T-80BVM: Russia’s Modernized Main Battle Tank Powerhouse
The T-80BVM is an advanced upgrade of the older T-80BV main battle tank, first unveiled publicly in 2017. Russia currently operates around 4,500 T-80 tanks across various versions, though many are held in reserve due to their high operational costs. Instead, the Russian Army primarily relies on the T-90 and upgraded variants of the T-72 for active service. This preference is largely because tanks powered by conventional diesel engines—like the T-90 and T-72—are significantly cheaper to operate and maintain compared to the gas turbine–powered T-80 series.
Initially, Russia planned to retire all T-80 tanks by 2015. However, in 2017, the Ministry of Defense reversed this decision and signed a contract to refurbish and upgrade 62 T-80BV tanks to the new T-80BVM standard to keep them combat-ready. The first batch of 31 upgraded tanks was completed in 2018 and publicly showcased during a military parade. These early upgrades, while significant, lacked some features of the full T-80BVM demonstrator revealed a year earlier. Upgrades continued in 2019 with another 31 tanks delivered, followed by a 2020 contract to modernize an additional 50-plus tanks.
During Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, T-80BVM tanks saw frontline action. By April 2023, at least 77 of these tanks had been documented lost in combat.
Armor and Protection
The T-80BVM features enhanced armor protection, notably incorporating the Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) system. This advanced ERA is also used on Russia’s latest main battle tanks, such as the T-90M and T-90MS, but the T-80BVM was the first operational tank to deploy it. Relikt provides strong defense against tandem-charge warheads and reduces the penetration capability of armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds by more than 50%. Additional protection comes from rubber side skirts reinforced with armor plates, while the rear hull and turret areas are shielded by cage armor. The tank also reportedly includes a passive countermeasures system, boosting its defenses against certain anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) threats.
Firepower and Armament
The T-80BVM retains the classic 125 mm smoothbore main gun but upgrades to the new 2A46M-4 model, which offers a 15-20% improvement in accuracy and longer effective range compared to the older 2A46M-1 gun used on the T-80BV. Its effective firing range with APFSDS rounds is approximately 2,000 to 3,000 meters during daytime, and 2,000 to 2,600 meters at night. Armor penetration at 2,000 meters is estimated between 590 to 630 mm. The tank is compatible with modern Svinets-1 and Svinets-2 APFSDS rounds, featuring tungsten and depleted uranium penetrators.
Beyond conventional shells, the T-80BVM can fire 9M119M Refleks guided missiles (known by NATO as AT-11 Sniper-B) through its main gun. These missiles extend engagement range up to 4–5 kilometers and are capable of targeting low-flying helicopters. Guided by semi-automatic laser homing, they reportedly have an 80% hit probability at 4,000 meters and 70% at 5,000 meters. However, recent Russian tank biathlon competitions suggest the actual hit rate against stationary targets is closer to 50%, with even lower effectiveness expected against moving targets. The tank’s maximum firing rate is 6 to 8 rounds per minute.
The autoloader carries a total of 45 rounds and missiles for the main gun, with manual loading possible if the autoloader malfunctions. Secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.
Crew and Electronics
The T-80BVM operates with a crew of three: commander, gunner, and driver. Its fire control system has been upgraded, enhancing target acquisition and engagement capabilities.
Mobility and Engine
Under the hood, the T-80BVM retains its powerful GTD-1250TF gas turbine engine, delivering 1,250 horsepower. This engine, originally adapted from helicopter powerplants, runs on kerosene and offers several advantages: compact size, high power output, and the ability to start reliably in extreme cold (down to -40°C). These features make the T-80BVM particularly suitable for Russia’s northern climates.
The gas turbine engine also grants the T-80BVM superior speed and cross-country mobility compared to diesel-powered tanks like the T-64, T-72, and T-90. Additionally, the turbine engine operates more quietly, which was notably observed during the 2022 Ukraine conflict, where T-80 tanks were often only detected when firing rather than by engine noise.
Despite these benefits, the gas turbine has significant downsides: it consumes large amounts of fuel—up to 750 liters per 100 km—and requires complex, costly maintenance. The T-80BVM also includes an auxiliary power unit to run all onboard systems while the main engine is off, helping to conserve fuel during downtime.
Combat Equipment
The T-80BVM is equipped with a comprehensive suite of combat systems designed to enhance crew protection, communication, and target engagement. It features a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system that safeguards the crew from hazardous environments and toxic substances. For seamless coordination on the battlefield, the tank includes a modern radio communication system, enabling effective communication with other tanks, ground forces, and higher command centers.
At the core of its targeting capabilities is an advanced fire control system comprising several integrated components. The 1A43U sighting system, equipped with a laser rangefinder, works in tandem with the 1G46M ballistic computer to ensure precise targeting over various distances. Complementing these is the TKN-4S Agat-MR day/night commander's sight, which allows for accurate observation and engagement regardless of lighting or weather conditions.
The gunner benefits from a sophisticated thermal sight that provides clear thermal imaging of the battlefield, significantly improving situational awareness and the ability to detect and engage targets in low visibility scenarios. Meanwhile, the commander has access to a panoramic sight offering a full 360-degree view, enabling continuous battlefield monitoring and effective command of the tank's maneuvers.
Conclusion
The T-80BVM is a vital part of Russia’s armored forces modernization, combining advanced armor, improved firepower, and high mobility. Despite its higher operational costs, the upgrades extend the tank’s battlefield relevance, especially in harsh climates and demanding combat environments. As conflicts continue to evolve, the T-80BVM remains a formidable main battle tank in Russia’s arsenal.
Posting Komentar