T-80BV zr. 2018: Spearhead of the Air Assault Brigades

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 3:48am

Lesser_Coat_of_Arms_of_Ukraine2_svg.png.

T-80BV zr. 2018: Spearhead of the Air Assault Brigades

Newly upgraded T-80BV zr. 2018 still in the factory.

Basic Description:
- The T-80BV zr. 2018 is an upgraded T-80BV that was developed by companies associated with Ukroboronprom, built at the Malyshev Factory in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The original T-80B, designated Object 219R, was designed in the Soviet Union in 1978 that features several improvements over previous tank designs including a new stabilized 2A46 125mm main gun, new 1A33 fire control system, laser rangefinder, composite armor, the revolutionary GTD-1000 Gas Turbine Engine that significantly improves maneuverability of the T-80 main battle tanks, and more. In 1985, a modification of the T-80B was introduced featuring dynamic protection in the form of 220 new Kontact-1 ERA blocks which is designed to negate HEAT-shaped charges, covering the sides, turret, and glacis of the vehicle. These new T-80’s would be designated Object 219RV 1985, also known as the T-80BV.
- Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited over 300 T-80 variants including the T-80BV and the T-80UD which featured the 1,100hp GTD-1000TF Gas-turbine Engine and 1,000hp 6TD Diesel Engine respectively. Some of these were kept in storage and deteriorated over the years due to neglect and lack of funding. However, after the start of the conflict in 2014, Ukraine realized the need to upgrade and modernize the tank force. This resulted in a serious upgrade program for the T-64BV’s and T-80BV’s that were still in service as well as restoring stored/mothballed vehicles. The program began in the mid-2010’s focusing on the T-64BV main battle tank incorporating several new technologies. In late-2017, early 2018, this program was extended to existing T-80BV’s. The program resulted in bringing T-80BV’s to the T-64BV zr. 2017 standard, including new digital equipment and optics, (specifically the 3rd-generation TPN-1TPV thermal imager for the Gunner), a new 125mm smoothbore gun known as the KBA-3, to improve performance and range of the T-80BV. Not to mention, they have received new Nizh-1M ERA that is capable of negating modern HEAT-shaped munitions as well as APFSDS-T. Nizh-1M ERA blocks are designed to be the same dimensions as Kontact-1 to allow interchangeability. Nizh-1M ERA has been shown to offer superior protection to Kontact-5, providing anywhere from 10-20% increase in performance against KE rounds like APFSDS-T. There was discussion on changing the powerplant to a 1,250hp diesel engine however, this was not included due to budgetary constraints.
- Modifications conducted by Ukraine:
  - Gunner’s TPN-1-TPV Thermal Imager
  - Lybid K-2RB Digital Radio Stations
  - CH-4215 Satellite Navigation System
  - Luna Infrared Sight Removal
  - Nizh-1M ERA with higher performance compared to Kontact-5.
- Several T-80BV’s have been upgraded to this new standard by the indigenous defense company Ukroboronprom, a conglomerate of multiple defense companies that specialize in everything from weapon systems to armor production. This company also includes the legendary Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KMBD). Not only was the vehicle upgraded, the vehicle also received new Kombat GL-ATGM’s, a missile with extended ranges and the capability of penetrating up to 750mm of RHA behind ERA due to the missile’s Tandem-HEAT warhead. Overall the upgrade is simple but provides a serious increase in survivability and firepower to a proven platform. Designation of this improved T-80BV has seen the name T-80BV zr. 2018, or model 2018. At least 88 are in service with the Ukrainian Air Assault Brigades and have saw combat in the conflict in Ukraine. It’s highly possible more vehicles have been upgraded by this time (2024).
  - Come check out the other vehicle that had the same modifications of the T-80BV zr. 2018 here:
    - T-64BV zr. 2017: Frontline Defender
Specifications:
- Role: Main Battle Tank
- Origin/Manufacturer:
  - Ukraine - Malyshev Factory/Ukroboronprom
- Armament:
  - Primary: 125mm KBA-3 Smoothbore Gun
    - Ammunition:
      - APFSDS-T
      - HEAT-FS
      - HE-FRAG
      - GL-ATGM
        
        Kombat
    - Feed System:
      - 28rd-Autoloader, 38rds total, 4x ATGM rounds.
  - Coaxial: KT-7.62mm Machine Gun (1,250rds)
  - Roof-mounted: KT-12.7mm Machine Gun (300rds)
- Dimensions:
  - Length: 7.400m
  - Width: 3.400m
  - Height: 2.202m
  - Weight: 42.5t
- Mobility:
  - Engine: 1,100hp GTD-1000TF Gas-turbine Engine
  - Max Speed: 70km/h
  - Transmission: Manual (5-Forward, 1-Reverse)
  - Suspension: Torsion Bar
Crew:
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
Features:
- Laser Rangefinder
- 8x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
- Entrenching Blade
- Armor:
  - Nizh-1M ERA
  - Composite Layers
- Optics:
  - Gunner: TPN-1-TPV 3rd-generation Thermal Imager
  - Commander: TKN-3V Passive-IR Periscope
  - Driver: TVNE-4B Passive-IR Periscope or TNPO-160 Day Periscope
In-game :
- This new variant of T-80BV differs from its Soviet counterpart by the inclusion of 3rd-generation thermals, the correct hull armor layout (inclusion of the missing 30mm steel plate), the capability to fire Kombat ATGM’s, and the mounting of new Nizh-1M ERA that is superior to Kontact-5. However, the ERA is still limited on the hull sides so the risk of carousel detonation remains high. The vehicle is also only capable of firing 3BM42 APFSDS-T rounds due to the legacy autoloader, a solution to this is to include the Slovakian P99 TAPNA APFSDS-T round to increase the effectiveness. These upgrades paired with the impressive mobility make the vehicle a highly capable flanker that can easily maneuver around enemies and the battlefield while remaining capable of surviving frontal hits from modern APFSDS-T rounds.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 10.3-10.7.
Sources:

Imagery/Media

A T-80BV zr. 2018 in the mud.

Multiple view of the T-80BV zr. 2018 from the factory.

TPN-1-TPV Thermal Imaging Sight for the Gunner.

While this image is for the T-64BV zr. 2017, the exact specifications very much applies to the T-80BV zr. 2018 as well.

The T-80BV’s hull armor compared to the T-80U.

Nizh-1M ERA than can be used on the T-80BV zr. 2018 along with Kontact-1.

3qrj9x54zxq61.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&a

Another view of the Nizh-1M ERA block.

ERA.jpg.ed1f63bbdcbd156542785de35089b388

Different types of Ukrainian-produced ERA and their effectiveness.

P99 TAPNA APFSDS-T round that could be used with the T-80BV zr. 2018.

The ‘Kombat’ GL-ATGM used by the T-80BV zr. 2018.

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

Yes
No

0 voters

Yontzee · August 29, 2024, 1:39am

Suggestion has been updated:

BR has been raised to 10.3-10.7 due to the vehicle utilizing Nizh-1M as the primary ERA. This ERA provides superior protection against modern rounds but the vehicle still remains weak against munitions on its sides. Not to mention this T-80BV has the correct hull armor profile rather than the older-model of T-80B in-game.
Added the option to use the P99 TAPNA APFSDS-T round to allow it better options to remain competitive.
Provided more information/details.
Added a video.
- Larger images will be added as well, stay tuned.
Added more specifically what part of the military the vehicles were sent to.

Also, special thanks to @ItssLuBu for his high-quality WTLive skin of the T-80BV that’s been styled after this modernization of the T-80BV zr. 2018. Hope to see more of his Ukrainian digital skins 🤙

Imaflyingturkey · August 29, 2024, 7:32am

cool +1 for independant or possible polish subtree (if poland is added)

Neothe1 · August 29, 2024, 7:48am

Overall question can it fire better sabot rounds than lets say 3bm42 and 46? If it can then it will be an interesting edition.