, Russia and others. The T-80U modification was manufactured at the Omsktransmash plant, and the T-80UD at the Kharkov Malyshev plant. In turn, the T-80UD also has modifications - Ukrainian BM "Oplot" and T-84.

1. Photos

2. Video

3. History

The debut "Kirov" gas turbine tank of the new generation, designated "object 219 sp 1", was produced in 1969 and was externally similar to the experimental T-64T gas turbine tank manufactured in Kharkov. The machine was equipped with something developed at the NPO named after. V.Ya. Klimov, GTD-1000T engine. The development with the designation “object 219 sp 1” differed from its predecessor prototype by significant changes to the chassis. In particular, support and support rollers, new guide and drive wheels, hydraulic shock absorbers, rubber-coated tracks and torsion shafts with improved characteristics were developed. The shape of the tower has also changed. This tank was combined with the T-64A by ammunition, a cannon, a loading mechanism (not the same as that found on the T-72 and its modifications), armor protection, as well as individual systems and components.

4. Performance characteristics

4.1 Dimensions

• Case length, mm: T-80 – 6780; 6982; T-80U – 7012; T-80UD – 7020
• Length with gun forward, mm: T-80 – 9656; T-80B (T-80BV) – 9651; T-80U – 9556; T-80UD – 9664
• Case width, mm: T-80 – 3525; T-80B (T-80BV) – 3582; T-80U – 3603; T-80UD - 3755
• Tower roof height, mm: T-80 – 2300; T-80B (T-80BV) – 2219; T-80U, T-80UD - 2215
• Ground clearance, mm: T-80, T-80B (T-80BV), T-80U – 451; T-80UD – 529.

4.2 Booking

• Type of armor: anti-ballistic, cast and rolled combined and steel
• Dynamic protection: T-80U, T-80UD – Contact-5
• Active protection: T-80UD - “Curtain”.

4.3 Armament

• Gun brand: T-80 - 2A46-1; T-80B (T-80BV) – 2A46-2/2A46M-1; T-80U – 2A46M-1/2A46M-4; T-80UD – 2A46M-1
• Gun type: smoothbore gun
• Gun caliber: 125 mm
• Barrel length, calibers: 48
• Gun ammunition: T-80 – 40; T-80B (T-80BV) – 38; T-80U, T-80UD - 45
• HV angles, degrees: −5…+14°
• Firing range, km: ATGM: 5.0, BOPS: 3.7
• Sights: night periscope TPN-3-49, optical sight-rangefinder TPD-2-49
• Machine guns: 1 × 7.62 mm PKT, 1 × 12.7 mm NSVT
• Guided weapons: T-80B (T-80BV) - 9K112-1 “Cobra” / 9K119 “Reflex”; T-80U - 9K119 “Reflex” / 9K119M “Reflex-M”; T-80UD - 9K119 "Reflex".

4.4 Mobility

• Engine brand and type: T-80 - GTD-1000T (gas turbine); T-80B (T-80BV) - GTD-1000TF (gas turbine); T-80U - GTD-1000TF/GTD-1250 (gas turbine); T-80UD – 6TD (diesel)
• Engine power, l. pp.: T-80, T-80UD: 1000; T-80B (T-80BV): 1100; T-80U – 1100/1250
• Highway speed, km/h: T-80, T-80B (T-80BV), T-80U – 70; T-80UD - 60
• Speed ​​over rough terrain, km/h: T-80 – 50; T-80U - 60
• Cruising range on the highway, km: T-80, T-80B (T-80BV) – 500; T-80U – 450; T-80UD — 560
• Cruising range over rough terrain, km: 250
• Specific power, l. s./t: T-80 - 23.8; T-80B (T-80BV) - 25.8 (25.17); T-80U - 21.74/27.2; T-80UD - 21.7
• Suspension type: individual torsion bar
• Specific ground pressure, kg/cm²: T-80 - 0.83; T-80B (T-80BV) - 0.865; T-80U - 0.93; T-80UD - 0.924
• Climbability, degrees: 32°
• Wall to be overcome, m: 1.0
• Ditch to be overcome, m: 2.85
• Fording capacity, m: 1.2 (1.8 with preliminary preparation; 5.0 with OPVT).

4.5 Other parameters

• Combat weight, t: T-80 – 42; T-80B (T-80BV) - 42.5 (43.7); T-80U, T-80UD – 46
• Layout scheme: classic
• Crew, people: 3.

5. Modifications

• 219 joint venture 1 - modification of the T-64A with an integrated gas turbine engine GTD-1000T
• 219 sp 2 - pre-production sample with new chassis
• 219 joint venture 2 - main battle tank T-80.
• 219A - experimental main tank T-80A. Development was carried out simultaneously with Object 478. Subsequently it was supplemented with mounted dynamic protection.
• 219AS is the main battle tank of the T-80U. Equipped with a 2A46M-1 cannon; smoke grenade launch system 902B “Tucha”; PPO 3ETS13 “Rime”; combined armor with dynamic built-in protection; weapon control complex 1A45 "Irtysh" (electronic BV, PRNA TPN-4S, laser sight-rangefinder 1G46, night combined sight TPN-4 "Buran-PA", stabilizer 2E42) and KUV 9K119 "Reflex". Subsequently, the KUV 9K119M “Invar” and GTD-1250 engines were used
• 630A - the main tank of the T-80UK. Command version of the T-80U. Equipped with an Agava-2 thermal imager; radio stations R-163K and R-163U, the Shtora-1 system, the TNA-4 navigation system, an improved atmospheric sensor, an autonomous power plant AB-1-P28, a system for remote detonation of HE shells
• T-80UE - version of the T-80UM, intended for Greece; equipped with improved controls and hydrostatic transmission
• 219AM-1 - the main tank of the T-80UA. An improved version of the T-80U.
• 219AS-M - the main tank of the T-80UM. An improved version of the T-80U, equipped with: radio-absorbing coating, R-163-50U radio station, Agava-2 thermal imager
• 219AS-M1 - the main tank of the T-80UM1 "Bars". T-80UM variant, equipped with a GTD-1250G engine, a 2A46M-4 gun, a complex active protection"Arena-E", TVN-5, R-163UP, "Shtora-1", R-163-50U, air conditioning system, "Velizh"
• 640 - main experimental battle tank T-80UM2
• 291 - equipped with a GTA-18 power auxiliary unit, fire-fighting equipment of PPO "INEY", a driver's night device TVN-5 "Mango", an Agava-2 thermal imaging sight, a 2A46M-4 125-mm caliber gun, a 1A45M KUO (IUS 1B558 , STV-2E42M, PDPN-1G46M) and a new blade for self-digging, included in the protection scheme. The RPZ-86M radio-absorbing coating was also used. First, the Progress-2 thermal imaging sight (T01-P05) was installed on the tank, and subsequently the T01-K05 Buran-M. The loading mechanism was adapted to accommodate BPS projectiles with a length of 750 mm
• 219R is the main battle tank of the T-80B. Equipped with a 2A46-2 cannon, a 902A “Tucha” smoke grenade launch system, a 9K112-1 “Cobra” KUV and a 1A33 fire control system (it includes a 1V517 BV, a 2E26M stabilizer, a set of sensors, a 1G43 shot resolution unit, and a 1G42 laser sight-rangefinder). The turret's armor has been strengthened. Subsequently it was equipped with a GTD-1000TF engine, a turret unified with the T-64B and a 2A46M-1 gun
• 219RV - the main battle tank of the T-80BV. T-80B equipped with dynamic mounted protection "Contact"
• 219AS-1 - the main tank of the T-80UE-1. Improved T-80BV. Equipped with a modernized 1A45-1 fire control system and a turret from a decommissioned T-80UD. In addition, several more updates have been installed
• 219M - improved T-80BV
• 219RD - experimental modification of the T-80B, equipped with an A-53-2 (2V-16-2) diesel engine
• 219E - experimental modification of the T-80B, equipped with a complex of electro-optical active protection against precision weapons"Curtain-1"
• 630 - main tank T-80BK. Command version of the T-80B, equipped with additional installation of radio and navigation equipment
• 644 - experimental modification of the T-80, equipped with a V-46-6 diesel engine
• 478 is an experienced main tank. T-80 chassis, Object 476 turret, 6TD diesel engine
• 478M - main tank project. Improved "Object 478". Equipped with a 12CHN diesel engine and the “Shater” active protection complex
• 478B - main tank T-80UD "Beryoza". Equipped with a remote-controlled anti-aircraft machine gun mount; diesel engine 6TD and mounted DZ. Then - the built-in remote sensing.
• 478БК - experimental modification of the T-80UD, equipped with a welded turret.
• 478D - experimental main tank based on the T-80UD, equipped with a control system missile weapons"Ainet"
• 478DU is a Ukrainian experimental main tank based on the 478D object with an improved chassis. Developed in Ukraine.
• 478DU1 - version of the T-80UD for export. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU2 - the main tank of the T-84. Modernized T-80UD, equipped with a new remote sensing device and the Shtora-1 system. Developed in Ukraine
• T-84-120 “Yatagan” - a version of the T-84 for export to Turkey, equipped with a 6TD-2 engine, a 120 mm caliber cannon, a built-in Knife PD and a welded turret with an AZ in the aft niche. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU9 - the main tank of the T-84U. Modernized T-84. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU10 is the main tank of the Oplot BM. Modernized T-84U. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU3 - modernized T-80UD. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU4 - modernized T-80UD, equipped with an improved gearbox Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU5 - modernized T-80UD, equipped with air conditioning. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU6 - modernized T-80UD. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU7 - modernized T-80UD. Developed in Ukraine
• 478DU8 - modernized T-80UD. Developed in Ukraine.

6. Tank-based vehicles

• Ladoga — vehicle with a high degree of protection
• BREM-80U - armored repair and recovery vehicle
• Msta-S - self-propelled gun mount
• Peony - self-propelled gun mount
• S-300V - air defense system
• SPM - special fire vehicle
• PTS-4 - floating conveyor

7. In service

• USSR - entered service with the states formed after 1991
• Russia – The Russian Army as of 2013 operates 4,000 T-80U and T-80BV. 3,000 vehicles are in storage. It is planned to abandon tanks by 2015
• Coastal troops Navy Russian Federation - as of 2013, 160 T-72, T-55M and T-80 tanks
• Angola – unspecified number of T-80s
• Belarus - 69 T-80B
• UK - some T-80U acquired undiscovered for strategic research
• Egypt - 20 T-80U and 14 T-80UK
• Yemen - 66 T-80
• Cyprus - 82 T-80U
• Republic of Korea - 80 T-80U
• Pakistan - 320 T-80UD
• USA - 4 T-80UD, 1 T-80U
• Uzbekistan - unspecified number of T-80BV
• Ukraine - 165 T-80 in storage.

8. Combat use

• On October 4, 1993, six T-80UD tanks of the 12th Guards Tank Regiment of the 4th Guards Kantemirovskaya tank division shot up the White House
• During the first Chechen war, Grozny was stormed. Not used during the second Chechen war
• In January 2015, T-80Bs were used in an armed conflict between government forces and Shiite rebels in Yemen
• The OSCE mission that same month discovered 10 T-80 tanks in eastern Ukraine, located in territory controlled by rebels.

Main battle tank T-80- the world's first production tank with a gas turbine power plant. It was developed at SKB-2 LKZ since 1968 on the basis of the T-64A main tank. The Leningrad NPO named after. took part in the work on the new tank. V.Ya. Klimova, who was involved in the development of the engine. The tank was put into service on August 6, 1976. Serial production was carried out at LKZ (1976-1990), KhZTM (1985-1991) and OZTM (since 1985). Production of T-80 tanks has been completed. T-80 tanks began to enter service with the troops in the late 1970s, primarily in the western military districts and foreign groups of forces. The intense thermal resource of the gas turbine complicated the use of these tanks in zones with hot climates, so they were not delivered to the southern military districts.

According to the location of mechanisms and equipment inside the tank T-80 divided into three sections: management, combat and power. The control compartment is located in the bow of the hull. It contains the driver's seat, in front of which on the bottom of the body there are steering control levers, a fuel pedal and an adjustable nozzle pedal. Behind the seat in the bottom of the body there is an emergency exit hatch. In 1984, the driver's seat was mounted to the beam instead of mounted to the underbody.

The fighting compartment is located in the middle part of the tank and is formed by a combination of the hull and the turret. The turret is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The body houses a cabin docked with the turret. In the cabin there is a loading mechanism (LM), which ensures the placement, transportation, feeding and dispensing of shots, as well as the capture and placement of extracted pallets. To the right of the gun is the place of the tank commander, to the left is the gunner. For the commander and gunner, there are seats and footrests, as well as removable guards that ensure their safety when operating the stabilizer, MZ, and when firing a cannon. To the right of the gun are installed a coaxial PKT machine gun, an R-123M radio station (on later production tanks - R-173) and an MZ control panel. Above the tank commander's seat in the turret there is a commander's cupola with a hatch.

Behind the walls of the cabin there is a ring conveyor of the loading mechanism. The power compartment is located in the rear of the tank hull. It has a gas turbine engine installed longitudinally. Power is output to the shafts of the onboard gearboxes from both ends of the engine output gearbox. Each onboard gearbox is mounted in a block with a coaxial planetary final drive that carries the drive wheel.

Gas turbine engine GGD-1000T with a power of 1000 hp. made according to a three-shaft design with two mechanical independent turbochargers and a free turbine. The main components of the engine are centrifugal compressors of low and high pressure, combustion chamber, axial compressor turbines, axial power turbine, exhaust pipe, drive boxes and gearbox.

The roof of the power compartment is removable and consists of a front fixed part and a rear lifting part, which is connected to the front using hinges and a torsion bar. The roof opens with the effort of one person and is locked in the raised position with a tie. In the front part of the roof there are entrance blinds, closed at the top with removable metal mesh.

The turret houses the main armament of the tank - a 2A46-1 smoothbore 125-mm cannon, equipped with a 2E28M2 two-plane weapon stabilizer and a hydroelectromechanical automatic loader of approximately the same design as on the T-64 tank. The gun is mounted in the tank turret on axles. The front embrasure of the turret is covered with armor, bolted to the cradle and covered from the outside with a cover. The mass of the swinging part of the gun without an armored mask and stabilizer is 2443 kg. The ammunition consists of 40 rounds of separate cartridge loading with a partially burning cartridge case. Firing is carried out with high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing sub-caliber and cumulative shells. Direct shot range sub-caliber projectile with an initial speed of 1715 m/s against a “tank” type target is 2100 m. The rate of fire is 6-8 rounds/min., when loading manually it is reduced to 1-2 rounds/min.

To fire from a cannon, an optical stereoscopic sight-rangefinder TPD-2-49 is used. The sight has independent stabilization of the field of view in the vertical plane and allows high accuracy determine the range to the target within 1000-4000 m. Data on the range to the target is automatically entered into the sight. Corrections for the speed of the tank and data on the type of selected ammunition are also automatically introduced. For shooting at night, the TPN-1-49-23 sight is used.

Auxiliary weapons consist of a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun coaxial with a cannon and a 12.7 mm NSVT machine gun in an open anti-aircraft machine gun mount. The ZPU is designed for firing at air and ground targets at ranges up to 2000 m. The installation provides all-round fire at machine gun pointing angles in the vertical plane from -5" to +75". The installation is located on the commander's cupola. For firing a machine gun, 12.7 mm caliber cartridges are used: armor-piercing incendiary B-32 and armor-piercing incendiary tracer BZT-44.

The caterpillar propulsion system consists of tracks with a rubber-coated treadmill and RMSH, support rollers with rubber tires and support rollers with external shock absorption, all-metal guide wheels and drive wheels, and worm-type tensioning mechanisms. Suspension - individual, torsion bar, with non-coaxial arrangement of torsion bar shafts, with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers on 1, 2 and 6 suspension units.

Modifications
T-80(object 219sp2) - basic option. Combat weight 42 tons. Crew 3 people. Serial production at LKZs 1976 to 1978

T-80B(object 219R, 1978) - 9K112-1 “Cobra” guided weapon complex and 1A33 fire control system (1G42 laser sight-rangefinder, 1V517 tank ballistic computer, 2E26M stabilizer, 1G43 shot resolution unit and a set of sensors), 2A46-2 gun, smoke grenade launch system 902A “Tucha”. The tower's armor has been strengthened. since 1980 - GGD-1000TF engine with a power of 1100 hp. and a turret unified with the T-64B, since 1982 - a 2A46M-1 "Rapira-3" cannon.

T-80BV(1985) - T-80B with a set of mounted dynamic protection installed on the turret and hull.

T-80U(object 219AS, 1985) - 9K119 “Reflex” guided weapons complex and 1A45 “Irtysh” weapon control complex (1G46 laser sight-rangefinder, electronic ballistic computer, 2E42 stabilizer, TPN-4S commander’s sighting and observation complex, combined active- passive night sight TPN-4 "Buran-PA"), 2A46-M1 gun, 45 rounds of ammunition (of which 28 are in the loading mechanism), improved multi-layer combined armor with built-in dynamic protection, smoke grenade launch system 902B, PPO 3ETs13 “Iney” system, built-in self-entrenchment equipment, mounted track trawl KMT-6. Since 1990 - GTD-1250 engine with a power of 1250 hp, 9K119M guided weapon system. Combat weight 46 tons.

T-80UD(object 478B “Beryza”, 1987) - 6-cylinder two-stroke turbo-piston diesel 6TD with a power of 1000 hp, anti-aircraft machine gun installation with remote control. Since 1988 - built-in dynamic protection.

T-80UM(1992) - thermal imaging observation and targeting device "Agava-2". radio-absorbing coating, radio station R-163-50U.

T-80UK- command version of the T-80UM. System for remote detonation of high-explosive fragmentation shells with an electronic remote contact fuse, optical-electronic suppression complex "Shtora-2", radio stations R-163-U and R-163-K, navigation system TNA-4 and autonomous power generator AB-1- P28.

According to data announced by the Soviet side at the Vienna negotiations on the limitation of conventional weapons in Europe, in 1990 European territory USSR, as well as in units stationed in Eastern Europe, there were 4839 T-80 tanks of all modifications. After the collapse of the USSR, almost all of them ended up on the territory of Russia and Ukraine, while the production of the T-80UD, carried out in Kharkov, also ended up abroad. Their production continued in Ukraine under the designation, mainly for export. In 1996, a contract was signed for the supply of 320 such machines to Pakistan. At the same time, 175 tanks were manufactured again, and 145 were sent from the Ukrainian armed forces.

Rosoboronexport also actively offered T-80U tanks for export. The Cyprus Army has 41 fighting machine of this type (contract value $175 million). The South Korean army was supplied with 80 T-80U tanks to pay off the Russian debt to this country. In both cases, supplies were made from the availability of the Russian Armed Forces.

As part of the Soviet Army T-80 did not take part in the hostilities. T-80B and T-80BV tanks were used by the Russian Army during the military operation in Chechnya in 1995-1996. During the second Chechen campaign, T-80 tanks did not take part in hostilities.

As of January 1, 2010, T-80 tanks various modifications are in service in Belarus (92), Cyprus (41). Pakistan (320), Russia (4500, status unclear), Ukraine (271) and South Korea (80).

TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE T-80B TANK
COMBAT WEIGHT, t: 42.5.
CREW, people: 3.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS, mm: length - 9651, width - 3582, height (on the tower roof) - 2219, ground clearance (on the main bottom) - 451.
ARMAMENT: 1 2A46M-1 cannon, 125 mm caliber. 1 PKT machine gun, 7.62 mm caliber, 1 anti-aircraft machine gun NSVT caliber 12.7 mm, 8 launchers 81 mm caliber for launching smoke grenades.
AMMUNITION: 38 rounds, 300 rounds of 12.7 mm caliber, 1250 rounds of 7.62 mm caliber.
AUTOMATIC LOADER: hydroelectromechanical, with a constant loading angle.
WEAPONS STABILIZER: two-plane electro-hydraulic 2E26M.
GUIDED WEAPONS COMPLEX: 9K112-1 Cobra, with TUR 9M112 with radio control and optical feedback. AIMING DEVICES: laser rangefinder 1G42, periscope night sight TPN-3-49.
RESERVATION, mm: combined projectile protection.
ENGINE: GTD-1000TF, made according to a three-shaft design with two mechanical independent turbochargers and a free power turbine; power 1100 hp (809 kW).
TRANSMISSION: mechanical, planetary; consists of two units, each of which includes an onboard gearbox, a final drive and hydraulic servos of the motion control system.
CHASSIS: six double rubber-coated support rollers on board, five single rubber-coated support rollers, rear drive wheel with removable ring gears (lantern engagement), guide wheel; Individual torsion bar suspension. hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers on the suspensions of the 1st, 2nd and 6th track rollers; each caterpillar has 80 tracks.
MAX. SPEED, km/h: 70.
POWER RESERVE, km: 600.
OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME: ascent angle, degrees. - 32; ditch width, m - 2.85; wall height, m ​​- 1, ford depth, m - 1.2 (with OPVT - 5 m).
COMMUNICATIONS: radio station R-123M. intercom R-124.

Main battle tank T-80 and T-80B

General view of the T-80 tank produced in 1977.

Longitudinal, transverse sections and plan view of the T-80 tank produced in 1977. The turret is monolithic.

Object 219R sb-3 (1983)

Object 219R sb-3 (1983) Top view. Tower with sand rods.

Historical reference

After the cessation of work on heavy tanks of the Leningrad Design Bureau Kirov plant were engaged in the creation of a missile tank based on the Kharkov “object 432”. In 1967, work on the tank was stopped, which was a serious blow for the team and chief designer Zh. Ya. Kotin.

By this time, preparations were underway for mass production of the T-64 tank at tank factories; the Kirov Plant was tasked with preparing mass production of this tank. The idea arose of installing a gas turbine engine on the T-64 tank; attempts to install a gas turbine engine on a tank had been made earlier, but these were modifications of existing engines developed for helicopters. In those years, the gas turbine engine was considered a fairly promising engine; the development of a specialized tank gas turbine engine began at the Leningrad NPO named after V. Ya. Klimov under the leadership of S. P. Izotov.

In 1968, Zh.Ya. Kotin took up his duties as deputy. Minister of the Ministry of Defense, his place was taken by N. S. Popov.

March 1974 Sea trials of the first tank “Object 219” produced in 1974.

The decision to create a gas turbine tank was made by the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers on April 16, 1968. From that moment on, the history of the T-80 tank began. Already in May 1969, the new gas turbine engine was installed on a prototype tank. In 1970 The Kaluga Engine Plant was entrusted with the development of serial production of the GTD-1000T tank engine, developed by NPO im. V. Ya. Klimova.

The vehicle entered service in 1976 and became the first in the world serial tank with a main power plant based on a gas turbine engine. Three main tanks began to be in service - T-64, T-72 and T-80. In terms of combat characteristics, they differed slightly from each other.

T-80 fighting compartment.

The design of the T-80 uses used elements from the T-64A tank: gun, ammunition, loading mechanism. The first T-80s were equipped with turrets similar to those installed on the T-64A. A monolithic cast tower was installed on “object 219-sb2SB”.

The improvement of the control system of the Object 219 tank was carried out in the direction of increasing the accuracy of range measurement and, as a result, reducing the time for preparing a shot. The work was carried out on an initiative basis together with the Krasnogorsk Central Design Bureau and the State Optical Institute named after. S.I. Vavilova (GOI) as part of the modernization of the standard optical tank sight-rangefinder TPD-2-49 by interfacing a laser rangefinder with it. Work from OKBT was headed by Deputy Chief Designer I. A. Madera, from TsKB - K. Z. Tsiganer, from GOI - I. F. Balashov. By the time the main fundamental decisions were worked out, the work met with support from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Defense. As a result, through joint efforts it was possible to create a completely successfully working design of the TPD-K1 quantum sight-rangefinder (code “Toros”).

Layout of stabilizer components 2E28M2

Windshield wiper for the protective glass of the TPD-K1 rangefinder sight

The scope of field tests of TPD-K1 on the T-72, Object 219 and T-64A tanks, carried out from December 26, 1974 to March 15, 1975, included stationary tests, field tests, firing tests, and shelling tests of the Object tank 219", special and mileage tests. The TPD-K1 and the electrical unit were installed in tanks at the standard mounting locations for the TPD-2-49 rangefinder sight and differed only in the location of the power supply and the range output unit, depending on the availability of free space in the fighting compartments.

Additionally, modifications to the armor protection of the rangefinder sight head were required: on the turrets of all tanks, the entrance window of the sight shaft was expanded, and the right entrance window was muffled. The test results showed a reduction in the preparation time for the first shot by 1.5-2 times, an increase in the effective range when firing from a standstill by 500 m, on the move by 300 m, and a significant simplification of the range measurement process.

The T-80B adopted the 1A33 “Ob” control system, developed on the T-64B, without changes.

Thus, in terms of individual design elements, the T-80 was unified with the previously produced T-64A and T-64B tanks.

The layout of the T-80 tank is similar to that adopted on the T-64A. Improved visibility from its place was achieved by installing three viewing devices instead of one.

T-80B (1978) - installed modernized gun 2A46–2, a new fire control system (FCS) 1A33, a 9K112 guided weapon system was introduced, and protection characteristics were improved. Since 1980, the GTD-1000TF engine with a power of 809 kW (1100 hp) has been installed.

The T-80 chassis was designed specifically for this tank, and unlike the T-64, it contains road wheels with external rubber. The caterpillar belt is made of stampedelements connected to each other parallel, those. double Use of suchcaterpillars reduced vibrations,transmitted from the chassis totank hull, and significantly reducednoise level generated by movement.

In the mid-70s, diesel engines with a power of 1000 hp had not yet been created. and more, therefore a number of high-ranking officials, primarily D.F. Ustinov, saw the prospect of tank building in the gas turbine engine.

The T-80 tank with a gas turbine engine arose as an alternative to the T-64 tank with5TDF engine. Ptherefore its designer N.S. Popov tried in every possible way to prevent the organizationproduction of the 6TD-1 engine, which was developed in the late 70sand its installation in the T-80 tank. In the highest circles of the country there was a constant discussion about which engine was better. It was obvious that the gas turbine engine was significantly inferior to the piston engine in cost and had greatertravel fuel costs, which requires additional costsfor its transportation and large volumes in the tank for its placement.

But few could resist D. F. Ustinov, one of the top officials of the state. For D.F. Ustinov there wasthe important fact is that American tank"Abrame" was preparedthe answer in the form of the Soviet T-80 tank.

And few people asked about the economic aspect of this issue. The cost of one experimental GTD-1000T for the period of 1970 was 167 thousand rubles. the cost of an entire T-64 tank at that time was 174 thousand rubles. that is, in the T-80, only the engine cost as much as the entire T-64 tank, while in terms of the main characteristics, except for the maximum speed, the tanks were similar.

At the time of adoption in 1976, the cost of the T-80 exceeded the cost of the T-64A three times - 480 and 140 thousand rubles, respectively.

By the beginning of the 80s, the cost of mass production of gas turbine engines, due to mass production, dropped to 100 thousand rubles. But the cost of the T-80B in comparison with the T-64B, equipped with the same fire control system and produced in the same period of time, was 2 times higher. But the economic characteristics did not change D.F. Ustinov’s determination to focus on the T-80 as a single tank for the army. Opinion of D.F. Ustinov was not supported by many, including the head of the GBTU A. Kh. Babajanyan, who replaced him in 1980 by Yu.M. Potapov, but did not openly express their opinion.

By the end of the 80s in Soviet army(east of the Urals) there were about 100 T-80 tanks, 3,700 T-80B tanks and 600 T-80BV tanks. In 1987, the GSVG had 2,260 T-80B and T-80BV tanks and about 4,000 thousand T-64A, T-64B and T-64BV tanks. T-64 and T-80 tanks formed the basis of the Soviet tank troops.

Read more « History of domestic tank building in the post-war period."

On this moment T-80BV tanks make up a significant part of the Russian tank forces and are in need of modernization. In the absence of a mass-produced 1200 hp engine in the Russian Federation at the moment. modernization of the T-80B is quite justified. Existing developments to improve firepower, such as the 45M complex, active protection complex, introduction of hydrostatic transmission (GOP) of the turning mechanism, reserves for modernizing the loading mechanism provide the T-80B with great potential for modernization. It is also rational to equip T-80B tanks with turrets of decommissioned T-80UD tanks with more advanced protection and a weapon system. The direction chosen in the Russian Federation for the modernization of the existing tank fleet until 2015, instead of expensive purchases new technology at UVZ opens up prospects for modernization of the T-80B and T-80U.

Firepower

All modifications of the main battle tank T-80 are equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun of the D-81 type, unified with domestic tanks, as artillery weapons.

The layout of the fighting compartment is similar to that of the T-64 tank. In addition to 28 rounds in the mechanized ammunition rack, there are three rounds within the fighting compartment (7 shells and their charges are located in the control compartment).

The gun's ammunition load consists of 38 rounds. 28 shotsfish are placed in a conveyor and, by type, are placed in anyratio. 10 shots placed in non-mechanizedlaying and are equipped only with high-explosive fragmentation and cumu-lyative shots.

The following are located in the fighting compartment: 1 projectile - vertically on the cabin floor, behind the back of the commander's seat; 1 sleeve - on the floor of the front right side of the cabin; 2 shells and 2 casings - near the partition between the middle fuel tanks.

The control compartment contains: 5 shells and 7 cartridges - in a tank rack; 2 shells - on the bottom of the storage tank.

Cases installed in the fighting compartment must be covered with covers.

The ammunition load of the PKT coaxial machine gun includes 1250 rounds, loaded in five belts (250 rounds each) and stored in their own magazines.

Five magazines included in the ammunition load are located in the fighting compartment of the tank:

one magazine - on a machine gun;

three shops - in the niche of the tower on the right;

one magazine is on the front right side of the cabin.

The ammunition for the anti-aircraft gun consists of 300 rounds,

loaded into three belts (100 rounds each) and placed in standard magazines, which are located:

one magazine - on an anti-aircraft installation;

two stores are on the right side of the turret stern.

The ammunition for the AKMS assault rifle includes 300 rounds of ammunition, loaded into 10 magazines (30 pieces in each). The magazines are placed in two bags and placed; one bag - in a rack in the tower, behind the back of the commander's seat; the other is in a rack in the tower, in front of the commander, above the radio station. F-1 hand grenades (10 pcs.) are packed into five bags and placed in a rack in the turret, in front of the commander, above the radio station. On the cabin shelf, behind the back of the commander's seat, there is an expelling charge for emergency ejection of the 9M112M product. The ammunition for the rocket launcher (12 flares) is placed in two cartridge belts, which are placed in a rack on the wall of the commander's cabin.

The T-80 tank and its modifications are equipped with MZs similar to those used on T-64 tanks.

The first T-80 tanks were equipped with a TPD-2-49 gunner's sight with an optical base rangefinder, with independent stabilization of the field of view only in the vertical plane. Subsequently, the development of a tank sight with a laser rangefinder began. The task was to develop designs for a laser rangefinder and its installation in the TPD2-49 tank sight-rangefinder; the development was carried out by the Central Design Bureau of the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant named after. Zvereva.

It was possible to place a laser rangefinder module and elements for its interface with the optics of this sight in the housing of the serial sight. The first stage sight was called TPD-K1. Specialists from the Kirov plant took an active part in both “tying” the modernized sight to the tank and in the creation of the sight itself. With this aim, the tank was put into service, but the most common modification of the T-80 was the T-80B with the 1A33 Ob fire control system and the 9K112 guided weapon system, completely borrowed from the T-64B. Read more about the OMS 1A33. The gunner also has a TPN3-49 night sight with image intensifier. I -generation and target identification range in passive mode 850 m and in active mode with illumination up to 1200 m.

The TPD-K1 sight was later used in the T-72A and T-64A tanks. The task of the T-80B gunner comes down to pointing the sight mark at the target, measuring the range, selecting ammunition and firing a shot.

A 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is paired with the cannon. For firing at air targets, there is a 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the base of the tank commander's hatch.

The ZPU on the commander's cupola is made in the old-fashioned way, without any electric drives. Moreover, whether or not an anti-aircraft machine gun is needed for rotation commander's cupola The tank commander must rotate the entire structure together with the launcher, and this is about 300 kg of mass, and even the NSV-12.7 Utes machine gun protrudes from the rotation axis by one and a half meters, which is also a lever.

Protection

Strengthening the protection of the T-80B was carried out through the use of rolled armor of increased hardness of the BTK-1 type for the frontal and side parts of the hull. The frontal part of the hull had an optimal thickness ratio of three-barrier armor similar to that proposed for the T-72A.

During the development of the tank, there were attempts to create a cast turret made of high-hardness steel, which were unsuccessful. As a result, a turret design was chosen from cast armor of medium hardness with a cast-in core similar to the turret of the T-72A tank, while the thickness of the armor of the T-80B turret was increased; such turrets were accepted for mass production since 1977.

Further strengthening of the armor of the T-80B tank was achieved in the T-80BV, which was put into service in 1985. The armor protection of the frontal part of the hull and turret of this tank is fundamentally the same as on the T-80B tank, but consists of reinforced combined armor and mounted dynamic protection "Contact-1". During the transition to mass production of the T-80U tank, some T-80BV tanks of the latest series (object 219RB) were equipped with turrets similar to the T-80U type, but with the old fire control system and the Cobra guided weapon system.

To provide protection from high-precision weapons that hit the tank, as a rule, from the upper hemisphere into the engine-transmission compartment area (all of them are mainly with thermal homing heads), the exhaust manifold guide grille was made in a box-shaped form. This made it possible to somewhat remove the point of hot gases from the aft armor plate and actually “deceive” the homing devices. In addition, the vehicle’s set of underwater tank driving equipment (OPVT) was placed at the rear of the turret, thus covering a significant part of the MTO roof.

The inner walls of the fighting compartment and control compartment were covered with a layer of lining from polymer material. He does a double protective function. When a tank is hit by kinetic and armor-piercing high-explosive anti-tank ammunition it prevents small armor fragments formed on the inner surface of the armor from scattering inside the hull. In addition, thanks to a specially selected chemical composition, this lining significantly reduces the impact of gamma radiation on the crew. For the same purposes, a special plate and insert in the driver’s seat are used (to protect it from radiation when traveling through contaminated areas).

Protection against neutron weapons is also provided. As is known, these zero-charge particles are most effectively retained by hydrogen-containing materials. Therefore, the lining mentioned above is made of precisely this material. The fuel tanks of the engine power supply system are located outside and inside the vehicle in such a way as to surround the crew with an almost continuous antineutron belt.

Also, for protection against weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical and bacteriological) and for extinguishing fires that occur in the vehicle, a special semi-automatic collective protection system (CPS) installed in the tank is intended. It includes: a radiation and chemical reconnaissance device (PRHR), switching equipment ZETS-11-2, a filter-ventilation unit (FVU), a sub-pressure meter, an engine stopping mechanism (MSM), closing seals with actuators and permanent seals of the hull and turret. The system operates in two modes: automatic and manual - according to commands from the control panel (in exceptional cases, for extinguishing fires upon command from the P11-5 remote control).

In automatic mode (main), when radioactive or chemical contamination of the air is detected outside the tank (using the PRHR device in constant air monitoring mode), a command is sent from the system sensors to the actuators of the closing seals and the filter-ventilation unit is turned on, creating excess pressure of purified air in the habitable compartments . At the same time, sound and light alarms are triggered, notifying the crew about the nature of the area’s contamination. The efficiency and reliability of the system has been proven in the course of special tests simulating air contamination situations that are close to realistically possible.

Fire-fighting equipment is connected to the SKZ through switching equipment ZETS-11-2 and can operate automatically or from buttons on the driver’s and commander’s consoles. In automatic mode, the equipment is triggered by a signal received from the temperature sensors of the ZETS-11-2 equipment. At the same time, the supercharger is turned off and the valves of the air filter are closed and the MOD is activated. As a result, air access to the MTO is stopped. Then the squib of one of the three cylinders with fire extinguishing agent is detonated and the tank compartment corresponding to the location of the fire is filled with it through a sprayer. After extinguishing the fire, the FVU supercharger is automatically turned on with the opening of the valves, which facilitates the rapid removal of combustion products and fire extinguishing agent from the habitable compartments of the tank. In this case, the electrical signal is removed from the MOD, which makes it possible to start the engine.

The listed design solutions serve to protect the crew and internal equipment of the tank in the event that it is hit by various anti-tank weapons. In order to reduce the likelihood of them being hit, the T-80 was equipped with thermal smoke equipment for setting up TDA smoke screens and smoke grenade launchers of the 902B “Tucha” system. The tank is equipped with equipment for self-digging and for hanging a mine trawl.

Mobility characteristics

Power point

The power plant consists of a gas turbine engine and systems that ensure its operation: fuel, control, oil, air purification, air and special equipment. To special equipment power plant These include dust blowing and vibration cleaning systems, a fuel atomization and nozzle purge device, and thermal smoke equipment.

T-80 tank with gas turbine engine since 1976 was produced in Omsk with an engine that producedKaluga Motor Plant of the Ministry of Aviationindustry. The development of this engine wascarried out by LNPO named after. Klimov in the period 1968-1972.

The engine had the symbol GTD 1000T. Power itwas 1000 hp. on the stand, which corresponded to 795 hp. Vtank, specific effective fuel consumption in standbyconditions - no more than 240 g/e.h.h. In tank conditions - 270 g/e.h.p.h. The warranty period is 500 hours, the service life is 1000 hours.

Engine GTD 1000T -three-shaft, with two-stage centrifugal-centrifugalcompressor, two single-stage compressor turbines,annular counterflow combustion chamber, freesingle-stage power turbine with an adjustable nozzle apparatus.

The working cycle of a gas turbine engine consists of the same processes as the cycle of a piston engine - intake, compression, combustion, expansion and exhaust. However, unlike piston engines, in which these processes occur sequentially in the same place (in the cylinder), in gas turbine engines they are carried out simultaneously and continuously in different places: intake and compression processes in compressors; combustion - in the combustion chamber; expansions - in turbines; exhaust - in the exhaust pipe.

Power is taken to the driving wheels of the machine from a free turbine through the engine gearbox and transmission. The rotor speed of a free turbine, depending on the position of the fuel pedal and ground resistance, can vary from zero to 26,650 rpm.

The engine in the power compartment of the machine is installed in a monoblock with units and system components, which speeds up and simplifies installation and dismantling work.

The monoblock is installed along the longitudinal axis of the tank on three supports: two rear yokes and a front suspension support. On the T-80 tank, the time to replace the engine is 5 hours, each gearbox is 4.5 hours. (Final report on the military operation of the 3rd company in the PriVO).

On the T-72 tank, the engine replacement time is 24 hours. (Report 38 NIII BTT, “Monitoring the progress of military operation of T-72 tanks in the BVI”). The time to replace each gearbox is 10.5 hours, the guitar is 17.7 hours (Manual for military repair of T-72 tanks).

Fuel system

The fuel system includes eight internal and five external fuel tanks, pumps, filters, valves, taps, pipes and control drives.

To refuel the fuel system, fuel of the T-1, TS-1, RT brands, as well as diesel fuel L, 3, A are used. The main fuel is T-1 and TS-1. It is allowed to mix diesel fuel with T-1, TS-1 and RT fuels in any proportion. Total stock fuel in the reserved volume is 1110 l., external tanks - 700 l., additional barrels 400 l.

Air purification system

The air cleaning system is designed to clean the air entering the engine, the nozzle apparatus of the high-pressure turbine, and for blowing the power compartment units.

The air cleaning system includes air intake louvers of the power compartment roof with a protective mesh, an air cleaner and radiator unit, a fan for blowing units, two fans for dust extraction and oil cooling, an air duct for blowing units,

two air ducts for the exhaust of cooling air and dust, a power compartment bulkhead hatch, air filters for the nozzle apparatus of the high-pressure turbine and pressurization of the support cavities.

Transmission

The vehicle's transmission is mechanical, with a hydraulic servo control system, based on that used on the T-64, adapted for the gas turbine engine.

Chassis

T-80 chassis designcontains support rollers with external rubber, a caterpillar belt made of stampedelements connected to each other parallel, those. doublerubber-metal hinge, whilestamped track elements in placescontact with the support rollers (i.e. on the treadmilltrack) are made with rubber.

The tank's suspension is individual, torsion bar, with hydraulic shock absorbers. It consists of 12 suspension units and 6 shock absorbers.

The placement of torsion bars is parallel, across the entire width of the vehicle hull, with the right side torsion bars shifted forward, while the left and right side torsion bars are not interchangeable.

Shock absorbers - hydraulic, piston, telescopic type, double-acting. The tank is equipped with six shock absorbers (three on each side): on the first, second and sixth suspension units.

Tactical specifications
Parameter	Unit of measurement	T-80B
Full mass		42,5
Crew	people
Power density	hp/t	25,8
Engine (GTD-1000T)	hp	1000
Tank width
Specific ground pressure	kgf/cm 2	0,86
Operating temperature	°C	40…+55 (with power reduction)
Tank length
with the gun forward	mm	9651
housing	mm	6982
Tank width
on the caterpillar	mm	3384
on removable protective screens	mm	3582
Tower roof height	mm	2219
Support surface length	mm	4284
Ground clearance	mm
Track width	mm
Travel speed
Medium on dry dirt road	km/h	40…45
Maximum on paved roads	km/h
In reverse gear, maximum	km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km
On a dry dirt road	l, up	450…790
On a paved road	l, up	430…500
Power reserve:
on main fuel tanks	km
with additional barrels	km
Ammunition
Shots to the cannon	PC
(of which in the loading mechanism conveyor)	PC
Patrons:
to a machine gun (7.62 mm)	PC	1250
to a machine gun (12.7 mm)	PC
Aerosol grenades	PC

Materials used:

“A tank that defies time. To the 25th anniversary of the T-80 tank." Team of authors: M. V. Ashik, A. S. Efremov, N. S. Popov. St. Petersburg. 2001

“Motors and destinies. About time and about myself." N.K. Ryazantsev. Kharkiv. 2009

The forties and fifties of the last century were a real “finest hour” for turbine power plants. The turbine engine won an easy victory over the piston engine in aircraft construction, and tank builders also began to produce the first drawings of tanks with similar power plants. And this is not surprising: this engine has much more high performance, compared to a traditional diesel or gasoline engine; having the same weight, the gas turbine engine is much more powerful, and this increases the speed of the tank and allows you to install more powerful weapons on it.

The Soviet Union is the first country in the world to establish serial production tank on which there was a gas turbine engine (GTE). Although it must be said that this took several decades. Drawings of tanks with gas turbine engines began to appear in the late 40s, and the T 80 battle tank was put into service in 1976. But the task was not easy. The first turbines were imperfect and poorly suited for use as tank engines.

In Kharkov, in 1963, a modification of the T-64 tank was created, on which a gas turbine engine was installed, but this tank did not go into production. Despite all the advantages of the gas turbine engine, there were also problems that could not be solved in the 60s. The main difficulty in using a gas turbine power plant was cleaning the air from dust. While an airplane turbine encounters this problem only during landing and takeoff, a tank engine operates under completely different conditions and a tank column often travels in a continuous cloud of dust. The gas turbine engine also had higher fuel consumption than traditional engines. In the 50-70s of the last century, numerous drawings of tanks with gas turbine engines were created, but most of them remained at the project stage.

In 1969, the Kirov plant began developing a new tank, on which a gas turbine engine was installed. The tank was developed on the basis of the T-64, but after the first tests it became clear that the tank's drawings required significant changes. First of all, this applied to the chassis of the car. It took seven years to work through all the changes, and in 1976 the main tank T 80 was put into service. This tank was in service with the USSR army for more than 20 years, and is now the main battle tank of the Russian armed forces. This vehicle went through many conflicts and wars, and was used during the CTO in Chechnya.

T-80 battle tank. Description

Like any other Soviet tank, the main T 80 tank had a classic layout, with a crew of three placed inside it. The weight of the vehicle was 42 tons, the frontal parts of the tank were made of multi-layer armor. This made it possible to increase the tank's protection without increasing the thickness of the armor or adding extra weight. The tank engine had a special air purification system from dust, which made it possible to retain 97% of dust particles. The use of GPD made it possible to significantly improve the technical characteristics of the new tank; the speed and maneuverability of the vehicle increased significantly. One of positive features cars with a gas turbine engine is their “indiscriminateness” regarding fuel; gasoline, aviation kerosene, diesel and other types of fuel can be used to refuel the T-80. Fuel consumption is relatively low. The internal structure of the tank and the conditions for the crew are well thought out - driving the tank is very easy and comfortable.

The tank is armed with a 125-mm smoothbore cannon (firing range up to 5 km), the ammunition load includes 40 shells (later modifications have 38 and 45 shells), both sub-caliber and cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation. Later modifications of the vehicle were able to fire Cobra and Reflex missiles (firing range 4 and 5 km). The armament kit also includes an anti-aircraft machine gun and a PKT (7.62 mm).

The Soviet main tank T 80 had the following modifications: T-80U, T-80B (T-80BV), T-80UD and T-80U-M1 "Bars", although the latter is a completely Russian tank, created in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Below is a table describing all the main characteristics of the T-80 and its modifications.

Performance characteristics of the main modifications of the T-80 tank

Modification	T-80		T-80B (T-80BV)	T-80U	T-80UD
Development plant	Kirovsky plant				Kharkov plant
Adopted	1976		1978	1985	1987
Weight	42		42,5	46	46
Dimensions
Length, mm	6780		6982	7012	7020
Width, mm	3525		3582	3603	3755
Height, mm	2300		2219	2215	2215
Ground clearance, mm	451				529
Availability and type of protection
Dynamic	No		"Contact-1"	"Contact-5"	"Contact-5"
Active	No				"Curtain"
Armor	cast and rolled, combined
Armament
A gun	2A46-1		2A46-1	2A46-1/4	2A46-1
Firing range, m	0-5000
	40		38	45	45
Crew	3
Power point
engine's type		Gas turbine			Diesel
Power, hp		1000	1100	1250	1000
		70			60
Cross Country Speed		40-45
Specific power hp/t		23,8	25,8	21,74	21,7
Fuel capacity, l		1840
Fuel consumption l/km		3,7
Suspension type		Torsion bar

Modifications T-80U and T-80UD are the most advanced versions of this tank. The T-80U was created in 1985 in Leningrad, and the T-80UD in 1987 in Kharkov. And the T-80U-M1 “Bars” was already created in Russia, after the collapse of the USSR. These vehicles received the most advanced fire control system, and their protection was improved (by increasing the thickness of the armor and installing dynamic protection). At the same time, the weight of the car increased slightly. The T-80UD features a more powerful engine (diesel 1000 hp), a new turret with more advanced armor and an improved fire control system. The ammunition load was increased.

All modifications of the T-80 tank use an automatic engine control system, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. The visibility for the crew has been improved.

T-80U-M1 "Bars"

I would like to talk separately about the latest modification of this very interesting vehicle - the famous Russian “flying” tank T-80U-M1 “Bars”, which was created in the early 90s in Russia.

The creators of the Russian "Bars" aimed to improve the tank's protection, increase its maneuverability and provide it with a lighter and more advanced weapon system. The aiming systems and crew visibility have also been significantly improved. The tank weighs 47 tons. The layout is classic. The tank can fire guided missiles with a firing range of up to 5 km. The ammunition consists of different types shells.

The Russian "Bars" is equipped with the same reliable and proven 125-mm 2A46M cannon (firing range up to 5 km), ammunition capacity - 45 rounds. The rigidity of the barrel was increased and this improved shooting accuracy. The fire control system installed on the tank takes into account many characteristics: range to the target, its speed, the speed of the tank itself, wind strength, charge temperature. All this significantly improves shooting accuracy and allows you to send a projectile exactly to the target. The control system allows the tank commander to shoot as well. T-80U-M1 gives great review for all crew members. You can install a night sight or thermal imager on the tank. The thickness of the armor has been increased, with a slight increase in the mass of the tank.

The tank's protection also corresponds to the best world analogues. It consists:

• combined multi-layer armor of the upper front part of the hull and turret;
• built-in dynamic protection (EDP);
• active protection complex "Arena";
• KOEP "Shtora-1".

Installing an active protection complex increases the survivability of the tank several times, even without increasing the thickness of the armor and maintaining the weight of the tank. Especially when participating in local conflicts, when the main means of destruction are hand grenade launchers. The experience of using Bars during the CTO in Chechnya confirmed this. We can safely say that the T-80U-M1 is one of the most protected tanks modern Russia. Built-in protection provides better protection against projectiles.

This tank is equipped with an engine with a maximum power of 1250 hp. Its specific power is 27.2 hp/t, which is a record. It’s not for nothing that the Bars is called a “flying tank”; it is distinguished by excellent speed and maneuverability. Below is a description of the T-80U-M1 tank. The engine management system can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

The T-80U-M1 automatic loader includes 28 rounds of ammunition and this ensures a fast rate of fire.
Below is a table describing the parameters of the tank.

Modification	T-80U-M1 "Bars"
Adopted	1976
Weight	47
Dimensions
Length, mm	7010
Width, mm	3603
Height, mm	2202
Ground clearance, mm	450
Availability and type of protection
Dynamic	Eat
Active	Eat
Armament
A gun	2A46-1
Firing range, m	0-5000
Ammunition, number of shells	40
Power point
engine's type	Gas turbine
Power, hp	1250
Maximum highway speed	70
Specific power hp/t	23,8
Fuel capacity, l	1840
Fuel consumption l/km	3,7

At the same time, the Russian "Bars" is easy to operate, the structure of the fighting compartment is extremely well thought out and convenient. For this tank, Russian specialists developed a unique air conditioning system, which makes driving cars easy and convenient. We can say that the Russian tank T-80U-M1 is the best of all modifications of this vehicle.

Video about the T-80 tank

T-80U-M1 "Bars"

The T-80 tank is in service with Russia and a dozen other countries. The tank took part in many wars and conflicts, including in Chechnya and the Caucasus. No one can say how many more years this tank will serve in Russia.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them