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T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’
A T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ during the Independence Day parade in Kyiv, 2021. Note: This vehicle features rear cage armor that the BM2 can equip.
- Basic Description :
- The T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’, also known as Object 447AM-2, is an upgraded version of the T-64BM ‘Bulat’ that is designed to improve electronics, armor, and maneuverability and fell under the “Kedr” program. Developed by companies like the Kharkiv Armored Plant which is associated with Ukroboronprom, the T-64BM2 first debuted in 2021 after only 6 months of development time. One of the main focuses of this program was to replace the 850hp 5TDFM Diesel Engine with a higher output engine to power new electronics inside the vehicle while still maintaining a light load on the electronics system. Selected was the 1,000hp 6TD-1 Diesel Engine along with the Manual Transmission from the T-80UD. Fitting the 6TD-1 to the T-64 was revolutionary as it allowed for uniformity between the main tanks used by the Ukrainian Army such as the T-64, T-80 or, T-84. Due to the increase in size of the top of the engine bay, an additional turret ring had to be added to prevent the turret from being caught on the rear engine bay. Other upgrades were the installation of the TPN-1TV 3rd-generation thermal imager for the gunner, the 1G46M Sight to fire the Kombat GL-ATGM, and a new TVNE-4 3rd-generation thermal imager for the Commander. In terms of the protection, the T-64BM2 received newer Nizh-1M explosive reactive armor (ERA) tiles and more of them compared to the standard T-64BM. Not to mention, the T-64BM2 can equip cage armor to help protect the engine compartment and rear of the turret. Other components were the installation of new radios and GPS equipment allowing enhanced communication between combat units. Ways to differentiate the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ versus the original T-64BM ‘Bulat’ is the raised engine deck, rear foldable step ladders, removal of the Luna IR searchlight, and cage armor surrounding the engine bay. The T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ is expected to become the new standard of T-64 modernizations.
- Around 12 tanks were built. The T-64BM2 ‘Bulat is currently in active service with the Ukrainian Army, starting service in 2022, with at least one lost to combat.
- Special thanks to @adamking1 for being the previous suggestion author of the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ post.
- Specifications :
- Role : Main Battle Tank
- Origin :
- Ukraine
- Armament :
- Primary: 125mm KBA3 Smoothbore Gun
- Ammunition:
- APFSDS-T
- HEAT-FS
- HE-FRAG
- GL-ATGM
- Kombat
- Feed System:
- Autoloader, 36rds total.
- Ammunition:
- Coaxial: KT-7.62mm Machine Gun (1,250rds)
- Roof-mounted: KT-12.7mm Machine Gun (300rds)
- Primary: 125mm KBA3 Smoothbore Gun
- Dimensions :
- Length: 9.295m (gun forward)
- Width: 3.560m
- Height: 2.184m
- Weight: 45t
- Mobility :
- Engine: 1,000hp 6TD-1 Diesel Engine
- Max Speed: 65-70km/h
- Transmission: Manual (4-forward, 1-reverse)
- The Transmission is the same utilized in the T-80UD.
- Suspension: Torsion Bar
- Crew :
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- Features :
- Laser Rangefinder
- 8x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
- Rear SLAT/Cage Armor
- Entrenching Blade
- Armor:
- Nizh-1M ERA
- Provides better protection than Kontact-5.
- Nizh-1M ERA
- Optics:
- Gunner: TPN-1-TPV (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
- Commander: TVNE-4 (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
- Driver: TNPO (Day Sight)
- In-game :
- The T-64BM2 Bulat features important upgrades over its base counterpart, the T-64BM Bulat. A new engine, new electronics, and improved armor layout bring it to a level comparable to other MBT’s of its type. Not to mention, 3rd-generation thermal imagers have been installed for both the Gunner and Commander, allowing for increased situational awareness especially in sim battles. The Nizh-1M is superior to Kontact-5, giving the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ an edge in protection over many tanks. One issue that plagues this vehicle as well as several other Ukrainian main battle tanks is the lack of modern APFSDS-T due to using a legacy auto loader. One solution to this is providing the vehicle the Slovakian P99 TAPNA APFSDS-T round which would allow it to fully compete against modern tanks in-game and put it on a level that’s similar to the T-72B3 obr. 2016.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 11.0-11.3
- Sources :
- Tank Encyclopedia - The Online Tank Museum
- https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_tank_heavy_armoured_vehicles_u/t-64bv_main_battle_tank_data_sheet_specifications_information_description_pictures_video.html
- Міноборони замовило 12 модернізованих Т-64 по програмі «Кедр»
- З‘явились нові дані по танку Т-64БМ2 - Мілітарний
- Битва за оновленний Т-64 як танк перехідного періоду: чи побачимо його на параді | Defense Express
- https://www.military-today.com/tanks/t64bm_bulat.htm
- Ukrainian T-64 BM Bulat (2010)
- First T-64BM2 Bulat MBTs parade on Ukrainian Independence Day
- Army Guide
- Модернізація Т-64БМ2 "Булат" проти "Крабу": які шляхи обрали на ХБТЗ та ХКБМ | Defense Express
- Битва за оновленний Т-64 як танк перехідного періоду: чи побачимо його на параді | Defense Express
- Харківський бронетанковий освоїв ремонт Т-64БМ2 - Мілітарний
- The latest version of the modernized T-64BM2 tank for the Armed Forces of Ukraine will begin to be produced in Kharkov
- TVNE-4 MBT - Trimen
- TPN1 TPV - Trimen
- Харківський бронетанковий освоїв ремонт Т-64БМ2 - Мілітарний
Imagery/Media
Images of the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ being constructed in the factory.
The 6TD-1 1,000HP diesel engine being prepared to be fitted into the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’.
More images of the T-64BM2 during the parade.
Firing tests of the T-64BM2 Bulat.
TVNE-4 Thermal Imager for the Commander.
TPN-1-TPV Thermal Imaging Sight for the Gunner.
Different types of Ukrainian-produced ERA and their effectiveness.
P99 TAPNA APFSDS-T round that could be used with the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’.
The ‘Kombat’ GL-ATGM used by the T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’.
ERA Comparison chart.