Interview with a T-72 driver from the Czech Army

A T-72 tank driver has answered some questions as part of an interview. J. served in a tank batalion in the Czech Army and has experience both with T-72M1 and T-72M4CZ tanks.

Hello J, many thanks for accepting the interview. Could you give a brief introduction about your service in the Czech Army?

I have served in Czech army since 2013 so my career isn’t too long. I served like tanker at 73rd TB now I serve at AA Regiment.

In general terms, what do you think are the strong and weak points of the T-72?

T-72 is universal tank, which serve all over the world. His big opportunities are small size, small costs and easy service. Disadvantages of this tank is armour and service life of several components

One of the most debated issues of T-72 are the ergonomics. How did you find them as a driver?

Ergonomics in this tank are horrible but you can acclimate on it. You have to accept small space, big noise and sometimes you sweat very much. But for us like tankers or soldiers is normal job (For civilian it couldn’t be acceptable).

Did you train on using emergency hatch (aka heroes hatch in Russia) in the hull bottom?

Nah I didn’t, but I used it for exchange the batteries, so this way was the best for it

When performing exercises, what was the maximum distance you covered in a day? Were there any issues with the maintenance of the tank?

The maximum distance in my life was 120 kilometres in one day in T-72 (I was really tired). I had luck I’ve never had issue with my tank.

First T-72 had IR night sights for drivers. How effective were they for night driving?

As a driver on T-72M1 we had quite upgraded night visions but those were horrible so we used nigh visions from T-72M4CZ

Did you practice NBC scenarios? How did you prepare for them?

NBC in this tank is automatic. But in training we had to activate them. This system is simple, but you have to have sealed all hatches perfectly.

Early T-72 do not have a modular configuration for engine and transmission. Was this an issue?

Yeah it was big issue, because if you wanted to exchange the engine you did this for 3 days.

What was your impression about the T-72M4CZ compared to the earlier versions you drove? What was your impression of the Perkins Condor CV 12 engine and Allison XTG-411-6N transmission?

T-72M4CZ is like Mercedes. It’s different World. T-72M1 has big advantage in terrain thanks to transmission. Automatic transmission in T-72M4CZ is better on roads or in tactic training.

T-72 used to be produced in Czechoslovakia under license. Did you have any shortages of spare parts following establishment of Czech Army and your service?

Unfortunately no. Thanks to T-72M4CZ  our politics and command didn’t want big warehouses with “old” spare parts from T-72M1 so in these days it’s quite big problem.

The T-72 has been used in a long list of conflicts. Did you receive any feedback/training taking into account lessons learned in these conflicts?

Some of my colleagues trained Iraqi tankers after US intervention in 2003, but they hadn’t any special experiences from Iraqi war.

Did you have the opportunity to examine or use other tanks. How did they compare to yours?

I was in Chally 2 M1A2C Abrams, tried Leopard 2A6, T-55AM2 Kladivo. For me the best of them is Leo, but I’m not fan to automatic transmissions

Czech Army is going to apply a modernisation to T-72M4CZ. Do you think the design has room for improvement or it would be better to buy another model?

Modernisation of T-72M4CZ is only for extending their life services, so they change some parts, but design will be same. Our army want to buy new type but it will be hard to choose. For me the best choice for us is K2 Black Panther with West components but with 3 tankers inside.

T-72B accident in Minsk

A T-72B suffered an accident during a rehearsal for the independence parade at Mink. The most likely cause was excessive of speed. It seems that the driver did try to slow down before losing control. In the first photo a EQ2058 vehicle (from China) can be seen.

References:

- http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14200&page=263

Ammunition used by ISIS tanks

Jim Warford has uploaded this graphic at tank-net forum. It shows the different ammunition used by T-55s/ and T-72s operated by ISIS. The round on the left is probably a BM-8 APDS. It was retired in the late 70s due to obsolesence. The one in the middle is a Belgian M1000A1 APFDSD, exported to Syria in the 1980s. The one on the right is the hardest to identify. The nose is quite long, thus it could be a 3BM-42

References:

- http://www.tank-net.com/forums/

- http://www.mecar.be/data/1156859729100mmM1000.pdf

- http://www.kotsch88.de/m_100mmmun.htm#br

- http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/ARM/apfsds/ammo.html 

Sosna-U fire control system in a T-72B3

These photos are rather interesting because they show the “insides” of T-72B3, the upgraded version used by the Russian Army. Large numbers have been acquired in recent years and they were used in the Ukraine conflict. The main improvement is the Sosna-U FCS (Fire control system), which has a thermal sight. The first image shows another T-72 as seen by the thermal camera. The second image shows a screen for the driver.

The third image shows the parameters included in the FCS. In previous versions many of these were not included. Now they are calculated automatically. The first 5 are:

- Temperature of propellant.
- Temperature of air
- Atmospheric pressure.
- Wind speed.
- Lateral inclination.

References:

- http://www.tank-net.com/
- http://otvaga2004.mybb.ru/

Interview with a former NVA/Bundeswehr tanker

Stefan Kotsch had the courtesy of accepting an interview for my site back in 2012. Stefan served as a tanker in both the NVA and Bundeswehr, using a T-55 and T-72 first, and then a Leopard 1. This means he can provide a very valuable opinion on NATO/Warsaw Pact equipment. He is also the creator of the website http://kotsch88.de/, a reference when it comes to tanks. This interview was first published in Spanish back in 2012, and then updated this year with some extra questions.

Hello Stefan, could you give a brief introduction about yourself? In which units/tanks did you serve?

I served as a platoon leader tank T-55A in the Panzeregiment 21 in the 9th Armored Division from 1980 to September 1983 . By September 1983 until September 1986 I was a company commander tank T-72M. Then I was until September 1989 an Officer for Operational Work (S3 officer) in the staff of the tank regiment. Starting from September 1989 I was one year at the military academy. Unfortunately I could not lock the 3 year study . The GDR did not give it any longer. I decided to serve in the Bundeswehr and went back into my Panzeregiment 21.

Until 1991 I served as S3 officer in the Tank Battalion 403 in Schwerin . Then I was 1 1/2 year company commander tank Leopard A5 and afterwards 1 year company commander of the NCO training company in the same battalion. 1993 I left the army.

What was your opinion on the T-72?

The T-72 is me as extremely reliable tank in memory. I felt the ergonomics as good and appropriate. Even in the later comparison with the leopard! The sight could quite a stronger magnification. Unfortunately no automatic traverse consideration was available for moving targets . But until 2000 m we always hit our (immovable) targets. A second radio for the tank platoons would have been appropriate. The ammunition under my seat prepared headaches for me...

Did you interact with other Warsaw Pact units?

With other Warsaw Pact unit I never co-operated. That was at all a large lack. The Russians were even very averse! It was called, it had fear to disgrace itself. During a 3 months training course in Moscow it was to be felt however that the Russians spoke much respectful about the East German army.

Did you get any contact with Soviet T-64/80. What was your opinion?

I did not become acquainted with the T-64 and the T-80. The Russians us did not near-let . Secretly!

Did you get any information about new T-72 variants (or other tanks) to be acquired by the NVA before 1989?

No. We received no official information. The Russians held their cards face down.

How did the Leopard 1 compare with other Soviet tanks you used?

The Leo1A5 draws out by its excellent fire control system and also its precise gun. I felt the ergonomics as average. Engine, transmissions and steering are already very modern and good to handle. The suspension was too soft. I would have wanted to drive faster, comparatively with my T-72 experiences.

Did you receive intelligence reports on NATO tanks and development?

Intelligence reports about western tanks did not give it. Only what was rarely taken over from the western press. I assume, one wanted to permit no discussion over technical characteristics of the Soviet tanks.

How did the T-55 and T-72 compare? Was the transition simple? The T-72 has a crew of 3 and automatic loading. This feature has led to many debates. How did the rate of fire compared? Did the reduction of the crew badly affect the maintenance/other duties when operating the tank? What is your opinion on the autoloaders?

The transition was very uncomplicated. Even very easy. The basic concept remained unchanged. Only the loader was gone. The autoloader has proved to be extremely reliable. Zero problems. The concept was user friendly. The maintenance of the T-72 is several times easier. Three men are quite sufficient. This unofficially "maintenance" saying is rhyming in the German language: Oel, Wasser, Licht – Luken dicht (Oil, water, shoe band - maintenance end). The T-72 is really a brave reliable companion. In contrast the T-55 - many many welding drops...
 

Leopard - the Mecedes Benz.

 T-72 from Panzerregiment 21 (http://kotsch88.de).

Did you train in NBC scenarios during your time in the NVA/Bundeswehr? What was the procedure?

NBC training was very important in the NVA. For example. Tighten the NBC protective suit in the tank - Get out - Partially decontaminate tank was constantly trained. In the Bundeswehr in the beginning of the nineties NBC training was not in the program.

What were the typical targets/exercises (distances, speed) when practising gunnery with the different tanks you used?

Typical targets for firing in the move during shooting training

shooting with 14,5 mm training insertion weapon (main gun targets):

tank frontal at 1300 - 1000 m day and night
tank hull down day at 900 - 700 m and night with IR-sight 700 - 500 m
shooting with 125 mm full caliber (NVA: with OF-19 / training time fuse because of safety range): tank frontal, not moved, day an night (with light lit) 1800 - 1600 m
 

7,62 mm:
 

target "anti tank weapon" 1 m x 1 m at day 600 - 400 and night at 500 - 300 m
or
target "recoilles gun on car" 2,50 m x  1,90 m with 15 - 17 kmh flanking moving, day at 900 - 700 m and night at 700 - 500 m, 

What was the maximum distance you could open fire from T-55/72 and Leopard 1? What about the speed of the tank if firing from the move?

T-55 – max was 3500 m (Shooting the company on far away and very important target, only one time!)
T-72 – 1800 m;

Leopard 1A5 1600 m. (but. the targets for the leopard were much smaller, and: also many targets moving in flanks)

Speed T-72: about  15 – 20 kmh; Leopard1A5 analog
 

When training with T-55/72, what was the procedure for night combat? Did you use flares/image intensifiers/both?

Shoot at the target tank frontal only when the target is lit with white light (training, combat: ??). With Ifrared sight no shooting with 100/125 mm full caliber. In "combat shootings" (unit tactical&firing exercise)  (company and higher), white lit targets, great light rokets and hand light rokets were used.
 

It is commonly stated that one of the advantages of NATO tanks over Warsaw Pact were the thermal cameras. What was your impression when you first used it?

First impression: overwhelming! An extremely serious difference. That also with the aspect that the NVA only the "World War 2 type" TPN-1 could buy. While the Russians have long used the TPN-3. The passive infrared image intensifiers for the driver were also several times better at the Bundeswehr.

Can you describe the T-72 automatic fire extinguishing equipment? Does it pose any problem for maintenance? (*)

This was for T-72M export version basically the same system as the T-55. In general, there were no problems. The system did not require any maintenance. The exchange of the bottles is rather uncomplicated. But the need to change was extremely rare.

When you were in the NVA, was there any NATO equipment (tank, AT missile...) you found impressive/interesting?

Of course, the main battle tanks.

How did the training of NVA and Bundeswehr compared?
 

NVA: Lack of training for leadership in combat, that means here reacting to the changes of the tactical situation was absolutely not trained enough - no tactical development of the leaders of the leader level platoon and company. But, continuous practical shooting training. Shooting/weapon training two to three times a week, at least one night. However, not enough shooting in full caliber.
Bundeswehr very much tactical further education. A pronounced demand for willingness to make decisions on all leading levels. Shooting training predominantly with full caliber. Hardly comparable, but also very demanding

When you served as part of the Bundeswehr, did you have the opportunity to train with other NATO countries? What were your impressions on their training/equipment?

Yes, we had a brigade exercise with Dutchmen. But there was no opportunity for personal contacts. Service time was too short for more.

Did the diesel engines cause any difficulties when starting in winter in Germany?

No problems. Also not seriously at minus 25 degrees celsius. Under the condition that batteries were technically ok and the compressed air bottles were filled. External starter cables were always available. And also press air could be handed over from one tank to the other. Press air was the main method to start.

Some countries like the US have integrated turbines in their tanks. Others have stayed with diesels. What is your opinion?

I cannot say anything. Because of lack of comparative experience .

(*) Replacing gas cylinders in T-64 tanks is quite time-consuming, so some of commanders while preparing vehicles for checkup where only replacing pyro cartridge, making electronic firefighting system indicate it is OK and charged (while in fact gas cylinders where empty).

References:

- http://kotsch88.de/

- Interview with former Marine and writer Kenneth Estes

New images of the Iranian tank Karrar

The Iranian TV has published a new video of the tank Karrar, a deep modernization of the T-72S supplied by Russia in the 1990s. The final version is similar to those in Russia. The vehicle has received new ERA arnour, a BMS, a thermal sight and a RWS. The question is if Iran will be able to field the upgrade in large numbers.

References:

- http://mod.gov.ir

Syrian T-72 hit by AT missile

4-2-2017

More photos of the tank. According to the blog WithinSyriaBlog the crew was ok but the vehicle sustained heavy damage in the driver's area, and will be used as a source of spares.

28-2-2017

A rebel group in Syria has published this video showing a Syrian Army T-72 getting hit by an AT missile, probable a Fagot or Konkurs. It is not clear if the vehicle was manoeuvring or getting into a position. The crew seems to have detected a threat before the impact. As the video stops suddenly it is assumed that the tank did not detonate.

References:

- Youtube.

ISIS was booty in Palmyra

Yesterday ISIS managed to regain control of the historical city of Palmyra, which had been in their hands from May 2015 to March 2016.  The occupation horrified the Internonal Community because of the crimes commited against civilian population and the looting/destruction of historical artifacts. In the propaganda videos it is possible to see captured SAA vehicles.

T-72.

T-55.

 BPM-97 'Vystrel'.

Ural-4320. 

It remains to be seen if ISIS can keep the city under its control. The Russian Aerospace Force (VKS) has increased the number of sorties, up to 64, and the Syrian Army will try to regain the city.

Referenes:

- Photos via twitter.

- http://charly015.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/la-cosa-se-desmadra-en-palmira
- https://www.theguardian.com

T-72B under attack in Syria

Syrian rebels have published these videos of a T-72B being hit by 2 TOW AT missiles. Both hit the front hull  but there isn't an obvious effect as in earlier T-72s.

Video 1

Video 2

References:

- http://www.tank-net.com

- T-72B obr 1989 in Syria (Spanish)

T-90 and T-72 in Aleppo

This high-resolution video taken in Western Aleppo shows a T-90A and T-72B belonging to the Syrian Army. The former is a standard vehicle, but in the second some modifications have been performed. Two ERA bricks have been placed where the IR projector is typically located.

References

- Link courtesy of Juan, a blog reader.

Armenia will upgrade it's T-72 fleet

Armenia is going to upgrade it's T-72 fleet. The work has already started. The new variant will be known as T-72B4, and will be comparable to the one used by Russia in this year's tank biathlon.

A new engine with more power (1130 HP) will be installed. The FCS will be the well known Sosna-U. The commander will have a panoramic camera. A remote station for the machine gun will be integrated. 

Armenian T-72 (Unkown author)

In total 84 vehicles will be upgraded. The cost is 104 million $. It is a rather low price but Armenia is a Russian ally, thus a special price can be expected. Kazakhstan and Angola could also be interested in this variant.

The Russian press have stated that initially an upgrade proposed by Polish company Bumar had been chosen, but following biathlon's results, it was changed to Uravagonzavod's.

References:

- http://gurkhan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/blog-post_22.html
- http://izvestia.ru/news/640705#ixzz4OH1DAVHh

T-72s against TOW missiles in Syria

These videos show a series of duels between T-72 and rebels in Syria. The t-72 uses the terrain as masking, and only gives away it's position when firing. As soon as this is done, it reverses and goes back. This makes it much harder for the AT team to hit the target, as the missile flying time is rather long.
 

In the first vídeo the missile hits the barrier.

The second vídeo  is much more dramatic and the missile barely misses the tank turret. The AT missile can be seen inside the black square

 

References:

- http://www.tank-net.com/

T-72 White Eagle for Nicaragua

Pictures of the work carried out on T-72 acquired by Nicaragua have appeared in VK network. Back in 2015 Nicaragua acquired 50 T-72 White Eagle. Information was posted in my blog (link). The work is being done in the Armoured Repair Plant 61, based in Saint Petersburg.

Photos 1 and 2: Work on the hulls.

Rear view of T-72 White Eagle.

Tower.

Panoramic camera and wind sensor.

 

Commander's position. Note two screens.

The vehicles can be easily identied by the panoramic camera isntalled behind the commander's hatch. This version is the most advanced in terms of FCS, but ERA armour and engine is kept. There is no evidence that the armamento or engine has been modified.

References:

- VK website on the Armed Forces of Russia.

- http://alejandro-8.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/t-72-aguila-blanca-para-nicaragua.html
- http://alejandro-8.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/fabrica-de-reparaciones-de-blindados-61.html

Armenian T-72 destroyed by Azerbaijan

The video below shows the remains of an Armenian T-72 destroyed by Azerbaijan. The tank was reversing when hit. The ammunition stored inside the vehicle detonated and led to its complete destruction. According to the journalist, the crew died.

vídeo

The most likely reason for the destruction it is an AT missile with top attack capability.

References:

- http://www.tank-net.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41598&page=4