T-72B3
Fourth generation T-72 tank
Overview
T-72B3M obr 2016
Oblique view of Russian T-72B3M tank in the streets of Moscow in 2018.
Source: Dmitriy Fomin -
© CC BY 2.0
2017 for T-72B3M
T-72B4 (incorrect name for T-72B3M)
Description
Introduction
The T-72B3 is a modern era main battle tank of Russian origin. These tanks are not produced new from factory. The T-72B3 is an overhaul and deep modernization of existing stocks of T-72B tanks. This upgrade program is a cost effective alternative for acquiring new tanks, while attaining the performance level of the T-90A main battle tank.
Design
The T-72B3 is an overhaul and upgrade of existing T-72B tanks. A new gun, stabilizer and fire control system are installed. Sights for the commander and gunner are improved and include thermal night vision equipment. Kontakt-5 ERA is added, with additional Relikt ERA and slat armor in the B3M upgrade. A new and more powerful engine provides increased mobility in the field, even though the weight has increased. A new intercom and radio are fitted as well.
Firepower
The T-72B3 is fitted with an updated 125mm 2A45M-5 smoothbore cannon. This provides greater accuracy over the previous generation and is able to fire modern APFSDS-T projectiles. Accuracy is further improved by using a new stabilizer, updated fire control computer and Sosna-U stabilized panoramic day and thermal sight. The autoloader is modified to handle longer penetrators as used in Svinets-1 and Svinets-2 shells. Maximum range is 4 km for armor piercing ammunition, 5 km for guided missiles and over 5 km for HE-fragmentation shells.
Protection
The T-72B3 retains the hull and turret armor of the T-72B tank. This is reinforced with Kontakt-5 ERA on the turret and glacis plate. The T-72B3 retained rubber side skirts, whereas the T-72B3M adds side skirts with Relikt ERA and optional UPH add-on ERA bags. The T-72B3M also adds cage armor at the rear hull and backside of the turret.
Mobility
Some T-72B3 retained their 840 hp V-84 diesel engines. Most B3 and all B3M were upgraded with the 1.130 hp V-92S2 engine. The engine gives the T-72B3 an improved dash speed. The tracked chassis provides a good all terrain mobility. Despite its increased weight the T-72B3 has a lower weight than its Western counterparts. The issues with neutral steering and low reverse speed remain.
Users
Russia is the main user of the T-72B3. Over 1.700 existing T-72B have been overhauled to B3 and B3M standard. Small numbers of these tanks are reportedly in service with Belarus and Syria. These tanks have been used in large numbers by Russia in its war against Ukraine. Russian reports indicate that these perform adequately against Ukrainian tanks. With their guns, fire control, optics and ammunition being a generation newer than their counterparts that claim is plausible. However, many T-72B3 seem to have been destroyed by modern Ukrainian and Western anti-tank missiles.
Variants
T-72B3
First batches were upgraded to T-72B3 standard, also known as T-72B3 obr 2011 in Russia. Many vehicles retained their V-84 engine. The T-72B3 upgrade includes the 2A46M-5 gun, Kontakt-5 era on glacis and turret front, improved autoloader, Sosna-U gunner's day and thermal sight with monitor for commander and various other upgrades. Easily recognizable by the Sosna-U sight while retaining the rubber side skirts.
T-72B3M
Further improved upgrade package, also known as T-72B3 obr 2016 in Russia. This adds the large and distinctive new side skirts, slat armor and Relikt ERA to the turret sides. There is also a PK PAN sight for the commander with day and thermal optics. All T-72B3M include the more powerful V-92S2F engine and drivetrain upgrades.
Media
T-72B3M obr 2016
Russian army T-72B3M main battle tank on parade in 2017.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
T-72B3M obr 2016
Russian army T-72B3M with UPH armor package on display in 2017.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
T-72B3 obr 2011
Russian army T-72B3 in the field during a public display in 2013.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
T-72B3M obr 2016
Russian army T-72B3M in the field during an exercise in 2018.
Source: www.mil.ru
Copyright: CC BY 4.0
T-72B3M obr 2016
Russian tank crew loading 125mm shells onto a T-72B3M main battle tank during a gunnary exercise in 2017.
Source: www.mil.ru
Copyright: CC BY 4.0
T-72B3M obr 2016
Camouflaged Russian T-72B3M main battle tank in the field during an exercise in 2017.
Source: www.mil.ru
Copyright: CC BY 4.0
Details
Armament
125mm 2A46M-5
The T-72B3 and B3M are both armed with the 2A46M-5 smoothbore tank gun. This has the ability to fire the latest 125mm APFSDS ammunition.
7.62mm PKTM machine gun
A 7.62mm PKTM machine gun is fitted as coaxial armament.
12.7mm Kord heavy machine gun
A 12.7mm 6P50 Kord heavy machine gun is mounted onto the commander's cupola.
Related articles
T-80BVM
The T-72B3M is easily mistaken with the T-80BVM since both tanks feature identical side skirts with ERA and slat armor.