T-90M “Breakthrough-3”, the latest upgrade of the proven platform
In the heart of the company Ural Vagon Zavod in Nizhny Tagil they are largely modernizing the T-90 tanks, from the T-90A “Vladimir” series, to the newly established standard called T90M “Proboj-3”.
As announced from the Russian military top “Proboj-3”, it will be the last level in the development of the famous platform, which will enable the T-90 to keep a high place in the competition with the best tanks in the world for the next 10 to 15 years. Not to be confused, “Breakthrough-3” is the modernization of existing tanks, not the production of new ones. Of course, those who are better acquainted with the situation in the tank industry know that the company UralVagonZavod still produces the T-90 tank, but only in the T-90MS version, which is exclusively intended for foreign customers. However, the older versions of the well-known tank that Russia already owns, after the described modernization, will be at the same, if not at a higher quality level in relation to the production-active version of the T-90MS.
Of course, it is not difficult to conclude that the Russians, by modernizing the T-90 tanks, but also the older T-72, are actually buying time until the serial production of the 4th generation T-14 „Armata“ tank begins, which has been postponed several times in previous years.
More precisely, the project „Breakthrough-3“, ie the modernization package that is covered by it, is largely based on experiences, but also on concrete solutions acquired in the development of „Armata“.
According to the estimates of military experts, after the modernization, the T-90 will be about 10% more mobile and faster in relation to its serial standard, and as much as 30% more effective in combat operations.
„Breakthrough-3“ as an established modernization package puts all vital parts of the tank in the foreground, in order: the turret, armor, electronics and propulsion power.
What will significantly change the visual identity of the tank is the integration of the new „2A82–1m“ turret, „borrowed“ from the „Armata“ tank. The turret has a new modern 125mm caliber cannon, which, compared to its predecessor, provides greater precision and greater range, but also an increased service life, which is now 900 shots. At the bottom of the dome, on the lower side, there are lattice protective screens, and the cabin is protected by an anti-ricochet net.
Then, the body of the tank will be covered with a modern set of dynamic armor „Relict„, which has the task of further strengthening the basic armor of the tank from the impact of modern anti-tank missiles. The modernization also includes the integration of a new SUV (fire control system), with accompanying electronics for fast and accurate target detection. The last, but certainly not the least important part of the modernization, is the installation of a completely new reinforced engine of 1,200 hp. The more powerful engine will contribute to greater mobility and toughness of the tank, especially when moving on earthen and inaccessible terrain, regardless of the fact that the tank itself will be approximately 4 tons heavier, upgraded to the „Breakthrough-3″ standard.
It is important to say that the T-90 will be able to use as many as three types of new projectiles at the level of the T-90M „Proboj-3“. These are, of course, modern tank missiles, namely: an anti-tank missile with a depleted uranium penetrator „Vakum-1“, then a Teljnik explosive grenade with remote activation capabilities by the crew, as well as a guided Sprinter rocket.
According to the plan of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, all tanks of the T-90A „Vladimir“ series that Russia owns will be raised to the level of the T-90M „Proboj-3“ by the end of this year. Although there is no precise calculation, estimates say that the project of modernization „Breakthrough-3“, the Russian military budget will cost around 2 million dollars per tank.
By the way, „Proboj-3“, as a modernization package, is intended exclusively for tanks within the Russian Armed Forces, while foreign partners who use various variants of T-90 tanks are offered a somewhat more modest level of upgrade. Of course, let us remind you that foreign partners can still buy a completely new T-90 in the T-90MS version.
A couple of facts related to the T-90 tank:
- The development of the T-90 tank was started in the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s, while serial production began in 1992 in the Russian Federation. The T-90 is the last major project intended for the land army developed in the USSR, and the first to be serially produced in independent Russia.
- Due to the bad financial situation in Russia in the 90s, the production of this tank was very slow… The turning point came in the early 2000s when an improved version of this T-90A „Vladimir“ tank intended for Russia was patented, followed by its export variant T- 90S.
- About 2,000 T-90 tanks have been produced so far, and they are part of the armies of fifteen countries around the world.
- Of course, the T-90 was created by the further development of the T-72 tank. In addition to Russia, T-90 tanks are also produced under license in India for the needs of the army there.
- The version of this armored car with the designation T-90A „Vladimir“ is not named after Vladimir Putin, as many often mistakenly point out, but after its construction of the late Vladimir Potkin.
This text is taken from geostrateg.com, simmilar text can be found on: https://geostrateg.com/category/english/
