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T-62M



Overview

T-62M

An Afghan T-62M showing its bra armor, laser range finder over barrel and smoke grenade launchers.
Source: davric - © public domain

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Main battle tank
Entered service
1983 for T-62M
1985 for T-62MV
Status
In service
Development
Early 1980's
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
1980's - 1990's and possibly later
Producer
Soviet Union
Number produced
Several thousand (estimate)
Designations
Object 166M6 (GABTU index for T-62M)
Notable users
Soviet Union
Syria
Cuba
Russia

Variants

Upgrade package

The T-62M is a modernization package applied to existing T-62 main battle tanks in the 1980's. The package features a wide variety of improvements in order to make the T-62 more relevant on the late Cold War era battlefield.

The armor is improved with the BDD armor package consisting of rubber skirts, BDD turret (bra) armor, appliqué armor on the glacis plate and mine protection under the belly. A more powerful engine compensates the increase in weight. An improved fire control system increases the chance to hit and introduces the ability to launch guided missiles from the gun barrel. The night vision system is upgraded as well.

There were both simplified and more extensive upgrade options for the T-62M.

Variants of the T-62M

T-62M
Original and most common variant of the T-62M which features all the improvements listed above.
T-62M-1
T-62M with more powerful V-46-5M diesel engine instead of V-55U. Not to be confused with T-62M1.
T-62M1
Lower cost upgrade without additional armor and lacking ability to launch anti-tank missiles.
T-62MK
Command version of the T-62M with additional radios, no ability to launch anti-tank missiles and reduced ammunition load.
T-62MV
A small number of T-62M's were fitted with Kontakt-1 ERA on both turret and hull instead of the BDD armor package.
T-62M (2022)
Reportedly 800 stored T-62M are receiving overhaul and updates for use by Russia in the Ukraine war. These are T-62M tanks with a variety of updates. All of them seem to retain the BDD turret armor, but receive Kontakt-1 ERA on the glacis plate. Some feature slat armor at the turret sides and rear. Metal cage armor on the turret roof is also observed. Upgrades are said to include the 1PN-96МТ-02 gunner thermal sight.

Details

Facts T-62M
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Main battle tank
Crew
4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Dimensions
Weight
41.5 t combat load
Length
6.63 m (hull)
9.34 m (gun forward)
Width
3.3 m
Height
3 m
Main armament
Type
115mm 2A20 smoothbore cannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
35 rounds plus 5 guided missiles
Elevation
-6 to +16°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Stabilizer
Yes, both axis
Coaxial armament
Type
7.62mm PKT machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
2.500 rounds
Stabilzer
Yes, both axis
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
300 rounds, 50 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Track width
0.58 m
Tread
2.64 m
Length on ground
4.15 m
Ground pressure
0.80 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine
V-55U V12 diesel
Power output
620 hp at 2.000 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
675 L + 400 L drums
Mobility
Speed
45 km/h forward
7 km/h reverse
Range
450 km on road
320 km on dirt roads
650 km with external fuel
Turn radius
Skid turns
Power to weight ratio
14.9 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.43 m
Wall
0.8 m
Trench
2.85 m
Gradient
60 %
Fording
1.4 m
5 m with snorkel
Protection
Armor type
Steel, plus appliqué armor
Rubber skirts
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
8x Type 902 Tucha smoke grenade dischargers
Exhaust diesel injection
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Radio
Yes

Subcomponents

T-62

The T-62M wasn't produced new in factory. Instead it is an upgrade package fitted onto existing T-62 tanks.

Read more about T-62

115mm U-5TS

The T-62M retains the 115mm U-5TS smoothbore cannon. The new 9K116-2 Sheksna fire control system allows for 9M117 anti-tank guided missiles to be launched from the main gun.

Read more about 115mm U-5TS

PKT

A 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted as a coaxial weapon alongside the main gun.

Read more about PKT

DShK

The vast majority of T-62M tanks are fitted with a 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun on the turret roof.

Read more about DShK

Related articles

T-55AM

The T-55M and AM are fitted with many of the same updates as found on the T-62M. Both tanks look very similar, but can easily be distinguished by the location of the bore evacuator and roadwheel spacing.

Read more about T-55AM