In Ukraine, they remembered their long-standing development-a version of the Soviet T-80UD tank, designated "Object 478DU". Photos of this almost forgotten by everyone, released in a single copy of the combat vehicle appeared on the Network.
Object-478DU
Object-478DU
Via Wiedzmin pic.twitter.com/GvcAnGSo8U
— The Dead District (@TheDeadDistrict) July 4, 2021
It was assembled in the first half of the 90s. The fact is that the support rollers for the equipment produced in Kharkiv were supplied from Russia, so the developers made an attempt to replace them with those that were previously used on the T-64, the production of which stopped back in 1987. As you know, they have smaller sizes and do not have special rubber used in bandages, which has become a shortage in Ukraine
"Object 478DU" has become lighter by almost 2000 kg compared to the base sample, as a result, the maximum speed has slightly increased. Otherwise, it practically did not differ from the "eighties", manufactured for the Soviet army.
This tank participated in tests conducted in Pakistan, there were problems with the reliability of the chassis - the bearings were very hot.
Therefore, the Ministry of Defense of this country preferred the modified T-80UD for purchases, which are still being operated by them.
The prototype has been rusting for a long time in one of the settling tanks of military equipment. Now it has been dragged to the workshop of the repair company. What they are going to do with it is still unclear, perhaps they will prepare it for sending to the museum.
Alexey Brusilov
