First generally there is a lot of resistance to
("AL") auto loaders. The Thai Army didn't want the OPLOT for that reason and the USA still doesn't use them as well by way of example. The Russians I believe have used them on more tanks then anyone going back to the T-62 or T-64. The big issue is the perception and reality in some instances of (In the case of the T-72.) mechanical failure. Generally the loading cycle 6-8 seconds depending on how degrees to carousel has to run through to retrieve the selected round type. The Russian T-90 and French LECLERC reload even faster in the 4/5 second area. Some auto loaders use carousels that contain the full ammo load or have an auto reload function as well as the refs below will discuss. Depending on the system used ammo replenishment is automated as well (This includes non auto loading tanks as well to some extent.) a full carousel type remove the spent one and reload a loaded one. The U.S. spent a lot of money looking into this and the systems discussed cover what some use now in principles of operation and functionality. In ref 1. (A good site for Soviet/Russian tanks.) you can substitute T-90AM/MS and ARMATA for the BLACK EAGLE. Ref 2 SCROLL down to see the OPLOT specs for it's auto loader and ref 3is as noted above a USA professional magazine.
http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/EQP/al-640.html
http://www.morozov.com.ua/eng/body/oplot_mbt.php
http://ciar.org/ttk/mbt/armor/armor-...2ammosys95.pdf
Hope this helps and good night as the weekend doesn't start until 2230 tonight.
Regards,
Pat
Adding the T-72 as well for good general info (And it corrects me on the T-62.) but also because you might want to watch the
T-90 in a "Technical" shoot demonstrate an
"AL" ROF of 3 rounds in 13 seconds.
http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/EQP/al-72.html
Basic specs for his refs are on the lower left corner.
Tanks are like subs, very "cozy" and one good shot and you're dead. Only one difference in one you burn the other you implode.
Very dark indeed.
