Defense 24: Russia has upgraded the T-80 and plans to resume its production
Russia has upgraded the T-80 tank to the latest standard, writes Defense 24. Now Moscow plans to resume production of these machines, but with a different configuration and under a different name. In addition, the tank will be used as a platform for the new version of the TOS-1 heavy flamethrower system.
The Omsktransmash company, responsible, in particular, for the repair and modernization of T-80 family tanks, has prepared another batch of vehicles of this type. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the plant.
The Omsktransmash plant has upgraded the next batch of T-80B and T-80BV tanks to the latest standard T-80BVM model 2023. These vehicles, among other things, received armor reinforced with the modular dynamic protection complex "Relict", although smaller modules of the older type of armor "Kontakt-1" are installed as additional protection in some parts of the hull of these tanks. In addition, the tank is protected from above by a visor (also with built-in dynamic protection modules) and mesh screens.
The fire control system has also been upgraded. Instead of the old 1A33 "Ob" complex with a day sight, a 1G42 laser rangefinder and a TPN-3-49 night sight, a new fire control system with a built-in Sosna-U or PNM-T sight, which have daytime and thermal imaging channels and a laser rangefinder, was used. Along with the main sighting device, there is a simple daytime double sight.
The commander's position has not changed. It is still a simple rotating turret with a TKN-3M Kristall day and night surveillance device and a ZU-80 station with a large-caliber NSVT machine gun, although now the commander has a device with which he can control the main armament, as well as a display of the thermal imaging channel of the Sosna-U or PNM sight.T".
The modernization program provided that the tanks would be equipped with new communication systems in the form of radio stations "R-168-25U-2 Aqueduct". The T-80BVM also received a new 2A46M-4 cannon with a new 2E58 weapon stabilization and observation system. These machines are equipped with an upgraded power plant, in which the gas turbine GTD-1000TF with a capacity of 1100 hp is replaced by a more modern GTD-1250 with a capacity of 1250 hp. The latter was borrowed from the T-80U tank. Last year, representatives of the Kaluga Engine plant announced plans to resume production of GTD family engines, including the existing version 1250, as well as upgraded GTD-1400 and 1500. It is difficult to judge how far these statements have come to life.
It is unknown how many copies of the T-80B and T-80BV still remain in the strategic reserves of the Russian Federation. We also don't know how many cars the Russians are able to repair and bring back into service. But it is known that an attempt will be made to resume production of T-80 family tanks. There is no information about what designation this tank will receive and what its configuration will be.
In addition, the Russians are considering the possibility of producing a new version of the TOS-1 heavy flamethrower system. It is planned to use the T-80 as a platform. As previously reported by Defence24, Russia still has large reserves of military equipment inherited from the USSR, as well as significant industrial potential. Both Poland and NATO as a whole cannot ignore this threat and must support a defending Ukraine.
Author: Damian Ratka