T-54M: A Living Legacy

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 4:23am

[Would you like to see this in-game?]

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T-54M: A Living Legacy

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The T-54M on display.

Basic Description :
- The T-54M is a modernized T-54 main battle tank that is entering service with the People’s Army of Vietnam. The T-54M or T-54B cải tiến is an modernization program that is a continuation of the original T-54M3 modernization program that occurred in cooperation with Israel’s Elbit Systems back in the 1990’s. The original T-54M3 featured several enhancements of the T-54, including new powerpack, Super Blazer ERA, new L7A1 105mm main gun, fire control system, and more. However due to rising costs, the program was axed with a self-developed program initiated. This program took place in the Z153 Factory and is based off of the T-54M3 program. The new T-54M removes the smoke discharger, 60mm mortar, and replaces the Super Blazer ERA with a indigenously developed 2nd-generation ERA that is capable of stopping around 500mm of penetration from HEAT-shaped charges. The L7A1 105mm gun was scrapped and the original D-10T2S 100mm gun was retained due to the large stock of Soviet-era munitions. A thermal sleeve was added to increase barrel longevity. These indigenous upgrades significantly decreased the weight of the upgrade package to around 1 ton. The tank is equipped with a Spanish TIFC-3BU fire control system developed by Indra that includes a variety of new optics and sensors including a fully stabilized Gunner’s Thermal Imager, Laser Rangefinder, digital fire control/ballistics computer, atmospheric/attitude sensors, tilt sensors, and more. Other upgrades include new communications equipment developed by Viettel as well as a new powerpack/transmission. Not much is known of the powerpack. Successful testing occurred with the T-54M showing capabilities of firing on the move or operating at night. The T-54M entered production/modernization with around 5x in service with the Vietnamese Army. A total of 310 have been ordered.
- “Special thanks to @Bigboi_SaiGon for his assistance in making this suggestion! Please credit him as well”.
Specifications:
- Role: Main Battle Tank
- Origin:
  - Vietnam
- Armament:
  - Primary: 100mm D-10T2S Rifled Gun
    - Caliber: 100 x 695mmR
    - Ammunition:
      - 3BM25 APFSDS-T
      - 3BM8 APDS
      - BR412D APHEBC
      - 3BK17M HEAT-FS
      - OF-412G HE-FRAG
      - 3D3 Smoke
  - Coaxial: PKT 7.62mm Machine Gun
  - Roof-mounted: DShKM 12.7mm Machine Gun
- Dimensions:
  - Length: 9.00m
  - Width: 3.37m
  - Height: 2.40m
  - Weight: ~40t
- Mobility :
  - Engine: Unknown, possible 1,000hp MTU 881 Diesel Engine
  - Max Speed: 50km/h
  - Transmission: Unknown, Ukrainian in origin.
  - Suspension: Torsion Bar
Crew:
- Commander
- Gunner
- Loader
- Driver
Features:
- TSGS-54BU Integrated Laser Rangefinder
- ESS
- Armor:
  - Indigenous 2nd-generation ERA which is capable of stopping 9M14 Malyutka ATGM’s or around 500mm of penetration.
  - B41/RPG-7 Cage Armor on rear of turret.
  - Anti-RADAR coating.
- Optics:
  - Gunner: TSGS-54BU w/ Thermal Viewer
  - Commander: Passive IR
    - Capable of controlling Gunner’s Station.
  - Driver: Passive IR
In-game :
- Breathing new life into the old T-54, the T-54M carries several new capabilities that enhance its overall firepower, mainly the new fire control system and laser rangefinder. The T-54M is capable of firing all the munitions of the T-54-series MBT, and the capability to fight at range and at night. The T-54M features a stabilized main gun and the capability of the Commander of assuming Gunnery duties in the event of system error or Gunner incapacitation. The T-54M however lacks smoke grenades and must rely on its Smoke rounds and ESS capabilities in order to conceal itself.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 8.7.
Sources: