I'm "
bouncing around" I know, but, just think of it as "
Alphabet Soup" for now and in the future. Because the next concerns
IRAN and a tank I'll be submitting for the next patch or whenever Andy and Don feel like one is necessary.
Alright some background. Iran received the
T-72M which is the export version of the Russian
T-72A. I have had
numerous discussions in the Threads concerning the fact that the "
Big Boys" essentially don't share their toys with their "
Friends" for numerous reasons mostly falling under "
security" in some manner.
So the next is a perfect example of that. The main differences between the
T-72A and
T-72M is that, 1) No Composite Armor and 2) It has a lesser
FCS also. They (
Iran) however upgraded theirs in Russia to the
T-72BM which added
ERA blocks for a
1.7% increase in protection
over the standard
T-72M. Also the MG is the
125mm D-1 which will
remain unchanged in the latest modification below.
So Iran has upgraded them to the
T-72S. What I like about the first ref. is I have
2 pics showing each MBT in a
similar angle.
The last four paras of ref 1, breakdown what's new so, starting there. The aspect I'm using is
looking at the front of the MBT...
1. MG unchanged as noted above. Ammo I believe is unchanged as well, with 45 total of which 22 are the carousel.
2.
RWS is a
12.7mm with optics package not clearly shown in ref 1 but, it's there.
3) It is
definitely fitted with a new
FCS. I see
2 different mirrors in the "
sight housing" note the
RED mirror is the
LR (On the RS) and the
CLEAR for the
TI/GSR. It
would appear this set up allows for a "
hunter killer" mode of operation as well. If the
KARRIN(?) is sitting at
TI/GSR 45, I would
expect the same for this MBT.
4)
ERA is
definitely of a
newer GEN then the current model. If you look at the top picture (New MBT.) notice the
ERA Blocks are more "
rectangular" then the "box" ones on the bottom picture.
5) You can clearly see the side skirts have
new armored plates attached to them and the
Slat Armor is protecting the rear engine area.
What's
not pointed out...
6) The new MBT has a
GPS/Weather Mast extended on the turret center rear, this tells me the
FCS is
fairly advanced. Both of these have a
direct correlation to the
FCS performance, i.e. If the
FCS knows where you're at that data will enable the system to
accurately and faster provide a firing solution to the target. The
Weather Mast function will allow the
FCS to develop a better firing solution by
correcting for windage and humidity etc. that could affect the
accuracy of the projectile in hitting the target otherwise.
7) Note the
grenade launchers are of a newer type as well. I would think a better
self protection version on this MBT.
7a.) Look
very closely at the
front right of the turret/
upper slope/just to the
left of the ERA Block, that's a
LASER warning system. I'll bet the house on it.
You can just make out the same on
left side (Extreme front edge of the turret as well. That'll give it at least a min of 180` protection out to around
230` - 240` warning protection based on the
angle they are mounted on the front turret. I'm not seeing any on the rear at this time which of course would indicate a full 360` LASER warning detection capability. The current model
doesn't have this as far as I can tell. Of course as it's related to
ATGW.
There you have it, it might be operational now, I will need to look further into this and a couple of other issues.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defe...tle_tanks.html
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defe...ttle_tank.html
I'm going to enjoy the rest of my last day day off before you know what starts again with a "
newbie" as a partner.
I always have to train the new guys, you'd think the Lt. knows what I'm doing, boy, have I got him fooled!!
Whenever! Whatever! Wherever! 
Regards,
Pat
