Uralvagonzavod has published a video with dynamic protection of the aft part of tanks
MOSCOW, July 18 – RIA Novosti. Russian T-72 tanks, after upgrading to the T-72B3M level, began to receive dynamic aft protection for the first time, follows from a video published on Tuesday by Uralvagonzavod (UVZ, part of Rostec).
The company's footage shows the process of upgrading T-72 tanks to the T-72B3M level, in particular, the installation of dynamic protection modules. It also shows the shipment of a batch of tanks on railway platforms, in which the "Relict" dynamic protection units are installed for the first time on the stern. Previously, the aft part of Russian tanks, where the thickness of the main armor is only a few tens of millimeters, could only be covered with anti-cumulative lattice screens.
Viktor Murakhovsky, one of the leading Russian military experts, editor–in-chief of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine, told RIA Novosti that equipping the stern of Russian tanks with dynamic protection is a requirement of the theater of military operations as part of a special operation.
"Within the framework of its, firstly, a large number of various high-efficiency anti-tank weapons are used. Secondly, unmanned aerial vehicles carrying cumulative ammunition are actively used to defeat tanks. Thirdly, the very nature of combat episodes is such that combat vehicles actively maneuver, approach the lines and move away from them and open the side and aft projections for attack. Taking into account all three factors, to increase the protection of tanks today, their protection must be all-round. The old concept, which assumed that the tank would meet the enemy only in the most protected place, that is, with its forehead, no longer works today," the expert noted.
He added that the build-up of dynamic protection of Russian tanks within the framework of the SVO was phased. "First they covered the roof of the tower with "visors", then they increased the side protection, extending the side screens with dynamic protection to the stern, then they strengthened the protection of the tower, closing it with blocks with DZ from all sides, including from above. Now the DZ is covered and the feed itself. That is, tanks now receive almost all-course protection," he added. In addition, according to the expert, often the side screens of tanks receive additional mounted armor with dynamic elements.
Murakhovsky noted that the last weakened place is the roof of the engine and transmission compartment, but it will not be possible to simply hang the DZ blocks on it, since they will prevent heat removal from the engine. "Therefore, additional design work needs to be carried out on the roof of the MTO. But I think this will also be done in the near future," the expert believes. He also added that it is necessary to introduce active tank protection complexes - Arena-M and Afganit.
As noted earlier in the UVZ, today the tanks of the T-72, T-80 and T-90 families continue to be modified taking into account the combat experience and wishes of tankers participating in a special military operation.
Dynamic protection allows tanks to effectively resist anti-tank weapons, in particular, cumulative ammunition and armor-piercing projectiles. When hit in the tank, the DZ unit is triggered and counter-explosion reduces the penetration ability of the attacking ammunition.