Mystery solved!! Well by accident anyway. Don I don't know if you remembered the several posts I made about an Ethiopian tank deal for 200-250 modernized T-72 tanks about 3 years ago in this Thread. At the time I was vexed because I couldn't identify the exporter though if I remember correctly, Russia was named in some of the refs. We decided to take no action on the matter. Well the exporter was the
Ukraine and the tank is the
"new" T-72UA1. What brought this about is I've been tracking reports that the T-72 (And now their T-80 with improvements.) have already entered the field for the Ukraine as verified now. Also the below ref. that I hope will have some minor at least use, that also in 2013 the
DRC would be receiving the
T-64BV1 w/o ATGW capability as pointed out in the article below and for you readers
please note from whom this ref is from.
PLEASE DON'T TAKE ANY ACTION ON THESE YET-THERE ARE ISSUES INVOLVED.
Which means-yes-it's time for "
ONE WORLD-ONE OOB"!!
What are the issues?
1. The Ukrainian
T-72UAI (A new tank variant.) does carry one the Ukraine's newer (Modified.) ATGW and FCS for the
9M119 SVIR which is a laser guided with a range 100m-4000m. I need to verify
dates and whether Ethiopia also
received the ATGW capability. Data sheet provided below as this tank received significant protection improvements as well. The Ukraine
did upgrade the warheads electronics for accuracy and a "better all weather" capability.
2. Ukrainian
T-80 received life cycle improvements in the performance area as well in protection, however, seeing some evidence of possible as yet unidentified weapons improvements. Whether that means an
upgraded MG or FCS or both or none is unclear at this time. And I'd to get a better handle on the dates here as well.
3. The DRC
T-64BV-1, I would feel better about verifying it's ATGW capabilities as well and settle on a good date.
4. Verify the status of the Ukrainian
T-64BV & T-64BM BULAT are carrying ATGW's.
5. Seeing much to indicate the
T-64BM BULAT in combat capability and protection it is equal to the Russian
T-90 in those regards
electronically to include FCS, TI/GSR, Laser warning systems and APS. Need to look into this more.
The
only step I see that can be addressed now is
#4.
https://issuu.com/ukrainian_defense_...udr-02-2014/19
http://www.armyrecognition.com/ukrai...aine_army.html
http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/Ukrainian-Tanks.php
http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product3666.html
I can use a break, so good night!
Regards,
Pat
