DIO T-72Z (T-55)

History

The Iranian military did not rest on its laurels in terms of military prowess and began to upgrade its vast fleet of T-55 tanks to the new domestic "T-72Z" standard. The Organization of Defense Industries of Iran, commonly known as the DOI, of local concern, has been contracted to handle the program, and has culminated in the delivery of a redesigned 40-ton vehicle with improved performance and capabilities.

The modern form still largely retains the simple lines of the original Soviet design, with few exceptions.

The T-72Z relies on the American M68 105mm rifled main gun instead of the original (and outdated) Soviet 100mm gun. The 105mm model is derived from the Iranian main battle tank M60A1 Patton purchased before the fall of the Shah of Iran. Therefore, the Iranian military has benefited from adopting these combat systems and using various components to combine new and modern combat systems.

The main gun is connected to the Slovenian Fontana EFCS-3 series digital fire control system, which allows firing on the move and improves accuracy at long distances (main gun is stabilized in both axes). The T-72Z is ??also equipped with a Ukrainian V12 V-46-6 liquid-cooled diesel engine producing 780 hp. This gives the tank a top speed of 65 km/h and a range of up to 440 km.

If desired, an external fuel barrel can be installed in the rear of the fuselage to increase range. The track system remains the same as the original, consisting of five twin-tire wheels (with noticeable spacing between the first and second pair of wheels), the drive pinion at the rear, and the chain idler at the front. Track idlers manage the upper track section, protected by optional skirt armor.

Like all Soviet/Russian tanks, the T-72Z has a very low profile, making it harder to detect targets. Defense was provided by the original 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm medium machine gun - the latter mounted coaxially in the turret for infantry use; the former for low-flying aircraft. Armor protection reaches 203 mm on the thickest side (front of the turret) and is designed to block all types of projectiles and anti-tank ammunition. Depending on battlefield developments elsewhere, the T-72Z could also use explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks to counter a new generation of anti-tank missiles deployed in the West.

The vehicle is suspended from above by means of a conventional torsion bar suspension system. Air conditioning, power steering and a fire suppression system are standard. A laser rangefinder might fit into the design range as this is a fairly standard product worldwide.

An on-board laser warning device alerts the occupant to an approaching enemy pursuit threat and can activate 2 x 4 rows of electric smoke grenade launchers to protect the vehicle. Additionally, the T-72Z retained the Soviet-style tank's ability to create its own smoke screen by injecting raw fuel into the exhaust and producing a smoke system from the left side of the rear hull.

Compared to Western MBT products (American M1 Abrams, British Challenger 2 and German Leopard II series), the T-72Z is ??a tactically limited machine. Western types use more powerful engine units and employ 120mm guns and advanced countermeasure systems - although they are significantly more expensive to acquire, operate and maintain than modern T-54/T-55 types.

The T-72Z is ??a distinctly budget-conscious move that would serve the Iranian military better in a local or regional conflict than in a full-scale war with the West. The T-72Z is ??in keeping with the M60A3 Patton MBT and a global like-minded design.

Iran has undertaken a similar program to upgrade its existing T-54 and 59 (Chinese T-54A) tanks, designated Safir-74 and 72Z, respectively.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

38x105mm bullet

500 x 12.7mm ammo

2,000 x 7.62mm ammo

8 x Smoke Grenade

Changes