T-72BME: The Raging Bison

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 2:31am

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T-72BME: The Raging Bison

220px-Emblem_of_the_Armed_Forces_of_Bela

The T-72BME on display.

Description :
- The T-72BME is a Belarusian main battle tank designed as an upgrade package to enhance the Soviet-era T-72A or T-72M . Developed in the mid-2010’s by 140 Repair Plant, the T-72BME made its debut during the MILEX-2017 military exhibition sporting a desert camouflage with the option to use a disruptive gray camouflage for urban or winter operations. The T-72BME features several upgrades over the baseline T-72A or T-72B. One of the main features is the addition of the the ESSA-72U Fire Control System (FCS) which includes a modern ballistic computer, electro-optical 3rd-generation thermal imager, and a Commander’s backup sight to provide firing capabilities in case the Gunner is incapacitated. The Commander can view targets with their upgraded ТКN-3B IR Periscope and a IR Searchlight to support night time operations. The Driver utilzes a TVNE-4B/TSNV periscope that is IR capable to assist with night driving. With the upgraded FCS, modifications were done to the 125mm 2A46M/firing mechanism allowing the T-72BME to fire all 125mm capable-ammunition, unlike the standard T-72A and T-72M being unable to fire Gun-Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (GL-ATGM). In order to support the ballistic computer, a variety of sensors were added to the vehicle including a wind sensor, gun position sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, and roll and pitch sensors which allows for improved firing on the move as well as reduces the time it takes to engage a target accurately. A new BARRETT-2082+ Digital VHF Radio was also installed to assist with communications between units. The T-72BME is equipped with the standard additional weapons of the T-72-series being the 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun. In terms of protection, the T-72BME features 226 Kontact-1 ERA blocks covering the hull’s upper glacis, sides, as well as the turret’s front, top, and rear providing enhanced coverage against HEAT-shaped charges. In the rear, the engine is protected on the sides with additional Bar armor. Additional countermeasures come in the form of the 902B ‘Tucha’ 81mm smoke grenades mounted on the side of the turret. The T-72BME features a 840hp V-84MS Diesel Engine to increase overall maneuverability however, still coupled with the standard transmission of the T-72-series. The vehicle can operate without power from the engine by utilizing a 9.9kW Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to power critical electronics and maintain the capability to fire. Many features were implemented into the T-72BME transforming the T-72 from a second-generation main battle tank to a semi-third generation that is able to hold its own in a variety of situations. The T-72BME was also displayed on a flat-bed trailer, taking part in the 75th Anniversary of Liberation of Belarus parade in Minsk, 2017.
- Summary of Main Features:
  - ESSA-72 Fire Control System with 3rd-generation Thermal Electro-optical Gunner’s sight.
    - Independent Commander backup display/capability to fire main gun.
  - Infrared Imager for Driver.
    - Capability to upgrade to thermal imager.
  - Atmospheric Sensors.
  - Modification to firing mechanism to fire all 125mm rounds.
  - Kontact-1 ERA.
  - 902B ‘Tucha’ 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers.
  - BARRETT-2082+ Digital VHF Radio.
  - 840hp V-84MS Diesel Engine.
  - 9.9kW Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
- The T-72BME has not been adopted by the Belarusian Army, but is offered for export.
- The goal of these suggestions is to bring awareness to the fledging indigenous defense industry of the country of Belarus.
Role : Main Battle Tank
Origin :
- Belarus
Armament :
- Primary: 2A46M L/48 Smoothbore Gun
  - Cartridge: 125mm
    - Ammunition:
      - APFSDS-T
      - HEAT-FS
      - HE-FRAG
      - GL-ATGM
        
        9M119 Missile
  - Feed System:
    - 2E28M, 22rd-Autoloader, 44rds total.
- Coaxial: 7.62mm PKT Machine Gun
- Roof-mounted: 12.7mm NSVT Machine Gun
Maneuverability :
- Engine: 840hp V-84MS Diesel Engine
- Transmission: Manual (7-Forward, 1-Reverse)
- Chassis: Torsion Bar
- Max Speed: 70km/h
Dimensions :
- Length: 6.670m
- Width: 3.370m
- Height: 2.190m
- Weight: 44t
Crew (3x):
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
Accessories :
- 8x 81mm 902B ‘Tucha’ Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Luna IR Searchlight
- Laser Rangefinder
- Armor:
  - Kontact-1 ERA
    - 227 blocks that cover UFP, hull sides, turret front, turret sides, and turret rear.
  - Rear bar armor for engine compartment.
- Entrenching Blade
- ESS
- Optics:
  - Driver: TVNE-4B/TSNV (Passive IR)
  - Gunner: Essa-72U FCS Electro-optical Sight (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
    - TPDK-1 Auxiliary Day Sight
  - Commander: ТКN-3B (Passive IR)
    - Can operate the main gun independently of the Gunner.
In-game :
- The T-72BME is a quick main battle tank that is equipped with a 3rd-generation thermal viewer for the Gunner to target enemies clearly. It features a unique combination of ERA and Bar armor that cover all of its final points, including the rear of the turret. It has a 840hp Diesel engine allowing for 70km/h speeds making it a capable tank, however it is best used in a hull down position due to it having the same weakness that plague other T-series MBT. The LFP, Hull side armor, as well as next to the main gun on the turret are exposed, or lightly armored and must be treated with caution.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 10.0.
Sources :