The T-72B Should Start Without ERA In Its Stock Configuration

Machinery of War Discussion Ground Vehicle
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There has been a suggestion post made about a topic that I am about to discuss (Object 184 (early) (colloquially known as "Improved T-72A", semi-incorrectly known as "T-72B mod. 1984")), HOWEVER I am suggesting something else.

To reiterate, the early production models of the T-72B or late production models of the T-72A (however you wanna look at it) did not feature Kontakt-1 Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) as standard equipment. Therefore, to accurately reflect historical configurations, the T-72B in the game should include an option to equip Kontakt-1 ERA, similar to the options available for the T-64B and T-80B.

The T-72B obr. 1984/Object 184/T-72A mod. 1984 compared to the standard T-72A incorporates a greater amount of composite armor within its turret, resulting in a distinct turret shape, giving it a nickname “Super Dolly Parton”. Furthermore, the smoke grenade launchers on the T-72A/B (1984) are positioned on the left side of the turret, rather than on the turret cheeks as seen on the T-72A. The new engines and improved fire control systems of the T-72B have entered production in 1984.

The original post suggests that in later versions of the so-called “Improved T-72A,” there may be virtually NO difference compared to the T-72B, aside from the absence of Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).

Enough production variants of this tank were manufactured to make this a valid option, in my opinion. This is not merely a prototype or experimental vehicle, nor is it an entirely separate tank. In fact, the final iteration of the “Improved T-72A” is a T-72B without Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).

To accurately reflect the historical progression of the T-72B, I suggest two straightforward solutions:

  1. Add Kontakt-1 as an Upgrade Option: Simply include “Kontakt-1” as an upgrade module for the existing T-72B in the game. This would allow players to choose between the early production variant (without ERA) and the later variant equipped with Kontakt-1, maintaining historical accuracy while offering flexibility.
  2. Rename the Tank and Add an Upgrade Option: Rename the current in-game model to represent the tank (e.g., “T-72B (1984)” or “T-72A (1984)”), and provide an upgrade option “T-72B”. This approach would better distinguish between the two variants and highlight the tank’s evolution over time.

Both options would improve the game’s representation of the T-72B’s development and operational history.

Specification differences between “T-72A/B Obr. 1984 and T-72B”

Armor Protection

  • Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA): None (Kontakt-1 ERA was not installed on the early variants).

Weight

  • Combat Weight: Approximately 43.2 tons (43,206 kg).
  • Weight Reduction: The tank is lighter than later variants because it lacks the 227 blocks of Kontakt-1 Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), which would have added ~1.3 tons to its weight.

Mobility

  • Engine: V-84-1 diesel engine, producing 840 hp.
  • Power-to-Weight Ratio: ~19.4 hp/ton. A slight improvement over the T-72B with ERA
  • Top Speed: ~60+ km/h on road, ~35+ km/h off-road.
  • Range: ~480+ km on internal fuel, extendable with external fuel drums.

Sources:

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