- Yes, as a tech tree vehicle.
- Yes, as an event vehicle.
- Yes, as a squadron vehicle.
- Yes, as a premium vehicle.
- No
- China.
- Soviet.
- Israel.
- Japan (ASEAN Subtree).
- I said no.
- 9.3
- 9.7
- 10.0
- 10.3
- 10.7
- 11.0
- I said no.
This is a suggestion for the T-54M3 prototype upgrade by Elbit System to the PAVN fleet of T-54/55.
History:
Spoiler
In late 1990s, Vietnam sought to upgrade their fleet of approximately 850 outdated T-54, T-55, and Type 59 tanks. They turned to Israel for assistance, and at an unspecified date and location in Israel, Vietnamese representatives were presented with an example of the Tiran-5Sh.The Vietnamese were impressed and express interested in asking Israel for an upgraded prototype T-54. Unfortunately, delay and push back from the PAVN slowed the request.
In 2009, Vietnam requested a prototype upgrade for the T-54/55 from Elbit Systems, based on their previous work on the Slovenian M-55S1 and help from Nimda. The new prototype from Elbit, distinguished by the serial no.153, featured various modifications and a new three-tone camouflage scheme that was never used by the IDF or the PAVN.
Elbit replaced the 100mm D-10T2S cannon with a 105mm cannon of unknown origin, which could be the L7, M68, or IMI M64 L71A, and equipped it with a thermal sleeve. This 105mm cannon could fire any NATO ammunition, but it is unknown which rounds the PAVN would use, as they opted to retain the original 100mm cannon in the production variant. It is possible that Israel have imported some M428 for testing. The tank was also equipped with a new Indra Sistemas TIFCS-3BU FCS with a two-plane stabilizer, TSGS-54BU laser rangefinder, 3rd Gen thermal camera, NVD with cooled 3-5 µm or uncooled 8-12 µm range. The commander could also see the gunner’s sight, aim, and shoot. The servo system was upgraded for faster traverse.
The PKT machine gun was retained, while the DShK was replaced by an NSV. A 60mm mortar was mounted to the left, capable of firing flares, smoke, and anti-infantry fragmentation shells. A MAWS6056B meteorological sensor was mounted on the roof to measure wind speed, direction, ambient temperature, and atmospheric pressure, which could be lowered or raised and transmitted to other vehicles. The old radio system was replaced with a new RF2050 radio system.
The vehicle also featured two IMI CL-3030 IS-6 smoke launcher systems mounted on the rear side of the turret, with 12 smoke grenades (six per side) connected to a LWR that would automatically launch a smokescreen. It was also able to use ESS.
The front hull was to mount Super Blazer ERA similar to the M55S and turret were fitted with unknow ERA (could be SLERA) capable of stopping 9K111 Fagot or 9M113 Konkurs missiles. Slat armor was fitted to the back, with Venus Hair Ferns on the lower side. Composite skirts were mounted on the sides of the hull, and the surface was covered with anti-reflection coating and low IR paint.
With all the upgrades, the vehicle is now estimated to weigh around 40 tons. Consequently, the engine was switched to a new 1000 hp model of unknown German origin, possibly the MTU MT 881, 1000 hp @ 2700 rpm. The gearbox and transmission are of Ukrainian origin, though their specific models are unknown. The driver got a driving computer to calculate tilt and speed, as well as a new hydraulic power steering system.
The T-54M3 was successfully tested in 2011. However, with an estimated cost of $3-4 million per unit, it was only slightly cheaper than a T-90S or T-90SK. As a result, the production variant was simplified which you can read about here: T-54M or T-54B Cải Tiến. A total of 3 prototype were built with 1 by Elbit System and 2 by factory Z153.
Specifications:
Spoiler
Dimensions (L/W/H): 9.00 x 3.37 x 2.40 m
Weight: ~41 tons
Crew: 4 (driver, commander, gunner and loader)
Speed: ~55 km/h
Engine: N/A 1,000hp German engine, possible MTU 881 1000 hp @ 2700 rpm
Transmission: N/A Ukraine origin
Suspension: Torsion Bar
Armament:
Spoiler
1x 105mm of unknown origin (N/A ammo but the PAVN would likely purchase ammunition from Israel, potentially gaining access to the M428 SWORD.) (Capacity: 34, based on the Tiran-4S)
1x 7.62mm PKT
1x 12.7mm NSV
2x CL-3030 IS-6 (12 smoke grenade, fire a pair of of grenade per shot, up to 6 shot).
1x 60 mm Soltam Mortar.
In game:
This would be at least br 10.3-10.7 due to it having 3rd gen thermal, decentish armor and access to modern apfsds like Israel M428 SWORD or M426, 9.3-9.7 if it only get M413.
Photo:
Spoiler
Look like the same tank but with different marking, one with T-54M3 and one with T-55M3. Idk what is going on here, can someone clarify?
Note: seems like the one with lettering on the front hull: T-54M3 and T-55M3 are from Z153 and the one without are the Elbit System prototype? Need someone to clarify this to me.
Source:
Spoiler
T-54M3 and T-55M3 - Tank Encyclopedia
Military meteorological sensor MAWS6056B – Irdam
Twitter - Lee Ann Quann
armyrecognition.com
DEFENSE STUDIES: Vietnam will Upgrade 310 T-54 Tanks
Army Guide
Indra TIFCS-3B FCS
Tăng T-55 Việt Nam trang bị giáp phản ứng nổ của Israel
Facebook - Tổng hợp những hình ảnh của xe tăng T-55M3