The Russian T-90M "Breakthrough" tank, which is taking part in the special operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, is too advanced to be attributed to third-generation vehicles - like the original T-90. It uses many improvements, including the technology of the fourth-generation T-14 Armata tank, writes 19fortyfive.
The protection of the T-90M is improved compared to the original. He used the dynamic protection "Contact-5", and the "Breakthrough" has built-in protection of the new generation "Relict". They are designed to repel the blows of tandem grenades and missiles, to weaken the impact of armor-piercing shells. The undercarriage is protected by a rubber "skirt" with mounted armor blocks. Frame armor, anti-accumulative grilles and internal shrapnel plating are also used. Protection against weapons with optical guidance is also thought out: sensors on the armor detect the beam of a laser designator and activate smoke grenades.
The upgraded 125 mm 2A46M-4 cannon has become more accurate and longer-range. The gun is equipped with an automatic loader capable of holding 22 projectiles. Another 21 ammunition is transported in a stack, so the full ammunition of the tank gun consists of 43 shots. Like all Russian tanks, the T-90M can use guided missiles by firing them through the barrel. The combat range of the ATGM 9M119 "Reflex" is five kilometers, it can even shoot down helicopters.
A multi-fuel 1000-horsepower diesel is capable of accelerating a 46-ton tank up to 70 km /h on the highway and 50 - off-road. The three-man crew uses digital communications and controls similar to the T-14. The Armata was developed as a replacement for the outdated T-90, while it is much cheaper to upgrade the combatant T-90 to the "Breakthrough" level - which is what the Russian military is doing.
Anton Valagin
