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{{about|the Russian tank||T90 (disambiguation)}}
{{infobox weapon
|is_vehicle =yes
|name =T-90
|image =[[File:T-90 tank during the Victory Day parade in 2009.jpg|300px]]
|caption =T-90A of the [[Russian Ground Forces|Russian Army]]
|type =[[Main battle tank]]
|origin = {{flag|Russian Federation}}
|used_by= See [[T-90#Operators|Operators]]
|designer= [[Uralvagonzavod|Kartsev-Venediktov]]
|manufacturer= [[Uralvagonzavod]]
|produced =more than 1000
|production_date =1995–present
|unit_cost= $2.77 - 4.25 million [[USD]] in 2011 (varies by source)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arms-tass.su/?page=article&aid=93690&cid=25 |title=Denial of Defense Procurement MBT T-90 is not connected with the qualitative characteristics of this sample of military equipment - Ministry of Industry of the Russian Federation |publisher=Arms-Tass |date=17 March 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref>
|crew =3
|length ={{convert|9.63|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|width ={{convert|3.78|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height ={{convert|2.22|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight ={{convert|47.5|t|abbr=out|lk=on}}
|armour =Steel-composite-reactive blend
vs APFSDS: 545 mm + 250-280mm with Kontakt-5 = 800-830mm; vs HEAT: 650 mm + 500-700mm with Kontakt-5 = 1,150-1,350mm<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/t-90.htm |title=T-90 |publisher=Fas.org |date= |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref>
|primary_armament = 125 mm smoothbore gun with [[ATGM]] capability; mainly [[9M119 Svir]]
|secondary_armament = 7.62 mm [[PKT]] coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm [[NSV machine gun|NSV]] anti-aircraft gun, 12.7 mm [[Kord machine gun]]
|engine =Model 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel<br />
V-92 12-cyl. diesel<br />
V-96 12-cyl. diesel
|engine_power =840 hp (618 kW) for V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine<br/>
950 hp (736 kW) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine<br/>
1,250 hp (930 kW) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
|suspension =[[torsion bar]]
|speed ={{convert|60|-|65|km/h|abbr=on}} (depending on type of engine)
|pw_ratio =
18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne) for V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine<br />
20.4 hp/tonne (15.8 kW/tonne) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine<br />
23.7 hp/tonne (19.8 kW/tonne) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
|vehicle_range ={{convert|550|-|650|km|abbr=on}} (depending on type of engine)}}
{{T-72 navigation}}
{{Post-Cold War tanks}}

The '''T-90''' is a [[Russia]]n [[List of main battle tanks by generation#Third Generation|third-generation]] [[main battle tank]] that is a modernisation of the [[T-72]] (it was originally to be called the T-72BU, later renamed to T-90). It is currently the most modern tank in service with the [[Russian Ground Forces]] and [[Naval Infantry (Russia)|Naval Infantry]]. Although a development of the T-72, the T-90 uses a 125mm [[2A46]] smoothbore [[tank gun]], 1G46 gunner sights, a new engine, and [[thermal sight]]s. Standard protective measures include a blend of [[Steel]], [[Composite armour]], and [[Kontakt-5]] [[Explosive reactive armour|explosive-reactive]] armor, [[laser warning receiver]]s, [[Nakidka]] camouflage and the [[Shtora]] infrared [[ATGM]] jamming system. The [[EMT-7]] [[electromagnetic pulse]] (EMP) creator is used in testing but not fitted to T-90s in active service.<ref>{{cite book | last = Zaloga | first = Steven | title = T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974-93 | publisher = Osprey Publishing | location = Reading | year = 1993 | isbn = 9781855323384 |page=45}}</ref> It is designed and built by [[Uralvagonzavod]], in [[Nizhny Tagil]], Russia.

==Development==
By 1992, the [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian Ministry of Defense]] announced that it could no longer afford to manufacture two main battle tanks in parallel.<ref name="GST90">{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/t-90.htm |title=T-90 |work=globalsecurity.org}}</ref> Since both the "quality" T-80U and the cheaper "quantity" T-72B were being built at different plants, and each plant was critical to the economy of its city, the government gave small orders to both. [[Omsk]] built five T-80Us and Nizhny Tagil built fifteen T-72s, and both built more in the hopes of winning large export orders. Nizhny Tagil had built a few T-72BMs, T-72Bs upgraded with a third generation add-on explosive reactive armour (ERA) called [[Kontakt-5]], which was already in service on the T-80U.<ref name="GST90"/>

To further improve the T-72's export prospects and its chances of being selected as Russia's sole production MBT, the T-80U's more sophisticated fire control system was also added to produce a vehicle designated T-72BU. The T-90 was developed by the Kartsev-Venediktov Design Bureau at the [[Uralvagonzavod]] factory in [[Nizhny Tagil]]. The production model is based on the T-72BM, with some added features from the [[T-80]] series.<ref name="GST90"/>

The T-90 with an 830&nbsp;hp (620&nbsp;kW) engine went into low-level production in 1993, based on a [[prototype]] designated ''T-88''. It features a new generation of [[Kontakt-5]] [[explosive reactive armor]] on its hull and [[gun turret|turret]]. Of conventional layout, the T-90 represents a major upgrade to every system in the T-72, including the main gun.<ref name="GST90"/>
The ''T-90S'' have been identified as export model. The references to a T-90E appear to be unsubstantiated.<ref name="GST90"/> The T-90 is fitted with a "three-tiered" protection system: the first tier is the [[composite armour]] in the turret, second tier is third generation [[Kontakt-5]] [[explosive reactive armor|ERA]] and third tier is a [[Shtora]]-1 countermeasures suite.<ref name="GST90"/>

T-90's were used for the first time during the [[Invasion of Dagestan]] in 1999.

;Models
* '''T-90''': Original production model.
* '''T-90K''': Command version of the T-90.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=61&Itemid=73&limit=1&limitstart=2 |title=T-90 Rosja |work= pancerni.net |language=Polish}}{{Verify credibility|date=December 2009}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web |url=http://www.militarium.net/wojska_ladowe/t90.php |title=T-90 |work=militarium.net |language=Polish}}</ref>
* '''T-90E''': Export version of T-90 MBT.
* '''T-90A''': Russian army version with welded turret, V-92S2 engine and ESSA thermal viewer. Sometimes called ''T-90 Vladimir''.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/T-90S.htm |title=Main Battle Tank - T-90/T90S/T90C |work=armorsite }}</ref>
* '''T-90S''': Export version of T-90A. Sometimes called ''T-90C'' (Cyrillic letter [[Es (Cyrillic)|es]] looks like a Latin ''c''). Tanks are found with two different turret armour arrays.
* '''T-90SK''': Command version of the T-90S. It differs in radio and navigation equipment and Ainet remote-detonation system for HEF rounds.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref name=autogenerated3 /><ref name=autogenerated2 />
* '''T-90S "Bhishma"''': modified T-90S in Indian service.
* '''T-90M''': Prototype version featuring new explosive reactive armour (ERA) [[Kaktus|Relikt]], new {{convert|1250|PS|abbr=on}} engine, new improved turret and composite armor, new gun, new thermal imaging Catherine-FC from [[THALES]], an enhanced [[environmental control system]] supplied by Israel’s Kinetics Ltd for providing cooled air to the fighting compartment, integrated tactical system, satellite navigation and others.<ref>[http://tank-t-90.ru/publ/novaja_svarnaja_bashnja/1-1-0-23 ]{{dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref>
* '''T-90MS''': Production version of the T-90M. PK PAN with IR camera, and PNM Sosna-U gunner view, 7.62mm turret UDP T05BV-1 RWS, GLONASS+inertial navigation, explosive reactive armour (ERA) [[Kaktus|Relikt]]

;Derivatives
* '''BREM-72''': Armoured recovery vehicle.
* '''MTU-90''': Bridge layer tank with MLC50 bridge.
* '''IMR-3''': Combat engineer vehicle.
* '''BMR-3''': Mine clearing vehicle.

==Production and service history==
[[File:T-90 snorkel.jpg|thumb|left|A T-90 during a military exercise in Russia, demonstrating underwater driving]]

The Russian Defence Ministry made a selection of a single Main Battle Tank (MBT) in 1995.<ref name="GST90"/> The [[T-80]] was more expensive and its delicate, fuel-hungry [[gas turbine]] engine provided a questionable advantage. It was also notorious for showing how poor the older T-80BV tanks were in urban combat in the [[First Chechen War]].<ref>Zaloga 2000, p 3.</ref>

By September 1995, some 107 T-90 tanks had been produced, located in the [[Siberian Military District]].<ref>{{Cite book |first=James M |last=Warford |title=The Russian T-90S: Coming into Focus |work=Armor |date=September–October 1997 |url=https://www.knox.army.mil/center/ocoa/armormag/backissues/1990s/1997/so97/5T90.pdf |publisher=US Army}}, quoting Russian newspaper sources</ref> By mid-1996 some 107 T-90s had gone into service in the [[Far Eastern Military District]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/t-90.htm |title=T-90 |work=fas.org |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]}}</ref>

1999 saw the appearance of a new model of T-90, featuring the fully [[welding|welded]] turret of the [[Object 187]] experimental MBT instead of the original T-90's [[casting|cast]] turret. This new model is called "Vladimir" in honour of T-90 Chief Designer Vladimir Potkin, who died in 1999. It is unknown how this design affects the protection and layout of the turret, or whether the tank's hull [[vehicle armour|armour]] layout was changed.

[[Image:T-90 armyrecognition russia 011.jpg|thumb|Russian Army T-90A during a training exercise.]]
The T-90A saw combat action during the [[Invasion of Dagestan|1999 Chechen invasion of Dagestan]]. According to [[Moscow Defense Brief]], one T-90 was hit by seven RPG anti-tank rockets but remained in action. The journal concludes that with regular equipment T-90A seems to be the best protected Russian tank, especially if the Shtora and [[Arena (countermeasure)|Arena]] defensive protection systems are integrated in it.<ref name="mdb_chechnya">{{cite journal|last=Pashin|first=Alexander|title=Russian Army Operations and Weaponry During Second Military Campaign in Chechnya|journal=[[Moscow Defense Brief]]|publisher=Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies|issue=3/2002|url=http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raowdsmcc/|accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref>

In 2007, there were about 334 T-90 tanks serving in the Russian Ground Forces' [[5th Guards Tank Division]], stationed in the [[Siberian Military District]], and seven T-90 tanks in the Navy.<ref name=warfare.ru>{{cite web|url=http://www.warfare.ru/?lang=&catid=244&linkid=1778|title=T-90/S MBT}}</ref> Some 31 new T-90 tanks were expected to enter service in 2007, and 60 in 2008.<ref name=warfare.ru />

The Russian Federal Service for Defense Contracts (Rosoboronzakaz) announced in July 2008 that a new tank (which rumour has previously referred to as the [[T-95]]) was due to be introduced in 2009, but development was cancelled in May 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3A5d47479a-23ea-41cc-9a0d-2e8de47fbf49 |title=Ares Homepage |publisher=Aviationweek.com |date= |accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref>

Russia is developing a new ''[[Universal Combat Platform T-99]]'' ''Armada'' to be ready for use by 2015. It is expected to have a more powerful engine, improved armor, main gun and autoloader, with ammunition storage separated from the crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20110910/166687063.html |title=Russian army to start receiving new-generation tanks in 2014 |publisher=En.rian.ru |date=2001-09-11 |accessdate=2011-09-11}}</ref> However until then Russian Army will update all existing tanks [[T-72]], [[T-80]] and T-90 to prolong their service lives for years to come.

==Export==
===India===
[[File:IA T-90 in action.jpg|thumb|[[Indian Army]]'s T-90 ''Bhishma'' tanks take part in a military training exercise in the [[Thar Desert]], [[Rajasthan]]. Note that the tanks have two different turret armour arrays.]]

In 2001, India bought 310 T-90S tanks from Russia, of which 120 were delivered complete, 90 in semi-knocked down kits, and 100 in completely knocked down kits. The T-90 was selected because it is a direct development of the T-72 which India already employs with 60 % logistics commonality with T-90 simplifying training and maintenance. India bought the T-90 after the delay in production of the domestically developed [[Arjun (tank)|Arjun]] main battle tank, and to counter Pakistani deployment of the Ukrainian [[T-80]]UD in 1995–97. These tanks were made by [[Uralvagonzavod]] and the uprated {{convert|1000|hp|abbr=on}} engines were delivered by [[Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant]]. These tanks however did not feature the Shtora-1 passive/active protection system though there are reports that a separate contract for shipment of a modernized version of this suite is being discussed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianarmor.info/Tanks/MBT/t-90.html |title=T-90 Main Battle Tank |work=Vasiliy Fofanov's Modern Russian Armor Page}}</ref>

A follow-on contract, worth $800 million, was signed on October 26, 2006, for another 330 T-90M "Bhishma" MBTs that were to be manufactured in India by Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi, Tamil Nadu.

The T-90M Bhishma is a customised, improved version of the T-90S which India developed with assistance from Russia and [[France]] all of whom India has very close ties with. ([[Bhishma]] was an Invincible & Immortal warrior from ancient [[Hindu epic]], the ''[[Mahabharata]]''). The tanks are equipped with the French-THALES-built Catherine-FC thermal sights<ref>Dunnigan, James. [http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles2006/2006624232423.asp "Get the T-90s Out of the Kitchen"], ''StrategyPage'', June 24, 2006.</ref> and utilizes Russian Kontakt-5 K-5 explosive reactive armored plates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipcs.org/pdf_file/issue/2047159894IB19-Mallika-T-90sBishma.pdf |title=T-90S "Bhishma" |publisher=ipcs.org |date=2004-02-01 }}</ref> Kontakt-5 (K-5) ERA in its export variant provides a protection level of 1,2 [20%] against Kinetic Energy (APFSDS) rounds and 1,7-1,8 [70 %] against Chemical Energy rounds (Tandem HEAT). Semi-active baffle plates and ceramic layers with high tensile proprieties are employed in T-90 base Armour. Even more advanced Armour composition was implemented in the welded turrets of domestic T-90 and on export T-90 Bhishma for India. In several tests conducted in front of Indian delegation using latest foreign ammunitions (APFSDS) of the M829A2/KEW-A2 type conducted from 250 meters against T-90S devoid of the normal built-in explosive reactive armor (ERA) Kontakt-5 (K-5) resulted in the turret being completely impenetrable. This absolute resiliency to enemy fire resulted at the end, as one of the most crucial selling point for T-90 Bhishma MBT to India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publ.lib.ru/ARCHIVES/T/%27%27Tehnika_i_voorujenie%27%27/_%27%27Tehnika_i_voorujenie%27%27_2006_.html#0611 |title=The situation in the domestic tank building, truth and fiction Tarasenko, S. Tupitsyn|publisher=Arms and equipment yesterday, today and tomorrow, 2006 page 10-15|date=2006-11-01 }}</ref>

In April 2008, the Indian Army sent [[request for proposal]]s to [[Rafael]], [[BAE Systems]], [[Raytheon]], [[Rosoboronexport]], [[Saab]], and Germany’s [http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/ IBD Deisenroth Engineering] for an active protection system for the T-90S ''Bhishma''. The contract is expected to be worth US$270 million .<ref>[http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/247/ India changes its top defence supplier]{{Verify credibility|date=December 2009}}</ref> Saab's [[LEDS-150]] has won the contract.<ref>{{cite web|author=Prasun K Sengupta |url=http://trishulgroup.blogspot.com/2009/01/indias-born-again-t-90m-mbt.html |title=TRISHUL: India's 'Born Again' T-90M MBT |publisher=Trishulgroup.blogspot.com |date=2009-01-28 |accessdate=2011-09-11}}</ref>

A third contract, worth $1.23 billion, was signed in December 2007 for 347 upgraded T-90Ms, the bulk of which will be license-assembled by HVF. The Army hopes to field a force of over 21 regiments of T-90 tanks and 40 regiments of modified T-72s. The Indian Army would begin receiving its first T-90M main battle tank (MBT) in completely knocked-down condition from Russia’s Nizhny Tagil-based Uralvagonzavod JSC by the end of 2009.<ref name="globalsecurity.org">{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/t-90.htm |title=T-90 Bhisma |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date= |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=© RIA Novosti Dmitry Korobeinikov |url=http://www.en.beta.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090824/155910756.html |title=Indian army receives first T-90 tanks made under Russian license &#124; Top Russian news and analysis online &#124; 'RIA Novosti' newswire |publisher=En.beta.rian.ru |date=2009-08-24 |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref>

The T-90M features the ‘Kaktus K-6’ bolted explosive reactive armour (ERA) package on its frontal hull and turret-top (the T-90S has ‘Kontakt-5’ ERA), is fitted with an enhanced environmental control system supplied by Israel’s Kinetics Ltd for providing cooled air to the fighting compartment, has additional internal volume for housing the [[Cryogenics|cryogenic cooling]] systems for new-generation [[thermal imager]]s like the THALES-built Catherine-FC thermal imager (operating in the 8-12 micrometre bandwidth).<ref name="globalsecurity.org"/> In all, India plans to have 1,640 T-90 tanks in service by 2018-2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20081004.aspx |title=Armor: The Frugal T-90 |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=2008-10-04 |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref>

The first batch of 10 license built T-90M "Bhishma" was inducted into the Indian army on 24 August 2009. These vehicles were built at the Heavy Vehicles Factory at [[Avadi]], [[Tamil Nadu]].

===Other===
The Cyprus House Defense Committee approved funds in January 2009 for the purchase of 41 Russian-built T-90 tanks. The money is included as part of the 2009 defense budget. [[Cyprus]] already operates the Russian-made [[T-80]] tank.<ref>“[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?session=dae.44133748.1231764731.kz2MJH8AAAEAAA0LO-QAAAAM&cat=3&prod=101229&modele=release Greek-Cypriots to Buy Russian Tanks, Considering Missile Purchases]” {{Dead link|date=May 2009}}, Forecast International, January 9, 2009.</ref> In March 2010 it was reported that Cyprus had opted for 41 additional T-80s instead of purchasing T-90s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=1336944|title=Новую оружейную сделку с Россией обнародовал Кипр|date=2010-03-13|language=Russian|publisher=[[Kommersant]]|accessdate=2010-03-17}}</ref>

Anonymous [[Venezuela]]n defense sources say that president [[Hugo Chavez]] “wants to replace his army's obsolete [[AMX-30]] main battle tanks with between 50 and 100 Russian-built T-90 main battle tanks,” according to an October 2008 article by analyst Jack Sweeney.<ref>Jack Sweeney “[http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Analysis_Venezuela_buys_Russian_tanks_999.html Venezuela buys Russian aircraft, tanks to boost power]”. UPI.com, 15 October 2008.</ref> In September, 2009 a deal was announced for 92 T-72s only.<ref name="rusbiznews">{{cite web|url=http://www.rusbiznews.com/news/n521.html|title=Venezuela Will Load Urals Defence Plants With Work|publisher=Rus Business News|date=2009-09-16|accessdate=2009-10-10}}</ref>

[[Algeria]] was said in June 2006 to be negotiating a large arms contract which would include some type of Russian tanks.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/03/algerian-arms-deal-brings-russia-75-billion-gas-market-leverage/index.php Algerian Arms Deal Brings Russia $7.5 billion, Gas Market Leverage] — March 15, 2006, Defence Industry Daily</ref> [[Saudi Arabia]] was reported, in July 2008, by Russian daily ''[[Kommersant]]'' to be in negotiations to buy 150 T-90 tanks.<ref>{{Cite document |first=Guy |last=Faulconbridge |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/07/15/europe/OUKWD-UK-RUSSIA-SAUDI-IRAN.php |title=Saudi offers Russia arms deal to curb Iran ties |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20081207022651/http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2008/07/15/europe/OUKWD-UK-RUSSIA-SAUDI-IRAN.php |archivedate=2008-07-12 |publisher=Reuters |date=July 15, 2008 |postscript=<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] Defence Minister Elias El Murr met with Russian Defense Minister [[Anatoly Serdyukov]] in December 2008, when they discussed the possibility of a transfer of military equipment including T-90 tanks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=71161&MID=101&PID=2|title=Lebanese press round-up: December 17, 2008|date=December 17, 2008|work=An-nahar Newspaper - Local News|publisher=NOW Lebanon|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/128915|title=Russia to Sell Lebanon Advanced Jets 'at Discount'|last=Ronen|first=Gil |date=December 17, 2008|publisher=IsraelNN|accessdate=2009-01-08}}</ref>

In February 2010, an arms deal was signed between [[Libya]] and Russia. Details of the sale were not immediately released, but a Russian diplomat stated that Libya had wanted 20 fighter planes, air defense systems, and may also be interested in purchasing 'several dozen' T-90s, and modernizing a further 140 T-72s. However after Libya's [[2011 Libyan civil war|crackdown on anti-Libyan protesters]] in early 2011, the United Nations has enacted a international arms embargo on Libya and so any Russian Arms deals are now canceled.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gfD8flAiDdWsWrzZBvi9qygPkXMw|title=Libya strikes billion-dollar Russian arms deal|date=2010-01-30|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60T1ED20100130|title=Libya, Russia agree $1.8-billion arms deal: Putin|date=2010-01-30|publisher=Reuters}}</ref>

==Design==
===Armament===
[[File:T-90 Bhisma cropped.jpg|thumb|T-90 tanks featuring [[2A46]]M 125 mm smoothbore tank gun, NSV 12.7 mm AA machine gun and [[PK machine gun|PKT]] 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.]]
The T-90's main armament is the [[2A46]]M 125&nbsp;mm smoothbore tank gun. This is a highly modified version of the [[Sprut anti-tank gun]], and is the same gun used as the main armament on the [[T-80]]-series tanks. It can be replaced without dismantling the inner turret and is capable of firing [[armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot]] (APFSDS), [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT-FS), and [[Shell (projectile)#High-explosive|high explosive]] fragmentation (HE-FRAG) ammunition, as well as [[9M119M Refleks]] anti-tank guided missiles. The Refleks missile has [[semi-automatic command to line of sight|semi-automatic laser beam-riding guidance]] and a tandem hollow-charge [[HEAT]] warhead. It has an effective range of 100 m to 6&nbsp;km, and takes 17.5 seconds to reach maximum range. Refleks can penetrate about {{convert|950|mm}} of [[RHAe|steel armour]] and can also engage low-flying air targets such as [[helicopter]]s.<ref name="GST90"/>

The [[NSV machine gun|NSV]] 12.7mm ([[12.7x108mm|12.7x108]]) [[Remote control|remotely controlled]] [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]] [[Heavy machine gun]] can be operated from within the tank by the commander and has a range of 2km and a cyclic [[rate of fire]] of 700-800 rounds per minute with 300 rounds available (the NSV was replaced by the [[Kord machine gun|Kord heavy machine gun]] in the late 1990's). The [[PK machine gun|PKT]] 7.62mm ([[7.62x54mmR|7.62x54mm R]]) [[coaxial gun|coaxial machine gun]] weighs about 10.5&nbsp;kg while the ammunition box carries 250 rounds (7000 rounds carried) and weighs an additional 9.5&nbsp;kg.<ref name="GST90"/>

Like other modern Russian tanks the 2A46M in the T-90 is fed by an automatic loader which removes the need for a manual loader in the tank and reduces the crew to 3 (commander, gunner, and driver). The [[autoloader]] can carry 22 ready-to-fire rounds in its carousel and can load a round in 5–8 seconds.<ref name="GST90"/> It has been suggested that the automatic loaders on modern T-90 tanks have been modified to take advantage of newer ammunition such as the [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition#3VBM19/3BM42M (3BM44M)|3BM-44M]] APFSDS, which like the US [[M829 (munition)#M829A3|M829A3]] penetrates armour better than the previous shorter rounds. HEAT rounds that can be fired from the 2A46M includes the [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition#3BK21B|3BK21B]] (with a [[Depleted uranium]] liner), [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition#3VBK25/3BK29|3BK29]] (with a credited penetration of 800&nbsp;mm [[Rolled homogeneous armor|RHA equivalency]]), and the [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition#3VBK27?/3BK29M|3BK29M]] (with a [[Tandem-charge|Triple-tandem charge]] warhead).
Additionally the T-90 features the Ainet [[smart grenade|fuse setting system]] which allows the tank to detonate [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition#3VOF36/3OF26|3OF26]] HE-FRAG rounds at a specific distance from the tank as determined by the gunners [[laser rangefinder]], improving it's performance against helicopters and [[infantry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/ARM/apers/ammo.html |title=125mm APERS And Special Rounds |publisher=Fofanov.armor.kiev.ua |date= |accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref>

[[Fire-control system]] on the T-90 includes the PNK-4S/SR AGAT day and night sighting system mounted at the commanders station which allows for night time detection of a tank sized target at ranges between 700 and 1100 meters depending on the version of the sight. Early models of the T-90 were equipped with the TO1-KO1 BURAN sight but later models (T-90S) were upgraded to use the ESSA [[thermal imaging]] sight, which allows for accurate firing to a range of 5000–8000 m using the CATHERINE-FC [[thermal camera]] produced by [[Thales Optronique]]. The gunner is also provided with the 1G46 day sighting system which includes a laser range finder, [[missile guidance]] channel and allows tank-sized targets to be detected and engaged at {{convert|5|to|8|km}}. The driver users a TVN-5 day and night sight.<ref name="GST90"/> In 2010, Russia started licensed production of Thales-developed Catherine FC thermal imaging cameras for T-90M tanks, a Russian daily said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20100521/159099501.html |title=Russia to start licensed production of foreign military equipment &#124; Defense &#124; RIA Novosti |publisher=En.rian.ru |date=2010-05-21 |accessdate=2010-07-08}}</ref> These thermal imagers are also present on T-90M "Bhishma" build in India under license.<ref name="globalsecurity.org"/>

===Mobility===
[[File:T-90 engine.jpg|thumb|left|T-90 engine.]]

Different models of the T-90 tank are powered by the V-84MS 618&nbsp;kW (840&nbsp;hp) four-stroke V-12 piston engine, uprated {{convert|1000|hp|abbr=on}} engines and {{convert|1250|hp|abbr=on}} engines made by [[Uralvagonzavod]] and are delivered by Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The Т-90S with {{convert|1000|hp|abbr=on}} engine can attain a top speed of 60&nbsp;km/h on the road and up to 45&nbsp;km/h on rough terrain. T-90 tank has classic arrangement of transmission, with rear placed engine and transmission. The {{convert|1000|hp|abbr=on}} engines are V-92 four stroke, 12 cylinder, multi-fuel diesel while {{convert|1250|hp|abbr=on}} engine is V-96. The T-90 export version i.e. modified T-90S is fitted with increased power multi-fuel 1,000-h.p. diesel engine with gas turbine injection. The tank is also fitted with air conditioning system for work in high temperature zones.<ref name="globalsecurity.org"/>

===Protection===
[[Image:Indian Army T-90.jpg|thumb|T-90S Bhishma of Indian Army is fitted only with a "two-tiered" protection system: the first tier is the composite armour in the turret, second tier is third generation [[Kontakt-5]] ERA.]]
[[Image:T-90 turret side view.jpg|thumb|T-90 turret fitted with third generation [[Kontakt-5]] [[explosive reactive armor|ERA]].]]

The T-90 is fitted with a "three-tiered" protection systems. The first tier is the composite armour in the turret, consisting of basic armour shell with an insert of alternating layers of [[aluminum]] and [[plastics]] and a controlled [[Deformation (engineering)|deformation]] section.<ref name="GST90"/>

The second tier is third generation [[Kontakt-5]] ERA ([[explosive reactive armor]]) which significantly degrades the penetrating power of kinetic-energy APFSDS ammunition and also these ERA blocks give the turret its distinctive angled "clam shell" appearance. ERA bricks are also located on the turret roof and provide protection from top-attack weapons. The turret's forward armour package in addition to the ERA and [[steel]] plating contains a composite filler sandwiched of Russian composite armour between upper and lower steel plates, the composite armour results in a lower weight and improved protection when compared with steel-only armour.<ref name="GST90"/>

The third tier is a [[Shtora]]-1 (Russian: Штора-1 or "curtain" in English) countermeasures suite, produced by Elektromashina of Russia. This system includes two electro-optical/IR "[[Dazzler (weapon)|dazzlers]]" on the front of the turret(which gives the distinct Red Eyes), four [[Laser warning receiver]]s, two 3D6 [[smoke grenade|aerosol grenade]] discharging systems and a computerized control system. The Shtora-1 warns the tank's crew when the tank has been 'painted' by a [[laser guidance|weapon-guidance laser]] and allows the crew to slew the turret to face the threat. The infrared jammer, the TShU1-7 EOCMDAS, jams the semiautomatic command to line of sight ([[SACLOS]]) guidance system of some [[anti-tank guided missile]]s. The aerosol grenades are automatically launched after Shtora detects that it has been painted. The aerosol grenades are used to mask the tank from laser rangefinders and designators as well as the optics of other weapons systems. Indian T-90S tanks are not equipped with the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite.<ref name="GST90"/>

In addition to the passive and active protection systems the T-90 is also fitted with nuclear, biological and chemical ([[NBC (weapon)|NBC]]) protection equipment, KMT [[land mine|mine]] sweeps and an automatic fire fighting system.<ref name="GST90"/> The [[EMT-7]] electromagnetic-counter mine system can also be installed on the T-90.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Mines-and-Mine-Clearance/EMT-7-electromagnetic-countermine-system-Russian-Federation.html |title=EMT-7 electromagnetic countermine system (Russian Federation) |publisher=Janes.com |date=2011-06-20 |accessdate=2011-09-11}}</ref> EMT-7 emits an electromagnetic pulse to disable magnetic mines and disrupt electronics before the tank reaches them. The [[Nakidka]] signature reduction suite is also available for the T-90. Nakidka is designed to reduce the probabilities of an object to be detected by [[Infrared]], [[Thermal]], Radar-Thermal, and [[Radar]] bands.<ref>[http://www.niistali.ru/pr_secure/nobron_en.htm#7 ]{{dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref>

During a reported test conducted by the Russian military in 1999 the T-90 was exposed to a variety of [[Rocket-propelled grenade|RPG]], [[ATGM]] and [[APFSDS]] munitions. When equipped with Kontakt-5 ERA the T-90 could not be penetrated by any of the APFSDS or ATGM used during the trial and outperformed a T-80U which also took part.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://russianarmor.info/Tanks/TRIALS/19991020.html |title=20.10.1999 T-80U and T-90 Protection Trials (Vasily Fofanov) |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080129043924/http://russianarmor.info/Tanks/TRIALS/19991020.html |archivedate= January 29, 2008}}{{Verify credibility|date=December 2009}}</ref> During combat operations in Dagestan, there were witness accounts of one T-90 sustaining seven hits from RPGs, and remaining in action.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raodsmcc/|title=Russian Army Operations and Weaponry During Second Military Campaign in Chechnya|author=Alexander Pashin|publisher=[[Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies]]|archiveurl=http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20090129141108/http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2002/ac/raowdsmcc/|archivedate=29 January 2009}}</ref>

==Operators==
* {{ALG}}: Algeria purchased 180 T-90SA tanks. 102 of the 180 were in service by 2007/2008, and the remainder are to be delivered by 2011.<ref name=fofanov>{{cite web|url=http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/MBT/t-90.html|title=T-90 Main Battle Tank|author=Vasiliy Fofanov|accessdate=2009-11-07}}</ref>
* {{IND}}: India currently operates up to 620 T-90 which were procured in three separate orders. Two batches (310 tanks and knockdown kits in 2000 and a further 300 in 2006<ref name="armytech">{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/t90/|title=T-90S Main Battle Tank, Russia|publisher=Army-Technology.com}}</ref>) were purchased from Russia. It is unknown whether the second batch of Russian tanks has been completed. A further 1,000 were to be produced locally by 2020. Of those, the first batch of 10 were delivered in August 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/indian-army-inducts-first-indigenous-t-90-tanks-2_100237314.html|title=Indian Army inducts first indigenous T-90 tanks|publisher=ThaiindianNews}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports-2577|title=Army to acquire nearly 1000 additional T-90 tanks by 2020|date=2006-10-04|accessdate=2009-10-03}}</ref>
* {{RUS}}: Russia operates 436 T-90A and 266 T-90s as of [[2011]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warfare.ru/?lang=&catid=244&linkid=1778 |title=T-90/S MBT |publisher=Warfare.ru |date=2010-09-05 |accessdate=2011-09-11}}</ref>
* {{SAU}}: Saudi Arabia is buying 150 T-90S main battle tanks and helicopters in a $2 billion weapons deal.<ref>http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/390/ {{Verify credibility|date=December 2009}}</ref>
* {{TKM}}: Turkmenistan has ordered 10 T-90S tanks in 2009 for approximately $30 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/news/articles/eav120909c.shtml |title=EurasiaNet News Briefs - Turkmenistan: Berdymukhamedov Mulls Russian Hi-Tech Deals |publisher=Eurasianet.org |date=2009-12-09 |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/cissu/turks150.html |title=Procurement (Turkmenistan) - Sentinel Security Assessment - Russia And The CIS |publisher=Janes.com |date=2009-10-21 |accessdate=2010-02-07}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tank}}
* [[125 mm smoothbore ammunition]]
* [[Black Eagle tank]]
* [[List of tanks]]
* [[List of Soviet tanks]]
* [[M-84AS]], [[M-95 Degman]]
* [[P'okpoong-Ho]]
* [[T-95]]

==Notes==

{{reflist|2}}

==References==

* Mallika, Joseph (2004) “[http://web.archive.org/web/20071213104901/http://ipcs.org/printIssueBrief.jsp?status=publications&status1=issue&mod=d&check=22&try=true Issue Brief No. 19: T-90S ‘Bhishma’]”. Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. URL accessed 2006-07-24.
* Sewell, Stephen "Cookie" (July–August 1998). [https://www.knox.army.mil/center/ocoa/armormag/backissues/1990s/1998/ja98/4sewell98.pdf "Why Three Tanks?"] ''Armor'' 108 (4):21. (PDF format)
* Zaloga, Steven and David Markov (2000), ''Russia's T-80U Main Battle Tank'', Hong Kong: Concord, ISBN 962-361-656-2.

==External links==
{{commons}}
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20071231132856/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Images-MBT6.html T-90S Main Battle Tank]—Bharat Rakshak
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20080214223841/http://www.uvz.ru/eng/ Uralvagonzavod], manufacturer's English-language home page ([http://www.uvz.ru/rus/index_1024.htm Russian], [http://web.archive.org/web/20071013161539/http://www.uvz.ru/eng/edata/euvz/eprodukt/mprod/t_90.htm T-90 English page])
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/t-90.htm The T-90 tank by the Federation of American Scientists]
* [http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/T-90S.htm T-90S Main Battle Tank] at the Armor Site
* [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/t90/ T-90S Project Details] at Army-technology.com
* [http://www.rbs.ru/exhibition/uralexpoarms/2000/video/t90.mpg Main battle tank T-90: Firing sample]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/t-90.htm Main battle tank T-90] at GlobalSecurity.org
* [http://armour.ws/russian-t-90-tank/ T-90 Main Battle Tank]

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[[Category:Main battle tanks of Russia]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of India]]
[[Category:Tanks with autoloaders]]
[[Category:Main battle tanks of the post–Cold War period]]

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Revision as of 00:25, 1 December 2011

T-90
T-90A of the Russian Army
TypeMain battle tank
Place of origin Russian Federation
Service history
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerKartsev-Venediktov
ManufacturerUralvagonzavod
Unit cost$2.77 - 4.25 million USD in 2011 (varies by source)[1]
Produced1995–present
Specifications
Mass47.5 tonnes (46.7 long tons; 52.4 short tons)
Length9.63 m (31 ft 7 in)
Width3.78 m (12 ft 5 in)
Height2.22 m (7 ft 3 in)
Crew3

ArmorSteel-composite-reactive blend vs APFSDS: 545 mm + 250-280mm with Kontakt-5 = 800-830mm; vs HEAT: 650 mm + 500-700mm with Kontakt-5 = 1,150-1,350mm[2]
Main
armament
125 mm smoothbore gun with ATGM capability; mainly 9M119 Svir
Secondary
armament
7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm NSV anti-aircraft gun, 12.7 mm Kord machine gun
EngineModel 84 V-84 12-cyl. diesel

V-92 12-cyl. diesel
V-96 12-cyl. diesel
840 hp (618 kW) for V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine
950 hp (736 kW) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine

1,250 hp (930 kW) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
Power/weight18.1 hp/tonne (13.5 kW/tonne) for V-84 12-cyl. diesel engine

20.4 hp/tonne (15.8 kW/tonne) for V-92 12-cyl. diesel engine

23.7 hp/tonne (19.8 kW/tonne) for V-96 12-cyl. diesel engine
Suspensiontorsion bar
Operational
range
550–650 km (340–400 mi) (depending on type of engine)
Maximum speed 60–65 km/h (37–40 mph) (depending on type of engine)

The T-90 is a Russian third-generation main battle tank that is a modernisation of the T-72 (it was originally to be called the T-72BU, later renamed to T-90). It is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Naval Infantry. Although a development of the T-72, the T-90 uses a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore tank gun, 1G46 gunner sights, a new engine, and thermal sights. Standard protective measures include a blend of Steel, Composite armour, and Kontakt-5 explosive-reactive armor, laser warning receivers, Nakidka camouflage and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. The EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse (EMP) creator is used in testing but not fitted to T-90s in active service.[3] It is designed and built by Uralvagonzavod, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia.

Development

By 1992, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it could no longer afford to manufacture two main battle tanks in parallel.[4] Since both the "quality" T-80U and the cheaper "quantity" T-72B were being built at different plants, and each plant was critical to the economy of its city, the government gave small orders to both. Omsk built five T-80Us and Nizhny Tagil built fifteen T-72s, and both built more in the hopes of winning large export orders. Nizhny Tagil had built a few T-72BMs, T-72Bs upgraded with a third generation add-on explosive reactive armour (ERA) called Kontakt-5, which was already in service on the T-80U.[4]

To further improve the T-72's export prospects and its chances of being selected as Russia's sole production MBT, the T-80U's more sophisticated fire control system was also added to produce a vehicle designated T-72BU. The T-90 was developed by the Kartsev-Venediktov Design Bureau at the Uralvagonzavod factory in Nizhny Tagil. The production model is based on the T-72BM, with some added features from the T-80 series.[4]

The T-90 with an 830 hp (620 kW) engine went into low-level production in 1993, based on a prototype designated T-88. It features a new generation of Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor on its hull and turret. Of conventional layout, the T-90 represents a major upgrade to every system in the T-72, including the main gun.[4] The T-90S have been identified as export model. The references to a T-90E appear to be unsubstantiated.[4] The T-90 is fitted with a "three-tiered" protection system: the first tier is the composite armour in the turret, second tier is third generation Kontakt-5 ERA and third tier is a Shtora-1 countermeasures suite.[4]

T-90's were used for the first time during the Invasion of Dagestan in 1999.

Models
  • T-90: Original production model.
  • T-90K: Command version of the T-90.[5][6]
  • T-90E: Export version of T-90 MBT.
  • T-90A: Russian army version with welded turret, V-92S2 engine and ESSA thermal viewer. Sometimes called T-90 Vladimir.[7]
  • T-90S: Export version of T-90A. Sometimes called T-90C (Cyrillic letter es looks like a Latin c). Tanks are found with two different turret armour arrays.
  • T-90SK: Command version of the T-90S. It differs in radio and navigation equipment and Ainet remote-detonation system for HEF rounds.[5][6][7]
  • T-90S "Bhishma": modified T-90S in Indian service.
  • T-90M: Prototype version featuring new explosive reactive armour (ERA) Relikt, new 1,250 PS (920 kW) engine, new improved turret and composite armor, new gun, new thermal imaging Catherine-FC from THALES, an enhanced environmental control system supplied by Israel’s Kinetics Ltd for providing cooled air to the fighting compartment, integrated tactical system, satellite navigation and others.[8]
  • T-90MS: Production version of the T-90M. PK PAN with IR camera, and PNM Sosna-U gunner view, 7.62mm turret UDP T05BV-1 RWS, GLONASS+inertial navigation, explosive reactive armour (ERA) Relikt
Derivatives
  • BREM-72: Armoured recovery vehicle.
  • MTU-90: Bridge layer tank with MLC50 bridge.
  • IMR-3: Combat engineer vehicle.
  • BMR-3: Mine clearing vehicle.

Production and service history

A T-90 during a military exercise in Russia, demonstrating underwater driving

The Russian Defence Ministry made a selection of a single Main Battle Tank (MBT) in 1995.[4] The T-80 was more expensive and its delicate, fuel-hungry gas turbine engine provided a questionable advantage. It was also notorious for showing how poor the older T-80BV tanks were in urban combat in the First Chechen War.[9]

By September 1995, some 107 T-90 tanks had been produced, located in the Siberian Military District.[10] By mid-1996 some 107 T-90s had gone into service in the Far Eastern Military District.[11]

1999 saw the appearance of a new model of T-90, featuring the fully welded turret of the Object 187 experimental MBT instead of the original T-90's cast turret. This new model is called "Vladimir" in honour of T-90 Chief Designer Vladimir Potkin, who died in 1999. It is unknown how this design affects the protection and layout of the turret, or whether the tank's hull armour layout was changed.

Russian Army T-90A during a training exercise.

The T-90A saw combat action during the 1999 Chechen invasion of Dagestan. According to Moscow Defense Brief, one T-90 was hit by seven RPG anti-tank rockets but remained in action. The journal concludes that with regular equipment T-90A seems to be the best protected Russian tank, especially if the Shtora and Arena defensive protection systems are integrated in it.[12]

In 2007, there were about 334 T-90 tanks serving in the Russian Ground Forces' 5th Guards Tank Division, stationed in the Siberian Military District, and seven T-90 tanks in the Navy.[13] Some 31 new T-90 tanks were expected to enter service in 2007, and 60 in 2008.[13]

The Russian Federal Service for Defense Contracts (Rosoboronzakaz) announced in July 2008 that a new tank (which rumour has previously referred to as the T-95) was due to be introduced in 2009, but development was cancelled in May 2010.[14]

Russia is developing a new Universal Combat Platform T-99 Armada to be ready for use by 2015. It is expected to have a more powerful engine, improved armor, main gun and autoloader, with ammunition storage separated from the crew.[15] However until then Russian Army will update all existing tanks T-72, T-80 and T-90 to prolong their service lives for years to come.

Export

India

Indian Army's T-90 Bhishma tanks take part in a military training exercise in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. Note that the tanks have two different turret armour arrays.

In 2001, India bought 310 T-90S tanks from Russia, of which 120 were delivered complete, 90 in semi-knocked down kits, and 100 in completely knocked down kits. The T-90 was selected because it is a direct development of the T-72 which India already employs with 60 % logistics commonality with T-90 simplifying training and maintenance. India bought the T-90 after the delay in production of the domestically developed Arjun main battle tank, and to counter Pakistani deployment of the Ukrainian T-80UD in 1995–97. These tanks were made by Uralvagonzavod and the uprated 1,000 hp (750 kW) engines were delivered by Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. These tanks however did not feature the Shtora-1 passive/active protection system though there are reports that a separate contract for shipment of a modernized version of this suite is being discussed.[16]

A follow-on contract, worth $800 million, was signed on October 26, 2006, for another 330 T-90M "Bhishma" MBTs that were to be manufactured in India by Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi, Tamil Nadu.

The T-90M Bhishma is a customised, improved version of the T-90S which India developed with assistance from Russia and France all of whom India has very close ties with. (Bhishma was an Invincible & Immortal warrior from ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata). The tanks are equipped with the French-THALES-built Catherine-FC thermal sights[17] and utilizes Russian Kontakt-5 K-5 explosive reactive armored plates.[18] Kontakt-5 (K-5) ERA in its export variant provides a protection level of 1,2 [20%] against Kinetic Energy (APFSDS) rounds and 1,7-1,8 [70 %] against Chemical Energy rounds (Tandem HEAT). Semi-active baffle plates and ceramic layers with high tensile proprieties are employed in T-90 base Armour. Even more advanced Armour composition was implemented in the welded turrets of domestic T-90 and on export T-90 Bhishma for India. In several tests conducted in front of Indian delegation using latest foreign ammunitions (APFSDS) of the M829A2/KEW-A2 type conducted from 250 meters against T-90S devoid of the normal built-in explosive reactive armor (ERA) Kontakt-5 (K-5) resulted in the turret being completely impenetrable. This absolute resiliency to enemy fire resulted at the end, as one of the most crucial selling point for T-90 Bhishma MBT to India.[19]

In April 2008, the Indian Army sent request for proposals to Rafael, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Rosoboronexport, Saab, and Germany’s IBD Deisenroth Engineering for an active protection system for the T-90S Bhishma. The contract is expected to be worth US$270 million .[20] Saab's LEDS-150 has won the contract.[21]

A third contract, worth $1.23 billion, was signed in December 2007 for 347 upgraded T-90Ms, the bulk of which will be license-assembled by HVF. The Army hopes to field a force of over 21 regiments of T-90 tanks and 40 regiments of modified T-72s. The Indian Army would begin receiving its first T-90M main battle tank (MBT) in completely knocked-down condition from Russia’s Nizhny Tagil-based Uralvagonzavod JSC by the end of 2009.[22][23]

The T-90M features the ‘Kaktus K-6’ bolted explosive reactive armour (ERA) package on its frontal hull and turret-top (the T-90S has ‘Kontakt-5’ ERA), is fitted with an enhanced environmental control system supplied by Israel’s Kinetics Ltd for providing cooled air to the fighting compartment, has additional internal volume for housing the cryogenic cooling systems for new-generation thermal imagers like the THALES-built Catherine-FC thermal imager (operating in the 8-12 micrometre bandwidth).[22] In all, India plans to have 1,640 T-90 tanks in service by 2018-2020.[24]

The first batch of 10 license built T-90M "Bhishma" was inducted into the Indian army on 24 August 2009. These vehicles were built at the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi, Tamil Nadu.

Other

The Cyprus House Defense Committee approved funds in January 2009 for the purchase of 41 Russian-built T-90 tanks. The money is included as part of the 2009 defense budget. Cyprus already operates the Russian-made T-80 tank.[25] In March 2010 it was reported that Cyprus had opted for 41 additional T-80s instead of purchasing T-90s.[26]

Anonymous Venezuelan defense sources say that president Hugo Chavez “wants to replace his army's obsolete AMX-30 main battle tanks with between 50 and 100 Russian-built T-90 main battle tanks,” according to an October 2008 article by analyst Jack Sweeney.[27] In September, 2009 a deal was announced for 92 T-72s only.[28]

Algeria was said in June 2006 to be negotiating a large arms contract which would include some type of Russian tanks.[29] Saudi Arabia was reported, in July 2008, by Russian daily Kommersant to be in negotiations to buy 150 T-90 tanks.[30] Lebanese Defence Minister Elias El Murr met with Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov in December 2008, when they discussed the possibility of a transfer of military equipment including T-90 tanks.[31][32]

In February 2010, an arms deal was signed between Libya and Russia. Details of the sale were not immediately released, but a Russian diplomat stated that Libya had wanted 20 fighter planes, air defense systems, and may also be interested in purchasing 'several dozen' T-90s, and modernizing a further 140 T-72s. However after Libya's crackdown on anti-Libyan protesters in early 2011, the United Nations has enacted a international arms embargo on Libya and so any Russian Arms deals are now canceled.[33][34]

Design

Armament

T-90 tanks featuring 2A46M 125 mm smoothbore tank gun, NSV 12.7 mm AA machine gun and PKT 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.

The T-90's main armament is the 2A46M 125 mm smoothbore tank gun. This is a highly modified version of the Sprut anti-tank gun, and is the same gun used as the main armament on the T-80-series tanks. It can be replaced without dismantling the inner turret and is capable of firing armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT-FS), and high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) ammunition, as well as 9M119M Refleks anti-tank guided missiles. The Refleks missile has semi-automatic laser beam-riding guidance and a tandem hollow-charge HEAT warhead. It has an effective range of 100 m to 6 km, and takes 17.5 seconds to reach maximum range. Refleks can penetrate about 950 millimetres (37 in) of steel armour and can also engage low-flying air targets such as helicopters.[4]

The NSV 12.7mm (12.7x108) remotely controlled anti-aircraft Heavy machine gun can be operated from within the tank by the commander and has a range of 2km and a cyclic rate of fire of 700-800 rounds per minute with 300 rounds available (the NSV was replaced by the Kord heavy machine gun in the late 1990's). The PKT 7.62mm (7.62x54mm R) coaxial machine gun weighs about 10.5 kg while the ammunition box carries 250 rounds (7000 rounds carried) and weighs an additional 9.5 kg.[4]

Like other modern Russian tanks the 2A46M in the T-90 is fed by an automatic loader which removes the need for a manual loader in the tank and reduces the crew to 3 (commander, gunner, and driver). The autoloader can carry 22 ready-to-fire rounds in its carousel and can load a round in 5–8 seconds.[4] It has been suggested that the automatic loaders on modern T-90 tanks have been modified to take advantage of newer ammunition such as the 3BM-44M APFSDS, which like the US M829A3 penetrates armour better than the previous shorter rounds. HEAT rounds that can be fired from the 2A46M includes the 3BK21B (with a Depleted uranium liner), 3BK29 (with a credited penetration of 800 mm RHA equivalency), and the 3BK29M (with a Triple-tandem charge warhead). Additionally the T-90 features the Ainet fuse setting system which allows the tank to detonate 3OF26 HE-FRAG rounds at a specific distance from the tank as determined by the gunners laser rangefinder, improving it's performance against helicopters and infantry.[35]

Fire-control system on the T-90 includes the PNK-4S/SR AGAT day and night sighting system mounted at the commanders station which allows for night time detection of a tank sized target at ranges between 700 and 1100 meters depending on the version of the sight. Early models of the T-90 were equipped with the TO1-KO1 BURAN sight but later models (T-90S) were upgraded to use the ESSA thermal imaging sight, which allows for accurate firing to a range of 5000–8000 m using the CATHERINE-FC thermal camera produced by Thales Optronique. The gunner is also provided with the 1G46 day sighting system which includes a laser range finder, missile guidance channel and allows tank-sized targets to be detected and engaged at 5 to 8 kilometres (3.1 to 5.0 mi). The driver users a TVN-5 day and night sight.[4] In 2010, Russia started licensed production of Thales-developed Catherine FC thermal imaging cameras for T-90M tanks, a Russian daily said.[36] These thermal imagers are also present on T-90M "Bhishma" build in India under license.[22]

Mobility

T-90 engine.

Different models of the T-90 tank are powered by the V-84MS 618 kW (840 hp) four-stroke V-12 piston engine, uprated 1,000 hp (750 kW) engines and 1,250 hp (930 kW) engines made by Uralvagonzavod and are delivered by Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The Т-90S with 1,000 hp (750 kW) engine can attain a top speed of 60 km/h on the road and up to 45 km/h on rough terrain. T-90 tank has classic arrangement of transmission, with rear placed engine and transmission. The 1,000 hp (750 kW) engines are V-92 four stroke, 12 cylinder, multi-fuel diesel while 1,250 hp (930 kW) engine is V-96. The T-90 export version i.e. modified T-90S is fitted with increased power multi-fuel 1,000-h.p. diesel engine with gas turbine injection. The tank is also fitted with air conditioning system for work in high temperature zones.[22]

Protection

T-90S Bhishma of Indian Army is fitted only with a "two-tiered" protection system: the first tier is the composite armour in the turret, second tier is third generation Kontakt-5 ERA.
T-90 turret fitted with third generation Kontakt-5 ERA.

The T-90 is fitted with a "three-tiered" protection systems. The first tier is the composite armour in the turret, consisting of basic armour shell with an insert of alternating layers of aluminum and plastics and a controlled deformation section.[4]

The second tier is third generation Kontakt-5 ERA (explosive reactive armor) which significantly degrades the penetrating power of kinetic-energy APFSDS ammunition and also these ERA blocks give the turret its distinctive angled "clam shell" appearance. ERA bricks are also located on the turret roof and provide protection from top-attack weapons. The turret's forward armour package in addition to the ERA and steel plating contains a composite filler sandwiched of Russian composite armour between upper and lower steel plates, the composite armour results in a lower weight and improved protection when compared with steel-only armour.[4]

The third tier is a Shtora-1 (Russian: Штора-1 or "curtain" in English) countermeasures suite, produced by Elektromashina of Russia. This system includes two electro-optical/IR "dazzlers" on the front of the turret(which gives the distinct Red Eyes), four Laser warning receivers, two 3D6 aerosol grenade discharging systems and a computerized control system. The Shtora-1 warns the tank's crew when the tank has been 'painted' by a weapon-guidance laser and allows the crew to slew the turret to face the threat. The infrared jammer, the TShU1-7 EOCMDAS, jams the semiautomatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system of some anti-tank guided missiles. The aerosol grenades are automatically launched after Shtora detects that it has been painted. The aerosol grenades are used to mask the tank from laser rangefinders and designators as well as the optics of other weapons systems. Indian T-90S tanks are not equipped with the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite.[4]

In addition to the passive and active protection systems the T-90 is also fitted with nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection equipment, KMT mine sweeps and an automatic fire fighting system.[4] The EMT-7 electromagnetic-counter mine system can also be installed on the T-90.[37] EMT-7 emits an electromagnetic pulse to disable magnetic mines and disrupt electronics before the tank reaches them. The Nakidka signature reduction suite is also available for the T-90. Nakidka is designed to reduce the probabilities of an object to be detected by Infrared, Thermal, Radar-Thermal, and Radar bands.[38]

During a reported test conducted by the Russian military in 1999 the T-90 was exposed to a variety of RPG, ATGM and APFSDS munitions. When equipped with Kontakt-5 ERA the T-90 could not be penetrated by any of the APFSDS or ATGM used during the trial and outperformed a T-80U which also took part.[39] During combat operations in Dagestan, there were witness accounts of one T-90 sustaining seven hits from RPGs, and remaining in action.[40]

Operators

  •  Algeria: Algeria purchased 180 T-90SA tanks. 102 of the 180 were in service by 2007/2008, and the remainder are to be delivered by 2011.[41]
  •  India: India currently operates up to 620 T-90 which were procured in three separate orders. Two batches (310 tanks and knockdown kits in 2000 and a further 300 in 2006[42]) were purchased from Russia. It is unknown whether the second batch of Russian tanks has been completed. A further 1,000 were to be produced locally by 2020. Of those, the first batch of 10 were delivered in August 2009.[43][44]
  •  Russia: Russia operates 436 T-90A and 266 T-90s as of 2011.[45]
  •  Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is buying 150 T-90S main battle tanks and helicopters in a $2 billion weapons deal.[46]
  •  Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan has ordered 10 T-90S tanks in 2009 for approximately $30 million.[47][48]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Denial of Defense Procurement MBT T-90 is not connected with the qualitative characteristics of this sample of military equipment - Ministry of Industry of the Russian Federation". Arms-Tass. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 19 March 2011.
  2. ^ "T-90". Fas.org. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
  3. ^ Zaloga, Steven (1993). T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974-93. Reading: Osprey Publishing. p. 45. ISBN 9781855323384.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "T-90". globalsecurity.org.
  5. ^ a b "T-90 Rosja". pancerni.net (in Polish).[unreliable source?]
  6. ^ a b "T-90". militarium.net (in Polish).
  7. ^ a b "Main Battle Tank - T-90/T90S/T90C". armorsite.
  8. ^ [1][dead link]
  9. ^ Zaloga 2000, p 3.
  10. ^ Warford, James M (September–October 1997). The Russian T-90S: Coming into Focus (PDF). US Army. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help), quoting Russian newspaper sources
  11. ^ T-90. Federation of American Scientists. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  12. ^ Pashin, Alexander. "Russian Army Operations and Weaponry During Second Military Campaign in Chechnya". Moscow Defense Brief (3/2002). Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
  13. ^ a b "T-90/S MBT".
  14. ^ "Ares Homepage". Aviationweek.com. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  15. ^ "Russian army to start receiving new-generation tanks in 2014". En.rian.ru. 2001-09-11. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  16. ^ "T-90 Main Battle Tank". Vasiliy Fofanov's Modern Russian Armor Page.
  17. ^ Dunnigan, James. "Get the T-90s Out of the Kitchen", StrategyPage, June 24, 2006.
  18. ^ "T-90S "Bhishma"" (PDF). ipcs.org. 2004-02-01.
  19. ^ "The situation in the domestic tank building, truth and fiction Tarasenko, S. Tupitsyn". Arms and equipment yesterday, today and tomorrow, 2006 page 10-15. 2006-11-01.
  20. ^ India changes its top defence supplier[unreliable source?]
  21. ^ Prasun K Sengupta (2009-01-28). "TRISHUL: India's 'Born Again' T-90M MBT". Trishulgroup.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  22. ^ a b c d John Pike. "T-90 Bhisma". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
  23. ^ © RIA Novosti Dmitry Korobeinikov (2009-08-24). "Indian army receives first T-90 tanks made under Russian license | Top Russian news and analysis online | 'RIA Novosti' newswire". En.beta.rian.ru. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
  24. ^ "Armor: The Frugal T-90". Strategypage.com. 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
  25. ^ Greek-Cypriots to Buy Russian Tanks, Considering Missile Purchases[dead link], Forecast International, January 9, 2009.
  26. ^ "Новую оружейную сделку с Россией обнародовал Кипр" (in Russian). Kommersant. 2010-03-13. Retrieved 2010-03-17.
  27. ^ Jack Sweeney “Venezuela buys Russian aircraft, tanks to boost power”. UPI.com, 15 October 2008.
  28. ^ "Venezuela Will Load Urals Defence Plants With Work". Rus Business News. 2009-09-16. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  29. ^ Algerian Arms Deal Brings Russia $7.5 billion, Gas Market Leverage — March 15, 2006, Defence Industry Daily
  30. ^ Faulconbridge, Guy (July 15, 2008). "Saudi offers Russia arms deal to curb Iran ties" (Document). ReutersTemplate:Inconsistent citations {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |archivedate= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |archiveurl= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  31. ^ "Lebanese press round-up: December 17, 2008". An-nahar Newspaper - Local News. NOW Lebanon. December 17, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  32. ^ Ronen, Gil (December 17, 2008). "Russia to Sell Lebanon Advanced Jets 'at Discount'". IsraelNN. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  33. ^ "Libya strikes billion-dollar Russian arms deal". AFP. 2010-01-30.
  34. ^ "Libya, Russia agree $1.8-billion arms deal: Putin". Reuters. 2010-01-30.
  35. ^ "125mm APERS And Special Rounds". Fofanov.armor.kiev.ua. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  36. ^ "Russia to start licensed production of foreign military equipment | Defense | RIA Novosti". En.rian.ru. 2010-05-21. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
  37. ^ "EMT-7 electromagnetic countermine system (Russian Federation)". Janes.com. 2011-06-20. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  38. ^ [2][dead link]
  39. ^ "20.10.1999 T-80U and T-90 Protection Trials (Vasily Fofanov)". Archived from the original on January 29, 2008.[unreliable source?]
  40. ^ Alexander Pashin. "Russian Army Operations and Weaponry During Second Military Campaign in Chechnya". Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009.
  41. ^ Vasiliy Fofanov. "T-90 Main Battle Tank". Retrieved 2009-11-07.
  42. ^ "T-90S Main Battle Tank, Russia". Army-Technology.com.
  43. ^ "Indian Army inducts first indigenous T-90 tanks". ThaiindianNews.
  44. ^ "Army to acquire nearly 1000 additional T-90 tanks by 2020". 2006-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-03.
  45. ^ "T-90/S MBT". Warfare.ru. 2010-09-05. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  46. ^ http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/390/ [unreliable source?]
  47. ^ "EurasiaNet News Briefs - Turkmenistan: Berdymukhamedov Mulls Russian Hi-Tech Deals". Eurasianet.org. 2009-12-09. Retrieved 2010-02-07.
  48. ^ "Procurement (Turkmenistan) - Sentinel Security Assessment - Russia And The CIS". Janes.com. 2009-10-21. Retrieved 2010-02-07.

References

  • Mallika, Joseph (2004) “Issue Brief No. 19: T-90S ‘Bhishma’”. Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. URL accessed 2006-07-24.
  • Sewell, Stephen "Cookie" (July–August 1998). "Why Three Tanks?" Armor 108 (4):21. (PDF format)
  • Zaloga, Steven and David Markov (2000), Russia's T-80U Main Battle Tank, Hong Kong: Concord, ISBN 962-361-656-2.