T-55

History

The T-55 is a further improved version of the 1949 T-54 main battle tank series, designed to counter the new American M60 tank (a heavily modified form based on the earlier M48 "Patton" series). Compared to the previous model, the T-55 features an all-new turret and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection for the crew. The V-55 series diesel engine has been redesigned with fuel injection and compression, as well as servo clutch and air engine starting functions, for a total output of 580 horsepower. and compression, while retaining the integrated engine oil mist generation system. The T-55 has a new internal fuel storage battery installed in the bow for improved maintainability. Internal storage has also been increased, increasing the number of 100mm projectiles from 34 to 43.

While the T-54 used the heavy 12.7-mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun to counter low-flying AA threats, the T-55 had this device removed from the cargo hatch (post-1970 production form reverted to using the 12.7-mm-DShK anti-aircraft machine gun) , designated as T-55AM). The original production model was simply referred to as the "T-55". Production began in 1958 and continued until 1963, while the locally produced Polish version spanned production from 1958 to 1964.

Production in the Czech Republic continued from 1958 to 1983.

Externally, the T-55 mimics the clean, purposeful styling lines of the previous T-54. The track system is dominated by five main wheels, with the front pair clearly separated from the remaining four rear wheels.

The drive sprocket remains at the end of the design and the chain idler is up front, no chain idler is used. The forward tilting plate is well inclined and the fuselage superstructure is flat and recognizable. The turret is at the center of the design, providing a good balance, while the engine remains in the traditionally arranged aft compartment.

Crew accommodation for a total of four people, including the hull driver and the tank commander, gunner and loader of the turret section. The turret itself is a well-tilted assembly with rounded sides and roof. The main barrel protrudes a little from the turret, and a smoke exhaust can be seen near the muzzle.

Snorkel allows amphibious wading from water sources.

The T-55AD is equipped with the "Drozd" active anti-tank defense system, designed to better protect the tank from incoming anti-tank missiles. The T-55AD-1 is a similar model, but with a V-46-5M series 691 hp diesel engine.

The T-55MV incorporates the "Kontakt-1" Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) block, which significantly increases protection against incoming anti-tank missiles. The use of ERA replaces the aforementioned Drozd protection scheme.

The T-55MV-1 was nothing but a T-55MV model powered by a 691 hp V-46-5M diesel engine.

The T-55M5 resulted in the use of the "Kontakt-5" ERA module pack. The Fire Control System (FCS) has been upgraded, as has the gunner's sight. The hull has been lengthened a bit, while the engine has been better upgraded. The T-55M6 branding is somewhat similar, but includes six pairs of wheels for larger road shifting.

The engine of choice was a diesel series V-46-5M with 691 hp. The updated T-72 MBT's powerful 125mm 2A46M main gun was introduced, along with its automatic loader, reducing the internal turret crew to two. Armor protection is further enhanced to meet new threats on the battlefield.

The Obyekt 155ML is a development test bed for testing the AT-3 "Sagger" anti-tank missile launcher. The T-55K is another experimental T-55 used to evaluate the "Uran" system - a networked TV camera that communicates with the receiving wheeled BTR-50PU command station.

The T-55 MBT was widely exported to the Soviet Union and nation states. This has led to its use in various conflicts from Africa to the Middle East and within Asia. The T-55 was used by Arabs out of anger against Israel during the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and Israel contributed more than 1,000 capture systems to these wars. These are retrofits for their previous owners, armed with a 105mm main gun, a GM engine and an Israeli Fire Control System (FCS). After the end of their service life, these models were further converted into armored personnel carriers or sold to interested parties.

The T-55 was also used against the United States in the Vietnam War, and was eventually used to knock down the gates of the Presidential Palace. The T-55s did pretty badly in the 1991 Gulf War, where they met their highly technical Western counterparts and their ranks were eliminated.

Some even played a role more than a decade later during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003again proving unparalleled. In further deployments, they fought during the Balkan crisis.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

43 x 100mm projectile.

500x12.7mm ammo.

3,000 x 7.62mm ammo.

Changes