Formal Technical Complaint: T-80UE-1 Performance Discrepancies and Ammunition Anachronism

Machinery of War Discussion Ground Vehicle
,
1

To the War Thunder Development and Balance Team,
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding the current combat state of the T-80UE-1 (Object 219AS-1). After extensive operational use (over 300matches), it has become clear that the vehicle suffers from critical technical inaccuracies in both its ammunition lethality (post-penetration) and its historical loadout.
I. Technical Discrepancy: 3BM46 Post-Penetration “Shatter” Bug
The primary issue is the 3BM46 (Svinets-1) APFSDS. In the current game build, its post-penetration spalling performance is significantly inferior to lower-caliber and older projectiles.
• The Issue: Penetrations frequently result in a “zero-spall” effect, failing to disable crew or components even when striking vital areas.
• The Request: I urge the technical team to re-examine the Long-Rod Spall Multiplier applied to the 3BM46. There is a high probability that the shell is using an incorrect damage model or is suffering from a script error inherited from legacy 125mm short-rod projectiles.
II. Historical Inconsistency: The Absence of 3BM60
While the M1A1 HC (a 1990s variant) has been granted the M829A2, the T-80UE-1 (a 2005 modernization) remains restricted to the 1991-era 3BM46. This is a clear historical anachronism.
Based on verified Russian military-technical documentation, the T-80UE-1 is mechanically fully capable of utilizing 3BM60 (Svinets-2). Please refer to the following authorities:

  1. Main Armament: «125-мм танковые пушки 2А46М-4 и 2А46М-5. Техническое описание и инструкция по эксплуатации»
    • Fact: The 2A46M-4 gun was specifically designed with a reinforced breech to handle high-pressure Svinets-series rounds.
  2. Autoloader Capability: «Модернизированный автомат заряжания 6ЭК43-2С (изделие 219АС-1)»
    • Fact: This specific autoloader model used in the T-80UE-1 has an expanded cassette capacity of 740mm. The 3BM60 (Svinets-2) total round length is ~735mm, making it physically compatible.
  3. Service Timeline: The T-80UE-1 was adopted by the Russian Federation in 2005, a period where the 3BM60 was already the standard high-performance round for modernized 125mm systems.
    III. Conclusion
    The current “first-shot disadvantage” caused by faulty spalling models and an outdated ammo loadout forces the T-80UE-1 into an unrealistic and frustrating gameplay loop that contradicts War Thunder’s commitment to realism.
    I request a rigorous review of:
  4. The 3BM46 spalling formula to fix the lack of post-penetration damage.
  5. The addition of the 3BM60 (Svinets-2) to the T-80UE-1 to maintain parity with its Western counterparts (e.g., M1A1 HC with M829A2).
    We expect a data-driven correction to ensure the T-80UE-1 performs according to its historical and technical design specifications.
    Regards,

A Dedicated War Thunder Player & Military Technical Enthusiast

Thank you for your patience.

2

Personally, I don’t think this tank should have the 3BM60, as it’s a tank five years older than that round. What should be reviewed as soon as possible is the damage model, because, as you say, and this happens in every nation, there are shots that, after penetrating, cause no damage, or, by some mysterious power, that damage prevents them from hitting critical parts, such as the gunner, the ammunition, or the barrel, allowing the enemy to return fire immediately.

3

Belive it or not, this is a commun issue for all solid shot shells (ie with no explosive filler) and is not affecting only 3BM46. AFAIK, it is a sever side issue, which means gaijin won’t fix it, you just have to learn to live with small inconvinence like that, it is just a part of the game at this point.