PT-16 Main Battle Tank: PT-91 Evolved

[Yontzee]

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PT-16 Main Battle Tank: PT-91 Evolved

The PT-16 prototype on display.

• Description :
  • The PT-16 is a modernized version of the Polish-made PT-91 main battle tank that was developed as a joint venture between Poland’s OBRUM and Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom. Unveiled at the MSPO 2016 defense exhibition, the tank features several upgrades over the original PT-91, including a new engine, improved armor, and a modernized fire control system. One of the most significant upgrades of the PT-16 is its new engine. The tank is equipped with a 1,000hp S-1000R diesel engine that provides increased power and improved mobility compared to the original PT-91. This allows the PT-16 to operate more effectively in a variety of terrain and combat situations. In addition to its new engine, the PT-16 features improved armor that provides increased protection against a variety of threats, including anti-tank missiles and small arms fire. The tank’s turret has been modernized with advanced AMAP armor supplied by Germany (that possibly integrates ERAWA ERA) as well as a new fire control system that improves the tank’s accuracy and targeting capabilities. The PT-16 is also equipped with a new 3rd-generation thermal imaging system, the GOC-1, and GOD-1 for both the Gunner and Commander, that provides improved visibility in low-light conditions, as well as an advanced ammunition loading system that is housed in the rear turret bustle, allowing for faster and more efficient reloading of the tank’s main gun, with a rate of fire (RoF) of 12rds/min. Not to mention, this autoloader offers increased crew survivability by housing the ammunition away from the crew compartment. The PT-16 has a crew of three, including a driver, a gunner, and a commander. The tank’s main armament is a 120mm smoothbore gun designated the TGMSB-120 which is developed by Slovakia, that is capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including DM63 armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and DM11 high-explosive airburst (HE-AB) rounds, both of which Poland has procured. It is also likely capable of firing the Ukrainian Konus GL-ATGM. Additional armament includes a KT-7.62mm coaxial machine gun and 12.7mm ZSMU A4 remote control weapon station (RCWS). Overall, the PT-16 represents a significant improvement over the original PT-91 tank, with modernized systems and increased capabilities that make it a formidable weapon on the battlefield. The PT-16 was designed to be a cost effective upgrade to Poland’s T-72M1’s and PT-91 Twardy’s. While it was developed primarily for use by the Polish and Ukrainian militaries, the PT-16 could potentially be sold to other countries in the future, further strengthening its role as an important asset in the defense industry.
  • Special thanks to @ChieftainWarrior for help correcting the primary armament of the PT-16.
• Specifications:
  • Role: Main Battle Tank
  • Origin/Manufacturer:
    • Ukraine - KMDB/Poland - OBRUM
      • Several other companies.
  • Armament:
    • Primary: 120mm TGMSB-120 Smoothbore Gun
      • Ammunition:
        • DM63 APFSDS-T
        • DM11 HE-AB
        • ‘Konus’ GL-ATGM
          • Caliber: 120mm
          • Warhead: Tandem-HEAT
          • Penetration: 700mm of RHA behind ERA
          • Range: 5km
          • Guidance: Laser Beam
          • Weight: 28kg
      • Feed System:
        • Turret-bustle Mounted 22rd Autoloader
        • RoF: 12rds/min
    • Coaxial: 7.62mm Machine Gun
    • Roof-mounted: 12.7mm ZSMU A4 Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: ~7.7m
    • Width: ~3.7m
    • Height: ~2.2m
    • Weight: 45-50t
  • Mobility:
    • Engine: 1,000hp S-1000R Diesel Engine
    • Max Speed: 62km/h
    • Transmission: ESM 350 Automatic
      • Possible due to it being a German made transmission, not confirmed.
    • Suspension: Torsion Bar
  • Crew:
    • Commander
    • Gunner
    • Driver
  • Features:
    • Laser Rangefinder
    • 12x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
    • ESS
    • Entrenching Blade
    • Obra-3 Laser Warning System
    • Armor:
      • Heavy Composite/Applique Armor/AMAP
        • Possibly integrated Polish ERAWA ERA.
      • Rear turret cage armor.
      • Chain protection along the sides of the turret, protecting against HEAT munitions.
    • Optics:
      • Gunner: GOC-1 (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
      • Commander: GOD-1 (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
      • Driver: Day/Night Camera System
  • In-game :
    • With its capabilities, the PT-16 would sit well at Battle Rating 11.3-11.7.
    • An absolute brawler equipped with a powerful main gun with the DM63 APFSDS-T round and armor, the PT-16 would fulfill any mission it’s charged with. Whether it’s flanking, capturing points, or overall close combat brawl, the PT-16 is equipped for the task. The PT-16 is equipped with a Laser Warning System, heavy AMAP composite armor with possible advanced ERA inserts, an advanced turret-bustle based autoloader (significantly protecting the crew vice having the autoloader beneath the crew as standard in older T-series tanks), and more. The vehicle also features 3rd-generation thermals, allowing it to operate in any map in-game effectively.
  • Source(s):
    • http://www.military-today.com/tanks/pt_16.htm
    • https://www.armyrecognition.com/poland_polish_tanks_heavy_armoured_vehicles_uk/pt-16_main_battle_tank_mbt_pt-2016_data_pictures_video.html
    • https://defence-blog.com/poland-develops-new-pt-16-main-battle-tank/
    • MSPO 2016: T-72/PT-91 upgrades proposed (video) | Shephard
    • Below The Turret Ring: Back from the dead: Anders and PT-16
    • Poland Armed Forces Modernization. - Page 4 - Ground Zero - Steelbeasts.com
    • https://defence-blog.com/poland-and-ukraine-jointly-develop-new-main-battle-tank/
    • https://pcosa.com.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/katalog-PCO-eng-web.pdf
    • https://issuu.com/ukrainian_defense_review/docs/udr2
    • PT-16: modernizacja czołgu podstawowego PT-91 Twardy | Nowa Strategia
    • Poland announced the main battle tank PT-16

Imagery

Spoiler

The PT-16 prototypes on display.

PT-16 during assembly.

Smoke banks of the PT-16.

View of the turret top.

Turret armor layout and autoloader.

GOD-1 Commander Panoramic Sight and GOC-1 Gunner Sight utilized on the PT-17.

SSP-1 OBRA-3 Laser Warning System.

[JamesPond1200]

This looks super cool. Would love to have it in the Polish TT. +1

[BasherBenDawg8]

A T-72 that has DM-63 and a 5 second reload. If it has a actual reverse gear like it’s rumored too, than it might just become the most competitive T-series tank in the game at that point…
Also read somewhere, the armor is estimated to provide ~1000mm of KE protection or Chemical protection, is that true? Cant find the info again now sadly…

[WalletWorrier]

Armour is classified unfortunately, but the turret is described as having superior protection compared to the 2A5 and the hull is similar.
The PT-16 does have a good reverse gear getting up to 21km/h in reverse, same as the PT-91A/M

[BasherBenDawg8]

(Seems the ~1000mm thing I read came from someone sourcing wiki… so yeah nvm about that lmaooo)
The gun, reload, and reverse is honestly all it needs. I have a feeling it will easily be one of the best tanks in the game, even if it doesn’t have the best armor there is.

Dm63, + a 5 second autoloader, + and actual reverse gear to take corner shots, is ABSOLUTELY HUGE! If the armor isn’t enough, I see it as it basically trading in the armor to make the firepower department and mobility department that much better. This thing would be hella competitive for a T-series tank at the current state of the game.

[ramy353]

I thought this just had a fake upgrade to represent it, I am not sure if this is similar to the Draco SPAA for Italy situation, where the turret is a mock-up/ fake hopefully I am wrong and this come to game someday!

[Colerend]

PT-16 is an complicated subject. Most sources say that the turret is a mockup made on T-72M1 turret.
There is also the PT-17. That thing is a lot more real.

[ramy353]

I thought both PT-16 and PT-17 had the same problem cause from what I read they are fake tanks that could go into production, maybe op got more information but who knows?

[Colerend]

PT-17 uses the Ukraine modified T-72 turret with actual devices it’s supposed to have. Both the PT-16 and PT-17 use the same hull.

[IN_SPEEDwE_TRUST]

Yeah would love it to see it in visegrad TT

[ramy353]

These vehicles were never tested or made in the prototype configuration they are both PT-16 or PT-17 mockups on working hulls. No new engine, transmission, era, or working gun was installed with the working autoloader. All proof points to mockup tanks I can’t find a single test for either vehicle cause none were conducted but at least Poland got the K2 and hopefully soon the K2 PL when they modify it.
Otherwise, we have to wait for Gaijin to allow paper tanks before we see this.