T-90M - Russian redemption

[RedEffect]

Greeting everyone, many of you are familiar with this very tank, and why shouldn't you be, it's a pretty good tank. Nevertheless, I am here to give a better insight into what this tank has to offer.

 

Where should we start, I usually like to first start off with protection, if you don't mind.

 

PROTECTION

 

Unlike T-90A tank which we've seen enough in the past decade, T-90M has new "Relikt" Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) which offers much better protection when compared to Kontakt-5 present on T-90A tanks.

On top of having better ERA package, it is also much better covered in ERA, because those silly Shtora-1 dazzlers got removed and no longer take majority of space on the turret's front.

Spoiler

As you can see, dazzlers took up a lot of space, on top of that, those ERA blocks between the gun and dazzlers could not have been made the same size as regular Kontakt-5 blocks, because of... dazzlers.

T-90M only retained laser-warning receivers in the place of dazzlers, which gives a much better ERA coverage on the turret.

Spoiler

As you can also see on the picture, the tank now has a proper gun shield  which should protect the gun mantlet against unwanted visitors (projectiles, ofc).

The Upper Front Plate is also covered in "Relikt" ERA. 

Spoiler

 

The side of the hull is protected with panels with built-in ERA blocks. The sides can be additionally protected with 4S24 blocks mounted with bags.

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The side of the turret is protected with 4S24 ERA blocks, side and rear of the engine compartment are protected with cage or "Slat" armor

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On top of external protection, T-90M has some cool features to protect the crew. The insides of the tank are covered with non-flammable aramid fabric which serves to catch fragments formed by projectiles or perforated armor. The autoloader's carousel also received additional protection to protect it against additional fragments. Additional protection is also ensured by moving extra ammunition to safe ammo rack with blow-out panels placed on the rear of the turret which is additionally protected with cage armor.

Spoiler

 

 

FIREPOWER

 

The tank has 2A46M-5 125mm gun, which is the latest gun from the 2A46M series. The tank received a new feature which was not previously seen on Russian tanks, and that is Muzzle Reference Sensor (MRS) which takes the information of barrel changing its form in cold or hot weather condition and brings them to ballistic computer for more accurate shooting. The ammunition it can fire is of course the best Russia has to offer for the gun, and those are 3BM59 and 3BM60 APFSDS projectiles. There are also reports of 3VOF128 HEF projectile entering service with Russian army, which can also airburst and detonate after penetration. Other projectiles include HEAT and ATGMs.

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The Fire Control System is really nice. It of course, has Sosna-U main gun sight, which has automatic tracking ability and uses 2nd generation Catherine FC Thermal Imaging System. The commander has much better time since unlike previous Russian tanks he now has his own Thermal Viewer  connected to the 12.7mm Kord HMG (unlike T-90MS (SM) domestic variant has 12.7mm). CITV incorporates Catherine XP Thermal Imaging System which is 3rd generation TIS, which is better than what most modern tanks have. In addition, both gunner and commander can access back-up sight located next to the Sosna-U sight. Commander has access to new multifunction display which on top of other things, show location of the tank. The tank has YeSU-TZ Battle Management System which allows communication with all units on the present battlefield, making warfare much easier. Another small, but important improvement is the commanders cupola, unlike older T-90A, commander now has full 360deg view with larger vision blocks all around the cupola. In addition, the hatch can be rotated for different purposes and there are 4 cameras for additional 360deg view.

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This image shows the difference in visibility between T-90A and T-90M tank

 

 

 

MOBILITY

 

The tank weights 48t and it is powered with new V-92S2F 1130hp diesel engine, with 2000rpm and maximum torque of 4521Nm (pretty neat). In addition to such a good engine, the tank received automatic transmission APP-172  which is VERY NICE. On top of that, the tank received an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) which reduces the fuel consumption when the tank is idle by powering the electrical systems.

 

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That is it for this post, if I find more information I will add it in, and if I made a mistake I will also correct it.

[RedEffect]

The article is done, I will update it when/if new information about the tank is released.

[Karamazov]

Great job. it will be very useful for those, who just starting to understand. 

[Krieger22]

This graphic on the -MS suggests that the side armor is indeed some sort of ERA:

 

The same design is present on the BMPT-72 and the -M.

 

The first pic of the side armor also looks like the tank has the "bagged" ERA that's come in vogue lately strapped on:

[RedEffect]

17 minutes ago, Krieger22 said:

This graphic on the -MS suggests that the side armor is indeed some sort of ERA:

It only states that those are "detachable modules", not that it contains any ERA, the panels with two plates can be detached simultaneously, whether they contain ERA or not.

 

19 minutes ago, Krieger22 said:

The first pic of the side armor also looks like the tank has the "bagged" ERA that's come in vogue lately strapped on:

Yes, the first picture is from T-72B3 obr. 2016 taken at Army 2017 forum.

[Karamazov]

Old 90MS (similarly M) view, with old BMPT Terminator's on-board protection

[Krieger22]

Quote

Side panel with built-in explosive reactive armor of late generation

That said, I have heard that it might be some sort of light composite plate, but I doubt it

[LoooSeR]

55 minutes ago, RedEffect said:

It only states that those are "detachable modules", not that it contains any ERA, the panels with two plates can be detached simultaneously, whether they contain ERA or not.

   This graph also says that frontal ERA installation, side turret blocks are also "detachable modules".  And Krieger22's picture says that detachable modules have ERA. Look at it again. It even specifically says that side panels have built-in ERA.

 

1 hour ago, Krieger22 said:

The first pic of the side armor also looks like the tank has the "bagged" ERA that's come in vogue lately strapped on:

Spoiler

 

   ERA in soft bags was proposed on BMPT long time ago, and this "brilliant" idea is still existing. This arrangement generally probably works in similar way as Ukrainian Duplet, only mounting system is way less "stiff" and way more stupid.

 

 

[RedEffect]

On 9/20/2018 at 9:34 PM, LoooSeR said:

This graph also says that frontal ERA installation, side turret blocks are also "detachable modules".  And Krieger22's picture says that detachable modules have ERA. Look at it again. It even specifically says that side panels have built-in ERA.

Yeah, you are right, it does say they have built-in ERA, I will correct it in the original post